ISSN 2756-3812
International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN 2756-3812 Vol. 3 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Review
Diet and lifestyle changes as preventive cost-effective strategies of interventions for chronic diseases
Elvis I. Agbonlahor, Richard O. Okaka, Loveth N. Agbonlahor
Department of Physical and Health Education, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma.
Accepted 21 October, 2011
Abstract
The increase in the occurrence of nutrition related chronic diseases is alarming. It was seen that genetic, environmental, and behavioural factors are primary determinants of chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, diabetes and some specific cancers. Thus, it was therefore concluded that avoiding smoking; pursuing physical activity; consuming healthy types of fats; eating plenty of fruits and vegetables; replacing refined grains with whole grains; limiting sugar intake; limiting excessive calories and limiting sodium intake are dietary and lifestyle factors that could serve as interventions for chronic diseases. It was therefore recommended that a comprehensive national and local plans that would involve health care providers, worksites, schools, media, urban planners, all levels of food production, processing and preparation and governments should be developed to take advantage of every opportunity to encourage and promote healthy eating and active living.
Keywords: Cost-effectiveness, interventions, chronic diseases, diet and lifestyle.