What is the World Health Organisation’s definition of health, and how does it differ from merely the absence of disease?
Health, according to WHO, is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of illness. This comprehensive definition emphasizes that a truly healthy person is free from physical or mental diseases, is not physically handicapped, and is well-adjusted socially and mentally, including being free from psychological tensions. It highlights that health is a holistic state involving overall well-being.
Describe the various factors that can cause diseases in humans.
Diseases in humans can stem from several factors. These include nutritional deficiencies, such as those due to an unbalanced diet, leading to conditions like kwashiorkor or scurvy. Infections from microorganisms like viruses (e.g., AIDS), bacteria (e.g., pneumonia), protozoans (e.g., malaria), or worms (e.g., ascariasis) are also major causes. Additionally, malfunctioning of vital body organs (degenerative diseases), allergic reactions to specific substances, and social factors like smoking or drug addiction can all lead to various human diseases.
Explain how communicable diseases are transmitted, providing examples for different modes of transmission.
Communicable diseases are primarily transmitted from an infected individual to a healthy person through various modes. Direct contact, such as touching or sharing articles, can spread diseases like chickenpox. Airborne transmission occurs through droplets sprayed by coughing or sneezing, leading to infections like common cold or tuberculosis. Contaminated food and water are common routes for diseases like cholera or typhoid. Furthermore, vectors, which are animals like mosquitoes (e.g., malaria, dengue) or houseflies (e.g., cholera), play a crucial role in spreading pathogens. Unhygienic habits and contact with contaminated soil can also lead to transmission.
Discuss the importance of a balanced diet in preventing nutritional deficiency diseases, giving examples of how specific nutrient deficiencies manifest.
A balanced diet is crucial for preventing nutritional deficiency diseases, as it ensures the body receives all necessary proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Deficiencies of these protective nutrients can lead to various disorders. For instance, protein deficiency can cause Kwashiorkor, characterized by a distended abdomen, while combined protein and carbohydrate deficiency leads to Marasmus, severe emaciation. Lack of Vitamin C causes Scurvy, resulting in spongy, bleeding gums. Insufficient Vitamin D and Calcium can lead to Rickets, causing soft and brittle bones. Furthermore, Iron deficiency results in Anaemia, characterized by a pale appearance and fatigue due to reduced haemoglobin.
Explain the concept of degenerative diseases, providing examples of how different organ systems can be affected.
Degenerative diseases are noncommunicable conditions that arise from the malfunctioning or deterioration of specific organs or body parts, typically associated with aging or chronic stress. For instance, Diabetes Mellitus affects the pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production and high blood glucose. Heart diseases, like arteriosclerosis (artery hardening) or atherosclerosis (artery narrowing), impair the cardiovascular system. Kidney diseases range from infections causing uremia (waste accumulation) to kidney failure, where nephrons are severely damaged. Finally, Joint diseases, such as arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis), involve the wearing away of cartilage or inflammation, causing pain and stiffness.
Beyond personal hygiene, what are the key ways to ensure public sanitation and keep surroundings clean at a community level?
Ensuring public sanitation and clean surroundings at a community level goes beyond individual cleanliness and requires collective efforts. Key ways include providing proper sewage pipes for colonies to manage wastewater effectively. It’s crucial to supply clean, filtered, chlorinated, and germ-free drinking water to the community. Prohibiting open defecation and urination, and making the use of public toilets mandatory, prevents the spread of diseases. Additionally, stopping the accumulation and stagnation of dirty water prevents vector breeding. Finally, prohibiting the open dumping of garbage and ensuring its disposal at proper designated places is vital for community health.
Describe the process of safe disposal of garbage, including collection, segregation, and two common disposal methods.
Safe disposal of garbage begins with collection and segregation. Waste is collected from various points and separated into compostable (wet) waste, which includes organic matter, and recyclable (dry) waste, such as paper, glass, and plastics. This segregation, often done using separate green and blue bins, is crucial for effective disposal. Following segregation, two common disposal methods are used. Landfilling involves dumping solid waste in designated low-lying areas, compressing it, and covering it with soil daily, with liners to prevent leaching. Composting is a biological process where microorganisms break down compostable waste into manure, a method that can also be done using redworms in vermicomposting.
Want to print your doc? This is not the way.
Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (