What are Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs)?

Non-communicable diseases are long-term illnesses that are not passed from one person to another. They usually build up slowly and last a long time. Examples include:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Cancer
• Asthma and some lung problems

Why do NCDs happen?

Some reasons we get NCDs:

• Unhealthy eating — too much sugar, salt, or fried foods (e.g., lots of chips or sugary drinks).
• Not enough exercise — sitting for many hours, not playing or walking.
• Tobacco and alcohol — smoking and drinking increase the risk (illegal for children).
• Family history — some diseases run in families, like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Air pollution — dusty roads and smoke can harm lungs.

How Home Science helps

In Home Science you learn how to:

• Plan healthy meals using local foods like ugali, sukuma wiki, beans, maize, bananas, avocado and fish.
• Cook with less fat and salt — try steaming, boiling or grilling instead of deep frying.
• Read labels and choose healthier snacks (less sugar and salt).
• Make daily routines that include play and exercise.

Simple healthy habits (Kenyan friendly)

1. Eat a balanced plate — half vegetables, one quarter starch (eg. ugali or rice), one quarter protein (eg. beans, fish).
2. Drink clean water and reduce sugary sodas and juices.
3. Play at least 60 minutes every day — run, football, skipping rope, or dancing.
4. Avoid puffing or smelling tobacco; never start smoking.
5. Wash hands before eating and after playing — keeps you healthy overall.

Signs to watch for (tell an adult)

• Feeling very thirsty and peeing a lot (could be diabetes).
• Always tired, faint, or short of breath (could be problems with the heart or lungs).
• Persistent cough or wheezy breathing (tell a parent or teacher).
• Sudden weakness in the face, arm or leg — get help quickly (may be a stroke).

Class activity — Make a healthy plate

Draw a circle on paper. Fill half with vegetables (sukuma wiki, tomatoes), one quarter with starch (ugali, rice), and one quarter with protein (beans, fish). Share your plate with a friend and say why your choices are good.

Quick review quiz

1. What does non-communicable mean?
2. Name two common NCDs.
3. Give one healthy snack idea using Kenyan foods.
4. How long should children play or exercise each day?
5. Who should you tell if you notice signs like too much thirst or sudden weakness?

Keep these notes in your exercise book. Use what you learn in Home Science to make healthy choices for yourself and your family. Stay active and eat well!