Corona virus, Ebola virus , Lassa fever e.t.c as the world ages we have witness some very quick and powerful diseases that have caused large scale disruptions in normal day-to-day activities . The truth is that most of this diseases caused uproar because they were visible and caused large scale deaths until they were contained and gradually faded out but most fail to realize that there are some ailments that are not outspoken but accumulate larger annual death rates. You might see them as normal or minute but they are silent killers .

 

WHAT ARE SILENT KILLERS?

 

Silent killers are disease that occur and grow without major noticeable signs and symptoms. They are dangerous because you might not realize you are at risk until it is too late.

I have compiled a list of some of the most common silent killers that have taken the lives of people consistently:

 

 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

 

Also known as hypertension. It is a silent killer that causes damage to the arteries and lead to heart diseases, stroke and other severe health problems. According to the world health organization (WHO), high blood pressure affects an estimated 139 million children and adolescents worldwide.

 

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

 

We are advised In vegetable oil adverts that we should watch the type of oil we buy In other to prevent taking in too much cholesterol. High cholesterol levels build up in your arteries and form plaques that can block blood flow to your heart and brain. This leads to stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. According to the WHO, high cholesterol affects an estimated 32 million children and adolescents worldwide.

 

DIABETES 

 

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It can cause high blood sugar levels, which can damage your nerves, blood vessels, and organs. Diabetes can be a silent killer because it can develop and progress without causing any obvious symptoms. According to the International Diabetes Federation, an estimated 1.2 million children and adolescents worldwide have type 1 diabetes, and an estimated 6.7 million children and adolescents worldwide have type 2 diabetes.

 

STRESS

 

Stress is the body’s natural response to a perceived threat. It can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. Chronic stress can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and depression. Stress can be a silent killer because it can damage your health over time without causing any noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

 

OBESITY

 

Obesity is a condition in which you have excess body fat. It is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Obesity can be a silent killer because it can lead to these diseases without causing any obvious symptoms.

 

As they say, prevention is better than cure so it is better we take steps to keep our body in check in order not to put ourselves in a position of regret. There are things you can do in order to prevent yourself from being a victim of silent killers which includes:

 

Eating a healthy diet

Getting enough sleep

Maintaining a healthy weight

Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Getting regular medical checkups

 

As humans we are regularly subjected to activities that might take the best out of us but need to be done. We should know how to manage our time and learn not to subject ourselves to stress. Please eat well and stay safe.