Health experts say more people in the world die of non-communicable diseases today than ever before and by 2020, 73 percent of the world's deaths will be from such illnesses. Nepal is no exception. Studies at the Bir Hospital indicate that the leading cause of death is coronary heart disease, followed by lung disease. Brought on by lack of exercise, poor nutrition, smoking and mental pressure, such illnesses are the result of a rapidly changing lifestyle. The death rate in South Asia as a whole from coronary heart disease is four times higher than that in western countries. Living a more restrained life, getting a healthy diet, cutting down on alcohol, quitting smoking and getting more exercise are the best prevention as well as cure. The government appears to have taken note-in its Tenth Five-Year Plan it highlights non-communicable diseases as a health priority.