Small changes make a big difference
The burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD), especially heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease, is rising in low and middle-income countries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}
NCD deaths now account for an estimated 35 million people annually or 60% of all deaths in the world. The problem with NCDs is that in their early stages they tend to go unnoticed. By the time symptoms appear, these diseases have already done considerable damage.
Earlier this week, Minister of Health Dr Douglas Slater commented on the growing prevalence of obesity in this country, especially among our women.
The minister also mentioned that despite the many education programmes embarked upon by his ministry, our people are not responding appropriately by making the necessary adjustments to their lifestyles.
Although the West Indian culture is generally appreciative of the well-covered woman, the problem with obesity is the risk it places the individual at for NCDs.
These diseases not only pose a danger to the individual, but they also place a severe burden on the financial resources on our country.
The budget allocated for recurrent expenditure for health in 2010 is EC$61.2 million. Much of this will be spent on medication to treat these diseases and for the provision of care of the afflicted at our health centres and hospitals.
While some people claim to have a genetic predisposition to being overweight, in many cases it is more likely that poor lifestyle habits have been passed down from generation to generation.
We eat between meals, gravitate to the sugary, starchy, fatty, fried foods, serve ourselves large portions, exercise very little, and eat insufficient fruits and vegetables.
Maybe one of the reasons more people are not responding to the messages of the Ministry of Health is that they believe that in order to make a difference, they must make large scale changes to their lives.
They begin to think that they have to practically starve themselves, join a gym and turn their lives upside down in order to realize gains. The task seems so daunting, they never begin.
However, it has been shown that moderate, consistent modifications result in significant reduction in weight. Experts suggest that if persons do simple things like cutting out juices and sodas from their diet and replacing them with water, they will see a reduction in their weight.
Similarly, regularly incorporating more physical activity into oneâs daily routine, not only results in weight loss, but an increase in energy level and a feeling of well being.
Why not start today. You will not only be doing yourself a favour, but your country as well.
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