Although the information about non-communicable diseases can be somewhat frightening, it is possible to reduce your risk of suffering from one of these illnesses and you will learn about these processes in this activity. 

According to the World Health Organization, four risk factors are common to most major non-communicable diseases:

• an unhealthy diet

• physical inactivity

• tobacco use

• alcohol use

About 80% of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes and 40% of cancers are preventable if these risk factors are corrected. The majority of cases of COPD are related to smoking as well as exposure to environmental contaminants and air pollution.   

 
 Health Canada provides suggestions to minimize your risk of becoming ill with each of the four main non-communicable diseases discussed in the first activity.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention:

• Do not smoke.

• Eat regular and balanced meals that follow Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating.

• Limit the amount of fat you eat.

• Be physically active.

• Maintain a healthy cholesterol level.

• Get regular medical checkups.

The image to the right adds a few other preventative measures.

Click on the + sign if you would like to look at this image more closely.

Click on the + sign if you would like to look at this image more closely.

Cancer Prevention:

• Do not smoke and avoid places where others smoke.

• Eat regular and balanced meals that follow Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating.

• Be physically active.

• Protect yourself from the sun.

• Get regular medical checkups.

• Handle hazardous materials with care.

The image on the left adds another preventative measure. Can you see what it is?

Click on the + sign if you would like to look at this image more closely.

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention:

• Do not smoke.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Be physically active.

• Eat regular and balanced meals that follow Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating.

• Limit the amount of fat and sugar you eat.

• Maintain a healthy cholesterol level.

The image on the left adds another preventative measure. Can you see what it is?

 COPD Prevention:

    Do not smoke and avoid places where others smoke.