2 Article of CRL

The first article: Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Health
Suresh Kashinath Ghatge* Ph.D. Research Scholar, Liberal Education,

Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India *Corresponding
Author: Suresh Kashinath Ghatge, Ph.D. Research Scholar, Liberal
Education, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Abstract
Modern lifestyle has increased the risk of various physical and psychological
health problems. The unhealthy lifestyle of people in the modern world has
exposed them to various illnesses, disabilities and even deaths. The various
metabolic diseases that are a result of these modern lifestyles are obesity,
hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular problems, diabetes and other health
problems. A proper discussion of the impact of the various aspects of the
modern lifestyle on our health has been done in the below article. It has been
found that millions of deaths across the globe are occurring due to the choices
of the modern lifestyle. Hence, it is only important to make appropriate
changes to the modern lifestyle to reduce the negative impact on health.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet and improved sleep patterns are some of the
effective steps that can be taken to improve health outcomes. Keywords:
Lifestyle; health; diseases; sleep; diet; smoking
Introduction
Lifestyle has an important role to play in the quality of life and health
conditions of people in society. A healthy lifestyle is something that includes
physical exercises, the right diet and proper weight. Lifestyle has a significant
impact on the physical, social and psychological health of an individual in the
society. Hence, it is very important to build a healthy lifestyle by creating the
right balance between diet and fitness. However, the modern lifestyle is
something that is quite unhealthy and increases the risks of various physical
and psychological problems. The modern lifestyle is defined by alcohol
consumption, smoking, fast food, unhealthy diet, overuse of technologies and
substance abuse (Macia et al. 2021). All of these are prevailing in our society
which is leading to various problems for the people living in it. The impact of
the modern lifestyle is quite concerning and something that needs to be
communicated in an effective manner to create awareness along with
appropriate support for a healthy lifestyle. Hence, the purpose of this article
is to examine the impact of modern lifestyle on the health of an individual.
Methodology
The article has been written with the help of secondary sources of
information that are accessible and published in the past five years. Peer-
reviewed journals and online articles that have been published have been
selected to complete the article. A wide range of information from a variety
of sources was explored in the way of gathering all the necessary insights on
the topic. The gathered insights have been presented in the next section of the
article in the form of paragraphs to build a logical and coherent discussion
around the topic. The use of secondary sources of information helped with
the gathering of a large amount of data on the topic to gain a comprehensive
idea of the subject matter.
Findings and Discussions
The choices that we make on a daily basis have a significant impact on our
health and these choices include the things we eat, how much we move and
career choices that were have made. The modern lifestyle has witnessed the
prevalence of various choices that are unhealthy like alcohol consumption,
substance use and smoking. People have become addicted to these choices
which are the cause of various health problems. These unhealthy addictions
are responsible for various health issues like asthma, cardiovascular disease,
cancer and brain injury (Balwan & Kour, 2021). These addictions are also
responsible for mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Lifestyle
habits like alcohol consumption and smoking are responsible for the deaths of
millions of people every year. Smoking is responsible for more than 8 million
deaths every year of which 7 million are from direct use of tobacco and 1.2
million are due to exposure to smoking by non-smokers (WHO, 2022).
Alcohol consumption, on the other hand, is responsible for more than 3
million death and is also a common factor in 200 injuries and diseases
(WHO, 2022). The most number of deaths due to smoking occurs among
men while the Western-Pacific region witnesses the most deaths due to
smoking where there were 2.6 million deaths in the region in 2019 due to this
unhealthy lifestyle (WHO, 2022).
Sleep deprivation or poor sleep patterns has become an epidemic in today’s

environment due to people’s lifestyle choices. Sleep is an important factor
that contributes to good health and it is advised that people should try to get
at least seven hours of sleep every day. Sleep helps with the recovery from
the various physical and mental pressure that is experienced by our body on a
daily basis (Tobaldini et al. 2019). However, it has been found that one-third
of adults are not getting enough sleep and this is primarily due to modern
lifestyle choices like caffeine, too much alcohol, irregular work timings, more
screen time and stress. Deprivation of sleep can lead to various chronic
conditions like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease and stroke
(Chattu et al. 2018). There is also a higher chance of injury due to improper
sleep among adults, teens and children. A survey found that very few people
are satisfied with the amount of sleep that they get in a day in various parts of
the world. Less than one-third population of Japan is satisfied with the sleep
that they get while two–third of the Indian population is satisfied with their
world (Elfien, 2023). However, in most regions of the world, only half of the
population is satisfied with the sleep that they are getting.
Moving on, the next integral lifestyle choice that has a significant impact on
our health is the diet that we have on a daily basis. The dietary choices of the
majority of the population are quite poor which involves consuming food
with low fibre, high fat, salt/sugar and not having healthy foods (Man et al.
2020). These dietary choices are further causing the deficiency of various
minerals and vitamins in the body while leading to various adverse health
conditions. Poor diet increases the risk of obesity, various cardiovascular
diseases and certain types of cancers while being responsible for millions of
deaths every year (Wilson et al. 2019). People have taken up the habit of
eating easy-to-cook meals and selecting high-calorie-processed food that is
cheap while lacking the necessary nutrients for the body. These poor eating
choices are also responsible for reduced immunity levels and poor energy
levels among adults.
Conclusion
Poor diet, addiction and sleep deprivation are some of the common elements
of the modern lifestyle that are having a significant impact on the health of
people in society. These lifestyle choices of the modern world are making
people vulnerable to various diseases and chronic health conditions. Millions
of deaths across the globe are taking place due to the health conditions that
have been developed as a result of these poor lifestyle choices. Health
conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and various types of
cancer are some of the common problems that are the result of the modern
lifestyle. There is a rising number of people who are facing these adverse
health conditions and much of these can be attributed to poor lifestyle
choices. Hence, it is only important for people to make the right choice and
improve their modern lifestyle for better health outcomes.
Recommendations
The adverse impact on health due to modern lifestyle can easily be reduced
by taking the right steps and making the right choices. Hence, some of the
recommended measures to improve the health outcomes due to modern
lifestyle are
1. Exercise regularly- People must engage themselves with physical work for
at least 20-30 mins on a daily basis. They can also engage in yoga or go to
the gym in order to keep themselves fit.
2. Have a balanced diet- Diet is at the centre of adverse health conditions and
something that should be improved by having a diet that is high in fibre, low
in fat and properly cooked.
3. Proper sleep- It is important that people get at least seven hours of sleep to
help the body relieve itself from all the physical and mental pains of the day.
References
1. Balwan WK and Kour S. “Lifestyle Diseases: The Link between Modern
Lifestyle and threat to public health”. Saudi J Med Pharm Sci 7.4 (2021):
179-84.
2. Chattu VK., et al. “The global problem of insufficient sleep and its serious
public health implications”. In Healthcare 7.1 (2018): 1.
3. Elflein J. Number of deaths attributable to tobacco worldwide in 2019, by
region and sex (2023).
4. Elflein J. Share of adults worldwide satisfied with their sleep in 2020, by
country (2023).
5. Macia L, Galy O and Nanan RKH. “Modern Lifestyle and Health: How
Changes in the Environment Impacts Immune Function and Physiology”.
Frontiers in Immunology (2021): 4516.
6. Man AW, Li H and Xia N. “Impact of lifestyles (diet and exercise) on
vascular health: oxidative stress and endothelial function”. Oxidative
medicine and cellular longevity (2020).
7. Tobaldini E., et al. “Short sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk: from
pathophysiology to clinical evidence”. Nature Reviews Cardiology 16.4
(2019): 213-224.
8. WHO. Alcohol (2022).
9. WHO. Tobacco (2022).
10. Wilson N., et al. “Achieving healthy and sustainable diets: a review of the
results of recent mathematical optimization studies”. Advances in Nutrition
10.Supplement_4 (2019): S389-S403.
The second article: Lifestyle Diseases: The Link between Modern
Lifestyle and Threat to Public Health
Abstract
Globalization and economic progress have been accompanied with an

increase in the incidence of lifestyle diseases
worldwide. Lifestyle Diseases are a major public health problem
globally. According to World Health Organization
(WHO), nearly 71% of all deaths globally were attributed to Lifestyle
Diseases, a subset of non-communicable diseases
(NCDs). A lifestyle disease is linked to the way a person lives. Lifestyle
diseases are ailments that are primarily based on
the day to day habits of people. Habits that detract people from activity and
push them towards a sedentary routine can
cause several health issues that lead to chronic non-communicable
diseases with life threatening consequences. A
primary intent of this article is to educate readers about the risk factors
associated with Lifestyle diseases as well as to
encourage them to follow a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the chances of
developing a Lifestyle related disease later
in their lives.
Keywords: Lifestyle diseases, Non-communicable diseases, chronic diseases,
Globalization
Abstract

in their lives.
Globalization
Abstract

in their lives.
Globalization
Abstract
in their lives.
Globalization
Abstract

in their lives.
Globalization
Abstract

in their lives.
Globalization
Abstract

in their lives.
Globalization
Abstract

in their lives.
Globalization
Abstract
increase in the incidence of lifestyle diseases worldwide. Lifestyle
Diseases are a major public health problem globally. According to
World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 71% of all deaths globally were
attributed to Lifestyle Diseases, a subset of non-communicable diseases
diseases are ailments that are primarily based on the day to day habits of
people. Habits that detract people from activity and push them towards a
sedentary routine can cause several health issues that lead to chronic
non-communicable diseases with life threatening consequences. A
associated with Lifestyle diseases as well as to encourage them to follow a
healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the chances of developing a Lifestyle
related disease later in their lives.
Globalization
INTRODUCTION
A hundred years ago, the main cause of death in the United States was
communicable or infectious diseases. In 1900, the top three causes of
death in the United States ere Pneumonia/ Influenza, Tuberculosis and
Diarrhea / Enteritis. Communicable diseases accounted for about 60
percent of all deaths. Since the 1940s, most deaths in the United States
have resulted from heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative diseases
[1].
Today, we are better protected from infections because of good
hygiene, improved living conditions, and medical advances. Although
Communicable diseases are still a serious health problem, but the top
causes of death in the United States today are Non-Communicable
Diseases (NCDs), commonly known as Lifestyle Diseases. Lifestyle
diseases have their onset later in an individual's life; they appear to
increase in frequency as countries become more industrialized and people
live longer [2].
Lifestyle Diseases or NCDs are a major public health problem globally.
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 71% of
all deaths globally (41 million) were attributed to NCDs. Each year,
nearly 15 million people die from a NCD and are usually between the ages of
30 and 69 years; over 85% of these "premature" deaths occur in either low-
income or middle income countries. Cardiovascular diseases account for
most NCD deaths, or 17.9 million people annually, followed by cancers
(9.0 million), respiratory diseases (3.9 million), and diabetes (1.6 million).
These 4 groups of diseases account for over 80% of all premature NCD
deaths [3]. Some of the factors like tobacco use, physical inactivity, the
harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets play a vital role in
increasing the risk of either developing or dying from a NCD. NCDs such
as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), stroke, diabetes and certain forms of
cancer are heavily linked to lifestyle choices, and hence, are commonly
known as lifestyle diseases. The key components of the response to NCDs
include early detection, screening and treatment of NCDs, as well as
palliative care [3].
Our lifestyle plays a very significant role in determining the risk of
developing a lifestyle or chronic disease. However, it is very much
possible to reduce one’s risk of developing a lifestyle disease by
considering healthy habits and good behavioral choices.
Lifestyle Diseases
A lifestyle disease is a disease linked to the way
a person is living. Lifestyle diseases is an umbrella term
that refers to the ailments primarily caused by the daily
habits or unhealthy behaviors of people. Lifestyle
diseases are associated to four modifiable lifestyle
behaviors including smoking, unhealthy diet, physical
inactivity and alcohol consumption that result in the
development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as
chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the
result of a combination of genetic, physiological,
behavioral, and environmental factors. The main types
of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks
and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such
as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma)
and diabetes [4].
NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD),

stroke, diabetes and certain forms of cancer are heavily
linked to lifestyle choices, and hence, are often known
as lifestyle diseases. Since lifestyle diseases result in
chronic diseases or non-communicable diseases
(NCDs). These terms are often used interchangeably.
NCDs disproportionately affect people in low- and
middle-income countries where more than three
quarters of global NCD deaths (32million) occur [3].
What causes Lifestyle Diseases?

Lifestyle diseases are caused partly by a person’s
lifestyle, which includes habits and behaviors. Lifestyle
diseases are so called because a person’s lifestyle
(habits, behaviors, and practices) largely determine
whether the person develops a lifestyle disease.
Lifestyle diseases include cardiovascular disease
(CVD), chronic respiratory disease (CRD), cancer, and
diabetes. Personal habits, behaviors, and practices,
however, are not the only factors that determine
whether a person develops a lifestyle disease. Other
factors that we cannot control, such as age, gender, and
genes, also contribute to a person’s chances of
developing a lifestyle disease [5]. It is important to
know the factors that contribute to lifestyle diseases,
because behaviors that lead to lifestyle diseases later in
life can start when we are very young.
Risk Factors for Lifestyle Diseases

A risk factor is anything that increases the
likelihood of injury, disease, or other health problems.
Several risk factors, some controllable and some
uncontrollable, contribute to a person’s chances of
developing a lifestyle disease. Diet, physical activity,
smoking, sun exposure, and body weight are
controllable risk factors. Age, gender, ethnicity, and
genes are uncontrollable factors [6]. People who inherit
a tendency for a lifestyle disease can still do a lot to
reduce their chances of developing such a disease.
Some of the risk factors for lifestyle diseases are
beyond our control. However, we can control many risk
Lifestyle Diseases
A lifestyle disease is a disease linked to the way a person is living. Lifestyle
diseases is an umbrella term that refers to the ailments primarily caused by
the daily habits or unhealthy behaviors of people. Lifestyle diseases are
associated to four modifiable lifestyle behaviors including smoking,
unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption that result in
the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Non
communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to
be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic,
physiological, behavioral, and environmental factors. The main types of
NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers,
chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease and asthma) and diabetes [4].
NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), stroke, diabetes and certain
forms of cancer are heavily linked to lifestyle choices, and hence, are often
known as lifestyle diseases. Since lifestyle diseases result in chronic
diseases or non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These terms are often
used interchangeably. NCDs disproportionately affect people in low- and
middle-income countries where more than three quarters of global NCD
deaths (32million) occur [3].
What causes Lifestyle Diseases?
Lifestyle diseases are caused partly by a person’s lifestyle, which includes
habits and behaviors. Lifestyle diseases are so called because a person’s
lifestyle (habits, behaviors, and practices) largely determine whether the
person develops a lifestyle disease. Lifestyle diseases include
cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic respiratory disease (CRD), cancer,
and diabetes. Personal habits, behaviors, and practices, however, are not
the only factors that determine whether a person develops a lifestyle
disease. Other factors that we cannot control, such as age, gender, and genes,
also contribute to a person’s chances of developing a lifestyle disease
[5]. It is important to know the factors that contribute to lifestyle
diseases, because behaviors that lead to lifestyle diseases later in life can start
when we are very young.
Risk Factors for Lifestyle Diseases
A risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood of injury, disease,
or other health problems. Several risk factors, some controllable and
some uncontrollable, contribute to a person’s chances of developing a
lifestyle disease. Diet, physical activity, smoking, sun exposure, and
body weight are controllable risk factors. Age, gender, ethnicity, and
genes are uncontrollable factors [6]. People who inherit a tendency for a
lifestyle disease can still do a lot to reduce their chances of developing
such a disease. Some of the risk factors for lifestyle diseases are
beyond our control. However, we can control many risk factors, such as
smoking, physical activity, sun exposure, and diet.
Controllable Risk Factors
Controllable risk factors include habits, behaviors, and practices that we
can either modify or change. Taking charge of the risk factors that we
can control may greatly decrease our chances of developing a lifestyle
disease. For example, controllable risk factors include
 our diet and body weight
 our daily levels of physical activity
 our level of sun exposure  smoking and alcohol abuse
Thus, a regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking will help
to reduce the risk of developing lifestyle diseases later in life [7].
However, there are many risk factors that we have little or no control
over, thus, it is imperative to start healthy habits that we can control early in
the life.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
Several risk factors that contribute to our chances of developing a
lifestyle disease are out of our control. However, it is important to
understand what these factors are and how they affect our health.
Uncontrollable risk factors include:
 Age: As we age, our body begins to change. As a result of aging, the
body has a harder time protecting itself. Therefore, the chances of
developing a lifestyle disease increase as we age.
 Gender: Certain diseases are more common among members of one
gender. For example, men have a greater risk of heart disease than
women do, especially earlier in life. Women have a greater risk of breast
cancer than men do.
 Ethnicity: The ethnicity can also influence one’s chances of
developing a lifestyle disease. For example, African Americans are
more likely to develop high blood pressure than Europeans. Mexican
Americans have a higher risk of developing diabetes than the
individuals of European descent. Asian Americans historically have
had a lower incidence of heart disease than people of European
decent have had. However, Asian Americans have recently begun to
develop heart disease in greater numbers. It is believed that a change to
eating a high-fat, low-fiber diet is the main reason for the increase.
 Heredity: In the same way that genes determine your natural skin
color, genes can also determine your chances of developing certain
lifestyle diseases. For example, in some families’ heredity may
increase the chances that a family member will develop cancer.
However, it is important to remember that just because you have an
uncontrollable risk factor for a lifestyle disease, you will not
necessarily develop that disease. For example, if you have a
hereditary tendency to develop heart disease, you can make healthy
food choices and exercise regularly and you may never develop heart
disease. However, you may need to work harder to prevent heart
problems than other people do [6].
Lifestyle Diseases versus Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the
leading causes of death and disability in the United States. When
examining lifestyle diseases and their potential connection to the
environment, it is important to consider lifestyle risk factors that could
play a role in their development. There are four personal behaviors that
can affect Lifestyle diseases namely poor nutrition, excessive alcohol
use, tobacco use, and lack of physical activity [6]. The combination of
four healthy lifestyle factors maintaining a healthy weight, exercising
regularly, following a healthy diet, and not smoking seem to be
associated with as much as an 80 per cent reduction in the risk of
developing the most common and deadly chronic diseases [16]. This
reinforces the current public health recommendations for the observance
of healthy lifestyle habits, and because the roots of these habits often
originate during the formative stages of life, it is especially important to start
early in teaching important lessons concerning healthy living [5].
FOUR MAJOR LIFESTYLE DISEASES
1. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)
The diseases and disorders that result from progressive damage to the
heart and blood vessels are called cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
CVDs are the number one cause of death globally and account for
more than 17 million deaths per year. The number is estimated to rise
by 2030 to more than 23 million a year [8]. A person’s lifestyle influences
their chances of developing cardiovascular diseases such as strokes, high
blood pressure, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis. Different methods, such
as EKG, ultrasound, and angiography, are used by the doctors to
diagnose cardiovascular diseases. There are many treatment options for
cardiovascular diseases including a healthy diet, exercise, medicine, and
surgery. Eating sensibly, avoiding cigarettes, exercising, and having the
blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly can help prevent
cardiovascular diseases [9].
Lifestyle and Cardiovascular Disease
Why do some people die from cardiovascular disease while others never
have any problems? Genetic differences between people are one reason. But
whether you develop a cardiovascular disease and how serious it becomes
also depend on how you live. For example, smoking, being overweight,
having high blood pressure, having high blood cholesterol, or having
diabetes greatly increase your risk of developing a cardiovascular disease
[9].
Types of Cardiovascular Diseases
About 60 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease.
Heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis are main
kinds of cardiovascular diseases that kill nearly 1 million Americans
every year. This number is twice the number of people who die from cancer.
Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases
The doctors and surgeons who treat CVD would prefer that you protect
your heart and blood vessels before you get sick. Because CVD can begin
as early as childhood, it is important to take steps now, such as doing
the healthy activity to ensure a healthy future. The following advice
can help you lower your risk of CVD.
1. Trim the fat and hold the salt: Limit the consumption of saturated
fats, cholesterol, and salt. Instead, eat more fruits and vegetables, lean
meats, and plenty of products made from whole grains [13].
2. Keep your weight near recommended levels: Being overweight
increases the risk of CVDs. Try to keep your weight near that
recommended for your height and build [7].
3. Don’t smoke: Smoking speeds up atherosclerosis and increases your
risk of having a stroke or heart attack. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If
you do smoke, the sooner you quit the better [14].
4. Get moving: Regular exercise benefits your cardiovascular system in
many ways. It helps you feel less stressed by daily life and is also a good
way to keep your weight under control [12].
5. Watch the Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Have your blood pressure
and cholesterol checked regularly. If you have a family history of
CVD, you should get checked now. It may be wise to start a program
to control your cholesterol, even this early [14].
6. Relax: Stress, feelings of aggression, hostility, and anger have been
shown to increase the risk of CVD. The increase in risk may be due
to the physical effects of stress, such as raised blood pressure, or due
to smoking, drinking, or poor eating behaviors people sometimes use to
deal with stress [7].
CVD: A Global Epidemic
As stated earlier, CVD is the number one cause for deaths globally and the
number of people dying from it each year is constantly rising. It is
estimated that by 2030, CVD will be responsible for more deaths in low
income countries than infectious diseases, maternal and perinatal conditions,
and nutritional disorders combined [8].
2. Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled cell growth. More than 1 million
people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer every year. Cancer
is the second leading cause of death, after CVD. Cancer affects different
parts of the body and is characterized by a rapid creation of abnormal
cells in that part and can invade other parts of the body as well. More than
7 million people die of cancer each year globally and 30% of those
diseases are attributed to lifestyle choices [10].
Cancer occurs when cells divide uncontrollably. Certain ‘damaged’
genes can make a person more likely to develop cancer. Exposure to
viruses, radioactivity, ultraviolet radiation, and tobacco can damage genes.
There are many types of cancer. Each type has its own characteristics.
Early detection and treatment of cancer can increase a person’s chances of
survival. Not smoking, protecting your skin from the sun, following a
balanced diet, staying active, and getting regular medical checkups help
reduce your chances of developing cancer.
What Causes Cancer?
Uncontrolled cell growth comes from damage to the genes that regulate
the making of new cells. Genes that regulate cell division can become
damaged in a variety of ways. A person can inherit damaged or mutated,
genes from his or her parents. These genes make the person more
likely to develop cancer than someone without those genes is. Cancer
causing agents or substances known as carcinogens can also be
responsible for damaging genes. Some examples of carcinogens include:
1. Certain viruses, such as human papilloma virus (HPV)
2. Radioactivity and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, an invisible type of
energy from the sun (people are exposed to ultraviolet radiation while
outside or in a tanning bed)
3. Chemicals found in tobacco smoke (for example, arsenic, benzene, and
formaldehyde)
4. Asbestos (a material used to make fireproof materials, electrical
insulation, and other building supplies) [11].
All of us are exposed to some carcinogens in our daily lives. They may be
in our food, water, air, or environment. However, many cancers are
caused by carcinogens that we can avoid.
Preventing Cancer
Taking charge of these five controllable risk factors can greatly reduce
the risk of getting cancer.
1. Do not Smoke: Tobacco use is responsible for about one-third of the
cancer deaths in the United States. People who use tobacco are prone to
cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, and colon. Despite what
we might hear, there is no safe form of tobacco [7].
2. Safeguard your skin: Limit your exposure to the damaging UV
radiation that causes skin cancer. One can do so by protecting exposed
areas of skin with sunscreen and clothing, even on cloudy days. Avoid
sunbathe and do not use tanning beds or sunlamps.
3. Eat more vegetables and cut the fat: No diet can guarantee that one
won’t get cancer. However, people who eat large amounts of saturated fat
are more likely to get cancer of the colon and rectum. Studies suggest that
people who eat fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber have a lower
risk of some cancers [13].
4. Stay active and maintain a healthy weight: Studies have shown that
regular physical activity helps protect against some types of cancers.
Exercising also helps prevent obesity, another risk factor for developing
cancer. Teens should get at least 60 minutes of activity daily [7].
5. Get regular medical checkups: Your doctor can answer questions you
may have about cancer risk factors, preventions, and treatments. He or
she will also be able to advise you on self-examinations and when to
begin regular cancer screening tests. When we make positive choices
regarding these controllable risk factors, we can work toward a healthy
future for ourselves [12].
3. Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolism disorder that affects the way the body used
food for energy and physical growth. Diabetes occurs when cells are
unable to obtain glucose from the blood such that high blood-glucose
levels result. Estimates indicate that 16 million people in the United States
have diabetes. Unfortunately, about 5 million people who have diabetes
do not know that they have it and are not being treated for it [15].
Types of Diabetes
There are 4 types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, Gestational and Pre-Diabetes
(Impaired Glucose Tolerance). Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by
an autoimmune response. Type- 2 is the most common diabetes in the
world and is caused by modifiable behavioral risk factors.
Preventing Diabetes
As in so many diseases, genes play a role in diabetes. For example,
people who have diabetes in their family are at a greater risk of developing
diabetes. People in certain ethnic groups, particularly African Americans,
Hispanics, and Native Americans, are also at a greater risk for
developing certain forms of diabetes. Although there is no cure for
diabetes, lifestyle changes and medicines can often keep the disorder
under control. The best way to prevent diabetes is to take control of the risk
factors that you can change, such as diet, exercise, and weight. There is
currently no way to prevent type 1 diabetes. But exercise, a healthy diet, and
insulin injections as needed can allow a person to lead a healthy life [15].
There are several things a person can do to reduce his or her risk of
developing type-2 diabetes including:
 Maintain a healthy weight: Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
Physical activity and a healthy diet can greatly reduce the risk of
developing type 2 diabetes in people who are overweight [7].
 Avoid tobacco products.
 Reduce the amount of stress in your life.
3. Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs)
Some of the most under-diagnosed conditions, chronic respiratory diseases
(CRD) are a potent cause of death globally with 90% of the deaths taking
place in low-income countries. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) and asthma are the two main types of CRDs [8]. Genetics and age
are the non-modifiable risk factors associated with CRDs [6]. However,
we can control the modifiable risk factors linked to CRDs such as tobacco
smoke, cigarette smoke, air pollution, dust, chemicals, etc.
Control and Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), lifestyle diseases have
become the major contributors to higher morbidity, mortality and at the
same time the single biggest obstacle to global development.
Furthermore, lifestyle diseases continue to increase in virtually every
region of the world especially in middle and low-income countries. An
important way of controlling lifestyle diseases is by controlling the risk
factors associated with it. In other words, several non-communicable
diseases (NCDs) can be prevented by controlling the behavioral or
lifestyle habits associated with those diseases [12]. There are several low-
cost solutions that can be implemented by the stakeholders to reduce the
common modifiable risk factors associated with the lifestyle diseases.
Health promotion and preventive health approaches are proven effective
strategies in reducing disease burden with lower costs compared to the
cost of NCD treatment. However, NCD prevention and control cannot
be done with diet control and increased physical activity alone. It requires
action at multiple levels with health care providers and governments as
leaders, along with stronger health care systems and multi-stakeholder
involvement. Quality lifestyle disease intervention needs to be delivered
through a primary healthcare approach where early detection and proper
treatment are prioritized. Management of lifestyle diseases includes
proper diagnosis, screening and treatment of these diseases in addition to
providing palliative care for people who require it. To ensure that the
interventions meet set targets; regular reporting, global monitoring and
accountability are important [6].
CONCLUSION
A convenient modern lifestyle brings along with it a host of health
concerns. We live around gadgets and things of convenience all day. A
sedentary work culture and urban lifestyle pushes us to do unhealthy
things that do more damage than good to our bodies. Unfortunately, there is
very little public awareness of the association between health and
lifestyle. Many are unaware that a change in lifestyle is an important factor
in the emergence of chronic diseases (NCDs) as causes of increased
morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle diseases are on the rise worldwide. In
this article, we have tried to highlight the link between unhealthy lifestyle
and the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or lifestyle
diseases. We feel that it is very important to spread the awareness
among the public about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. We urge that the
various stakeholders including health professionals, the government, the
media, etc. should continue to carry the message to the public that to remain
healthy, people need to adopt healthy behaviors.
This article is designed to serve as a guide to healthy lifestyle. We tried
to explain the factors that lead to lifestyle diseases. We are now aware of
the fact that lifestyle diseases are caused partly by daily habits (sedentary
lifestyle, lack of physical activity, etc.) and partly by unhealthy behaviors
(exposure to tobacco smoke or the harmful use of alcohol, drugs, etc.) of
the people. These chronic diseases are the outcome of our unhealthy daily
habits or behavioral choices and thus, are preventable. It is imperative to
identify the causes of lifestyle diseases as the elimination of these causes will
help to achieve healing and improved health. Physical activity, cessation
of tobacco consumption, eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet, controlling body
weight, and learning to cope with stress will help to reduce the risk of
various lifestyle diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer,
etc. Thus, by making healthy choices, we can reduce our likelihood of
getting a chronic disease and improve our quality of life. Let us pledge
to make healthy behaviors part of our daily life. We hope this article
will encourage our readers to make healthy choices to alleviate the risk
of developing a lifestyle disease later in their lives. Furthermore,
effective public health measures are urgently needed to promote physical
activity and improve health around the world.
Last but not the least, we all is going through a difficult phase of the
global pandemic. Covid-19 has severely affected our lives as well as our
lifestyle. Whether it is working or learning from our homes, it has
greatly reduced our physical activity and pushed us towards a sedentary
lifestyle. Stress and depression are some of the resonating effects of this
pandemic. It is quite important than ever before to ensure that we are
making healthy choices as well as doing enough physical activity
during present COVID times. Let’s be active, Let’s be healthy!
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The first article: Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Health

Suresh Kashinath Ghatge* Ph.D. Research Scholar, Liberal Education,

Sleep deprivation or poor sleep patterns has become an epidemic in today’s

Globalization and economic progress have been accompanied with an

Globalization and economic progress have been accompanied with an

Globalization and economic progress have been accompanied with an

Globalization and economic progress have been accompanied with an

Globalization and economic progress have been accompanied with an

Globalization and economic progress have been accompanied with an

Globalization and economic progress have been accompanied with an

NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD),

quarters of global NCD deaths (32million) occur [3].

What causes Lifestyle Diseases?

Risk Factors for Lifestyle Diseases

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