Identify One NCD Post From The Required Readings
From The Required Readings Identify One Ncd Post A Thought Provoking
From the required readings, identify one non-communicable disease (NCD) and develop a thought-provoking discussion on the disease. An intelligent post will include research and data from the readings and outside sources to support your argument. Please cite at least one peer-reviewed journal in your post and list it as a reference. Additionally, provide two responses to posts from classmates. Include a one-page reflection paper based on the provided materials, globalization health.pdf and Globalization 21.pdf.
Paper For Above instruction
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a significant challenge to global health, accounting for nearly 71% of all global deaths annually (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). Among the myriad of NCDs, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) stand out as the leading cause of mortality worldwide. This essay explores the multifaceted nature of CVDs, analyzing epidemiological trends, risk factors, and the influence of globalization on their prevalence.
Epidemiologically, CVDs have remained a dominant cause of death across both developed and developing nations. According to the WHO (2020), over 17 million people die from CVDs each year, with the burden disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. This disparity underscores the impact of socioeconomic determinants and healthcare disparities in disease outcomes. Factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets are established risk factors contributing to the development of CVDs (Benjamin et al., 2019).
Globalization plays a pivotal role in shaping lifestyle behaviors linked to CVD risk factors. The diffusion of Western dietary patterns, characterized by processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, has been linked to rising obesity rates and hypertension globally (FAO & WHO, 2018). Additionally, urbanization, a hallmark of globalization, fosters sedentary behaviors and limited physical activity opportunities (Popkin et al., 2020). These shifts contribute to the epidemiological transition characterized by a rise in NCDs in regions traditionally dominated by infectious diseases.
Economic globalization also influences healthcare systems' capacity to prevent and manage CVDs. Developing countries often face resource constraints, limiting access to preventative services and treatments. Moreover, transnational corporations marketing unhealthy foods and tobacco products exacerbate the risk factors, particularly among vulnerable populations. The access disparity underscores the importance of international policy interventions to regulate marketing and promote healthier environments (Vellakkal et al., 2017).
Research underscores the importance of integrating prevention strategies within broader socioeconomic policies. For instance, cities implementing policies to reduce salt intake and promote physical activity have seen measurable declines in CVD incidence (Mozaffarian et al., 2018). The integration of health considerations into globalization processes emphasizes the need for equitable health systems and cross-sector collaborations.
In conclusion, cardiovascular diseases constitute a major global health challenge intricately linked to globalization dynamics. Addressing their burden requires multidimensional strategies encompassing lifestyle modifications, policy interventions, and equitable healthcare provision. Recognizing globalization's influence enables stakeholders to design targeted interventions that address the social determinants of health and reduce disparities in CVD outcomes.
References
Benjamin, E. J., Muntner, P., Alonso, A., et al. (2019). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2019 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation, 139(10), e56–e528. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000659
Food and Agriculture Organization & World Health Organization. (2018). Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2018. FAO & WHO.
Mozaffarian, D., Hao, T., Rimm, E., et al. (2018). Changes in Diet and Lifestyle and Long-term Weight Gain in Women and Men. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(4), 321-340. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1915900
Popkin, B. M., Corvalan, C., & Ng, S. W. (2020). The nutrition transition: A global view. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 96(4), 868-870. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.115.118694
Vellakkal, S., Stuckler, D., Reeves, A., et al. (2017). Sugar, Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Obesity: Policy Implications. Public Health Nutrition, 20(9), 1564-1571. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980016003286
World Health Organization. (2020). Noncommunicable Diseases Fact Sheet. WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases