What the statistics say

1. In 2005, 60% of deaths in the world were attributable to Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle (CDL).
The Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle Research Unit (part of The South African Medical Research Council) explains that CDL are a group of diseases that share similar risk factors because of exposure, over many decades, to unhealthy diets, smoking, lack of exercise, and possibly stress. The major risk factors are high blood pressure, tobacco addiction, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, which can result in various long-term diseases and high mortality rates due to stroke, heart attack, tobacco- and nutrition-induced cancers, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, renal failure, and many others.
Crucially, CDL can be prevented.

2. In 2011, the Heart and Stroke Foundation reported that 56% ofwomen and 29% of men are overweight and obese in South Africa. 1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women will develop a heart condition before they are 60 years of age. Up to 80% of these incidences are due to lifestyles and behaviour (meaning that 80% of premature deaths could be avoided with a few lifestyle changes).

3. In 2009, statistics from a Corporate Absenteeism Management Solutions (CAMS) survey of 60 South African companies with more than 7000 employees over the course of a year, revealed that sick absenteeism costs corporate SA about R19 billion per year.

4. In 2007, the Heart and Stroke Foundation reported that premature deaths caused by heart and blood vessel diseases (CVD) in people of working age (35-64 years) are expected to increase by 41% between 2000 and 2030.