Environment, Health & Wellbeing Flashcards
How does the environment influence disease?
• Climate: Warm, humid conditions promote disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes).
• Water quality: Contaminated water spreads diseases like cholera.
• Air pollution: Increases respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, lung cancer).
• Deforestation: Expands human contact with zoonotic diseases (e.g., Ebola).
How does urbanisation affect health?
• Overcrowding increases disease transmission.
• Air pollution causes respiratory illnesses.
• Poor sanitation leads to waterborne diseases.
What factors contribute to good health and well-being?
• Access to healthcare services.
• Clean water and sanitation.
• Balanced diet and nutrition.
• Exercise and mental well-being.
What are the social determinants of health?
• Income and education levels.
• Employment and living conditions.
• Cultural and lifestyle choices.
• Environmental exposure to pollution or hazards.
What is malaria, and how is it transmitted?
• Parasitic disease spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• Thrives in warm, humid climates with stagnant water.
What are the impacts of malaria?
• Kills over 400,000 people annually (mostly in sub-Saharan Africa).
• Reduces workforce productivity in affected countries.
• Increases healthcare costs for governments.
How can malaria be controlled?
• Insecticide-treated bed nets reduce bites.
• Draining stagnant water removes mosquito breeding grounds.
• Antimalarial drugs and vaccinations improve treatment.
What roles do global organisations play in health?
• WHO (World Health Organization): Leads disease prevention and health campaigns.
• NGOs (e.g., Red Cross, MSF): Provide medical aid in crises.
• Governments: Fund healthcare and public health initiatives.
How do organisations improve public health?
• Disease surveillance and vaccination programs.
• Funding healthcare systems in developing nations.
• Providing emergency medical aid in disaster zones.
What is Type 2 Diabetes, and what causes it?
• Chronic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin.
• Caused by poor diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity.
What are the health impacts of Type 2 Diabetes?
• Increased risk of heart disease and strokes.
• Kidney failure and blindness if untreated.
• Requires lifelong management and medication.
How can Type 2 Diabetes be prevented?
• Healthy diet with reduced sugar intake.
• Regular physical exercise.
• Public health campaigns to raise awareness.
