Physical therapy and non-communicable diseases

Physical therapists help in rehabilitation by enhancing or regaining mobility and functions and preventing disability by the use of exercises and equipments .

Not only they deal with different musculoskeletal , mobility and functional disorders but also play an important role in daily life by promoting wellness and healthy life styles and teaching people the ways to prevent  injuries, movement loss and disorders.

Worldwide increase in non communicable diseases have acquired an alarming situation.
Non communicable disease can be of  long duration and slow progression or can result in sudden death.
NCD’s are leading threat to health and economy.
Physical therapists can play their part in reducing NCD’s and related morbidity and mortality rate.

What are non-communicable diseases?

A noncommunicable disease (NCD) is defined as a disease which is not infectious. Such diseases may result from genetic or lifestyle factors.  Major NCD’s include . cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.


RISK FACTORS:

six leading risk factors for NCD’s are:

1. Tobacco/Alcohol Use

2. Physical Inactivity

3. Overweight/Obesity

4. High Blood Pressure

5. High Cholesterol Levels

6. High Blood Glucose Levels 

ROLE OF PHYSICAL THERAPIST IN PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF NCD’S:

Preventive intereventions and improved access to health care can reduce NCD’s significantly.

Education and advocacy:

Physical therapists must raise awareness and educate the public regarding the sedentary life style and increased risk of NCD’s.

Encourage the people/patients to stay active and take part in games.

Physical activity

People who stay active are more likely to do their work efficiently and engage in healthy social activities. Physical therapists play vital roles in keeping the people active and mobile.

Obesity:

Along with dietary factor , lack of exercise and sedentary life style are the major factors that leads to Obesity.
the potential contribution of the physical therapists in  reducing obesity is by increasing exercise and physical activity.

Prevention and management of  Diabetes:

Lifestyle modification and intensive exercises are more effective in preventing diabetes

Isotonic exercises like jogging helps to maintain the normal glucose level.

Prevention of Hypertension:

Life style modification and increased physical activity  not only helps in maintaining the normal blood pressure but also helps in prevention of hypertension

Moderate level exercises helps in reducing the elevated blood pressure.

REMEMBER
             "HEALTH IS BY CHOICE NOT BY CHANCE!"   

the choice is yours…..

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