Lifestyle Diseases: India's Growing Health Crisis

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Picture yourself waking up in a city where the air is abuzz with the rhythm of urban life. Every moment just whizzes past by leaving no breather in life. Modernity triumphs over life, and convenience triumphs over health, but slowly and steadily, a silent alien invader is making its presence known among humanity. Well, these are not the villains in the fictional stories you read but the very real lifestyle diseases which are creeping into your daily lives and engulfing your health and wealth.

Lifestyle diseases, also called as non-communicable diseases or NCDs, are intricately linked to your day-to-day habits like food, sleep, exercise routines, stress levels, etc. If these habits are improper and unhealthy, you may suffer from chronic diseases that have life-threatening consequences along with a major impact on your finances. The prevalence of lifestyle diseases in India has been alarming in the past few years, especially after the Covid pandemic. As per the WHO report, lifestyle diseases in India account for 6 million lives annually. It forecasts that chronic illnesses could cost India $6 trillion by 2030.

Continue reading as we try to break down the list of lifestyle diseases in India and how to control them.

Unveiling the Lifestyle-driven Health Conditions

Did you know that lifestyle diseases are quite common in India and can vary from city to city across the country? As per India Fit Report 2022, Pune has the lowest lifestyle disease count, whereas Lucknow has 45.10% of its population with at least one lifestyle disease. Lifestyle diseases are caused by different factors; hence, a notable list of lifestyle diseases in India will further help you understand the various risk factors causing the NCDs.

How Can We Dodge the Bullets?

The Lifestyle and disease patterns in India are a concern. The National Institute of Nutrition under the apex health research body said that a simple healthy diet and some regular exercises can cut down substantially on heart diseases, and hypertension and prevent almost 80% of type 2 diabetes. On that note here are some ways how you can avoid or manage lifestyle diseases:

1. Follow a Balanced Diet

You must be tired of listening to your close ones harping consistently about having a healthy diet. But it is a jackpot if you can follow it. Fill your days up with loads of fresh fruits, green leafy veggies and fibre-packed health foods.

Drink like a “fish”. It cleanses your body. But ditch the canned juice and aerated drinks. Say a stern “no” to greasy snacks and junk food whenever you can. Portion your food and be strict about meal timings to trigger proper digestion. If you are confused about what to have and when to have or how much to have, consult a dietician who can chart out your meal and offer you substitutes for food allergies.

2. Eat-Drink- Exercise-Repeat

Between balancing meals and eating like a champ, the key is not to turn into a couch potato. Just 30 minutes of activity, 5 days a week might save you from spending lakhs in hospital bills. A universal exercise can be simple walking either in the morning or just after a meal. If you still fail to find time, juggling work-life-balance, just channel your inner cleaning ninja for 30 minutes daily. Choose stairs instead of elevators whenever and wherever possible.

3. Avoid being Saboteur

Guess what? Stop damaging yourself and say ‘No’ to alcoholic drinks. By simply avoiding those glasses of mojitos, Smirnoff and Jack Daniels you can keep blood cholesterols and heart blockages at bay. Also, your liver will be the happiest. It will boost your energy, help you breathe easier and give you the “youthful glow”.

4. Less is More

When it comes to salt, sugar and vegetable oils, this should be your health “Mantra”. Save your blood pressure and blood glucose from a wild rollercoaster ride. Turn your body into a smooth well-oiled machine by steering clear away from oily food, artificially sweetened drinks and too salty chips and munchies.

5. Keep an eye out for the Scale

A jiggly belly not only looks awful but also poses a high risk to your health. Some extra kilos can pave the way for potential heart problems, diabetes etc. Keep a hawk eye on your weighing scale, check on your daily diet and incorporate light food with low calories and low fat.

>> Also Read: Wellness Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

Say Hello to a Healthy Life

With modernisation taking the stage, the prevalence of lifestyle diseases in India are on the rise as well. To successfully address these conditions like heart diseases, diabetes, obesity and hypertension, a multifaceted approach is required. Mindful diet, exercises, time management, adequate sleep, etc. are the key to manage these health conditions. On the flip side, a comprehensive health insurance plan is also the need of the hour that offer comprehensive coverage during a medical emergency.

Care Supreme from Care Health Insurance has incorporated benefits like annual health check-ups, wellness benefit, cumulative bonus that boosts the SI up to 500%, unlimited automatic recharge etc. The optional Care OPD benefit includes 4 consultations from 14 specific specialists including cardiologists, neurologists, nephrologists, and dieticians. Thus, Care Supreme can be your companion in the journey of staying fit and wealthy.

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.