00:00The TV6 Health Watch is brought to you by Alive, giving you more minerals and vitamins
00:05than leading brands, distributed by H&G Enterprises Ltd.
00:14The World Health Organization revealed in 2021 that 62% of deaths in Trinidad and Tobago
00:19each year is the result of non-communicable diseases.
00:23These include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and lung disease.
00:29People under the age of 70 account for approximately 75% of these deaths.
00:35Poor diet, lack of physical activity and smoking are among the leading risk factors for cardiovascular
00:40disease and type 2 diabetes.
00:43It is imperative that one strives for a balanced diet.
00:46According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this includes a variety of
00:51fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy products, limiting our intake
00:58of added sugars, saturated fats and sodium are also preventative measures a person can
01:03take.
01:05Activity leads to longevity.
01:07Whether it be running, walking or gardening, the CDC recommends that people engage in at
01:11least two and a half hours of moderate intensity physical activity per week.
01:16Improving your cardiovascular endurance with exercise can lower your risk of disease, all
01:21the while boosting your immune system and energy levels.
01:25Abstaining from smoking and limiting alcohol intake are key factors to propelling a healthy
01:30lifestyle.
01:31While these lifestyle choices can significantly reduce your susceptibility to these diseases,
01:36genetic factors must also be considered.
01:39Regular screenings can help identify the onset of these illnesses so that necessary measures
01:44can be taken.
01:46By being more proactive in how we approach our health, we can improve the quality of
01:50our future and reduce the statistics for chronic illness in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:55I am Victoria Koilas with today's Health Watch.
Comments