Non-Communicable Diseases

A non-communicable disease is not passed from one organism to another. They are not infectious.

They can be:

Inherited – some people carry a gene that predisposes them to some conditions (e.g. some cancers)
Caused by lifestyle factors including: a poor diet, lack of exercise, overexposure to the sun, misuse of drugs

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Poor diet
Eating too much sugar and fat can cause obesity. Obesity can cause cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 diabetes. It can also mean the individual is not getting a balanced diet and is missing out on essential vitamins and minerals.
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Lack of exercise
If an individual takes in more energy than they use during exercise they can become obese. Exercise is beneficial as it strengthens our bones and heart and can help improve our mood.
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Overexposure to the Sun
Too much UV radiation from the Sun or sunbeds can cause mutations in the skin that can lead to skin cancer. This is preventable by spending less time in the sun and using sunscreen.
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Misuse of drugs
Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can be harmful to our health. Keep reading below to find out more about the impact alcohol and tobacco can have.

Many people drink alcohol in moderation and are unlikely to suffer serious harm.

Binge drinking can cause harm to the individual and others. Binge drinking is when a large amount of alcohol is consumed over a short period of time.

Drinking alcohol excessively over a long period of time can damage the liver and other organs.

Drinking heavily during pregnancy can cause serious brain damage to the foetus, known as foetal alcohol syndrome.

Cigarette substance	Harmful effect
Tar	Causes bronchitis (narrowing of the bronchi and bronchioles).
	Causes emphysema (alveolar damage reducing the surface area of gas exchange).
	Causes lung cancer (abnormal cell division).
Nicotine	Addictive and affects heart rate.
Carbon monoxide	Combines with red blood cells reducing their oxygen carrying capacity.

Cigarette substance	Tar
Harmful effect	Causes bronchitis (narrowing of the bronchi and bronchioles).

Cigarette substance
Harmful effect	Causes emphysema (alveolar damage reducing the surface area of gas exchange).

Cigarette substance
Harmful effect	Causes lung cancer (abnormal cell division).

Cigarette substance	Nicotine
Harmful effect	Addictive and affects heart rate.

Cigarette substance	Carbon monoxide
Harmful effect	Combines with red blood cells reducing their oxygen carrying capacity.

Smoking bans have been effective at reducing passive smoking and encouraging people to stop smoking.

E-cigarettes are also helping people to stop smoking. However, some people argue that the inclusion of nicotine can encourage some to start smoking.

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