Title: Non-communicable disease epidemic? Thabe management through exercise intervention

Biography:

She is an Associate Professor in Department of Sport, Rehabilitation and Dental Sciences at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, Gauteng, where she has been a faculty member since 1999. Yvonne has completed her PhD at the University of Pretoria which focuses on the discipline of Biokinetics and Sport Science, and her undergraduate was completed at University of Durban Westville in Kwa-Zulu Natal (Currently called University of Kwa-Zulu Natal). Her research interest lies in the area of Diabetes Mellitus and in particular the Efficacy of Exercise as a modality of treatment for Diabetes Mellitus. She works in research areas related to Diabetes Mellitus and uses exercise as the treatment modality as the core treatment. She has published numerous articles in the area pertaining to health and wellness She is also a registered Biokineticist, a profession that uses exercise as a core modality as a final phase rehabilitation. Yvonne is currently one of the Directors on the South African Biokinetics Board for National and International relations, she has served on national and international scientific committees, has chaired national and international conferences. She has been invited to speak as keynote speakers at national and international conferences. She has published many articles in accredited journals and a chapter for a book. She has continuous interests in researching on exercise and the various topics related to Diabetes mellitus. Her research has also spanned into other areas related to health and wellness and rehabilitation. Yvonne is currently the Head of Department of Sport, Rehabilitating and Dental Sciences at the Tshwane University of Technology, Gauteng, South Africa and is involved in lecturing pathophysiology and Chronic Diseases for the Biokinetics students. Yvonne Paul was born in a rural valley called Glendale in Kwa-Zulu Natal, North of Durban.

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or chronic lifestyle diseases are a global epidemic; the mortality prevalence of NCDs ranged from 36% to 39.5% people in 2015. This constellation of diseases includes chronic non-infectious diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases as well as other lifestyles diseases that inhibit one’s quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that 70% of all the global deaths in 2015 can be attributed to NCDs. Cardiovascular diseases and their related comorbidities have become the principal diseases of the NCD group. Stats SA reported that within South Africa, NCDs were responsible for 61.2% (282,128) of all deaths recorded in 2015. The leading causes of death attributed to NCDs in 2015 were cardiovascular diseases (27.1%), metabolic diseases (10%), and respiratory diseases (7.8%). Due to the prevalence of NCDs in South Africa, the WHO estimates that the longevity of the South African populace is approximately 59 years. NCDs are characterized by an unhealthy lifestyle and are strongly influenced by personal choice. Predisposing risk factors for NCDs include smoking of tobacco, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, obesity, and dyslipidaemia. In 2008, physical inactivity (sedentariness) was estimated to be responsible for 5.3 million deaths worldwide. Both poor diet and poor quality of food are positively associated with the development of overweight and obesity, which substantially contributes to development of NCDs. Excessive eating and physical inactivity are further contributing factors that are associated with overweight and obesity. The percentage of the South African population that has being classified as either overweight or obese has progressively escalated, with the South African National Health and Nutrition Report of 2012, identifying approximately two thirds (66%) of women and one third (33%) of men as being overweight.The international inter-professional medical management strategy of NCDs includes pharmaceutical medication, education, and counselling, as well as diet management and regular physical activity. Evans et al. reported that while exercise therapy is financially the cheapest modality of treatment for NCDs, it is nevertheless a very effective option. The South African National Health Plan has identified regular exercise and physical activity as one of the fundamental elements of the possible solution, which will assist in the management of the NCD epidemic.