Announcing World Health Day 2024: Know the Main Health Concerns for Indians and Why?

India surpassed all other countries on the globe in terms of population in 2023, with an estimated 1.428 billion people living there, according to UNICEF.

People’s increasing focus and understanding of preventative healthcare and wellbeing have led to tremendous growth in the healthcare sector.

Cardiovascular illnesses (CVDs), diabetes, respiratory disorders, cancer, and mental health disorders are the top five health problems that Indians experience.One of the leading causes of mortality in India is CVD. These are a set of illnesses that impact the blood vessels and heart.

Heart valve disease, congenital heart disease, angina, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, atherosclerosis, etc. are among them. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, decreased physical activity, alcohol and tobacco use, stress, and anxiety are risk factors for CVDs.One of the leading causes of mortality in India is CVD.

These are a set of illnesses that impact the blood vessels and heart. Heart valve disease, congenital heart disease, angina, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, atherosclerosis, etc. are among them. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, decreased physical activity, tobacco, alcohol, stress, anxiety, abuse of recreational drugs, and a diet high in sugar, fat, and sodium are risk factors for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).An endocrine condition called diabetes causes blood sugar levels to remain elevated all the time.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels are caused by dysregulated insulin release, which is one of its defining characteristics. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by insufficient insulin production, necessitating daily insulin delivery. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that impair insulin utilization in the body.

Complications from uncontrolled diabetes include peripheral nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, cardiovascular disease, and gangrene.Asthma, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common respiratory conditions that are brought on by indoor air pollution, tobacco use, active and passive smoking, and poor air quality in many places.

Among the various respiratory infections are contagious illnesses, including pneumonia, Corona virus infections, and tuberculosis. According to studies, a sizable population has been impacted by chronic lung ailments since the COVID-19 epidemic.

The National Cancer Registry Program Report 2020 states that one in nine Indians will likely get cancer at some point in their lifetime. For men, the top five locations for cancer are the mouth, tongue, prostate, and lung; for women, the top five locations are the breast, cervix, ovary, uterus, and lung.

Even in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, there is increased access to cancer screening, which contributes to the rise in cancer cases.Substance addiction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety are among the mental health conditions that are common in India. A number of social and cultural elements, such as gender inequity, stress, rivalry, peer pressure, and a lack of communication and expression, can have an impact on mental health.

Given the discrimination and societal stigma, access to mental healthcare is still a major challenge.Regular yearly preventative health check-ups, a mindful diet, and a contemplative lifestyle can all help to achieve early diagnosis, which helps to prevent the harshest side effects of all the diseases mentioned above.

Most notably, physical and mental well-being are significantly improved by yoga, meditation, and exercise.