Do you exercise often, eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day, and abstain from tobacco and alcohol?
If not, then there is a chance of getting a non-communicable disease, such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes.
In half of the African countries surveyed in a World Health Organization (WHO) report, a quarter of adults had at least three risk factors, increasing the probability that they will get one or more of these illnesses sometime in their lives.
The WHO report shows that African women above 45 are at a higher risk of getting these diseases.
While tobacco and alcohol use is lower in Africa compared to other regions, the prevalence of hypertension – otherwise known as high blood pressure – is the highest in the world affecting nearly half the adult population.
WHO says the trend is worrisome as the condition is a silent killer, often discovered when it’s too late.
The continent is also the only place with a double burden of under nutrition and obesity.
Yet all these health issues can be prevented by eating right, drinking in moderation and exercising.
If such precautions are not taken, it could cost governments a lot more to provide treatment in the coming years.
