title: Noncommunicable diseases: risk factors and regional strategies for prevention and care.
abstract: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a major disease burden in the Region. Many of the risk factors are related to lifestyle and can be controlled. Physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable intake, high fast food consumption and high cholesterol are predominant causes of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Overweight and obesity can lead to metabolic changes and raise the risk of NCDs, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Three main strategies are proposed to deal with the problem: estimate need and advocate for action; develop national policies, strategies and plans for prevention and care; promote and implement community participation in prevention and care. NCDs are preventable using available knowledge; solutions are effective and highly cost-effective.
authors.affiliation: Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Khatib
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002423:Cause of Death; D002648:Child; D003256:Community Participation; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002149:Energy Intake; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006285:Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D019083:Mediterranean Region / Q000453:epidemiology; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015995:Prevalence; D012041:Regional Medical Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention