Health Flashcards
The modern concept of health can be viewed as a synthesis of various concepts which have developed over the last 100 years.
Summarize the four main changes in the concept of health over the last 100 years.
Identify one aspect of the modern concept which you consider to be most important
- shift from infectious to chronic diseases. Infectious diseases were a major concern until advancements in sanitation, vaccination and antibiotics led to its decline. However these has been a rise in chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
- Focus on prevention and lifestyle. Growing emphasis on preventative healthcare and lifestyle factors. public health campaigns promote healthy behaviours, including proper nutrition, regular exercise and avoidance of drugs and alcohol consumption.
- Technological advancements. tech has revolutionised healthcare with the invention of diagnostic tools, genetic testing and imaging techniques improving the accuracy and efficiency of healthcare.
Emphasis on preventive healthcare and lifestyle factors. Recognizing the importance of healthy behaviors and early intervention has the potential to reduce the burden of chronic diseases, enhance overall well-being, and lead to more sustainable and cost-effective healthcare systems. Preventive measures empower individuals to take an active role in their health, addressing issues before they become serious and emphasizing the long-term benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
what is meant by the term good health?
Give two reasons why it would be beneficial to a country.
good health refers to a state of physical, mental and social well- being, encompassing aspects such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, mental well- being and absence of illness.
Good health is beneficial to a country because:
1. Economic productivity. A healthy population increases the productivity of a work force as it increases performance and reduces the absenteeism due to illness. This contributes to the economic development of a country.
- Reduced health care costs. With a healthy population, the health care costs undertaken by a country is significantly reduced. These resources can then be allocated more efficiently by governments to education , infrastructure or social programs.
Why is HIV considered a communicable disease
comment on two key groups who are at higher risk of beng infected with hiv in the caribbean
HIV is considered a communicable disease because it can be transmitted from person to person through the exchange of certain body fluids, primarily blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The virus is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of contaminated needles, and from an infected mother to her child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
In the Caribbean, two key groups that are at higher risk of being infected with HIV are:
- Men Who Have Sex With Men
Stigma, discrimination, and social barriers may contribute to limited access to healthcare services and prevention resources for this group. Additionally, the prevalence of unprotected sex and a higher likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviors may contribute to an increased risk of HIV transmission. - Sex Workers
Factors such as limited access to healthcare, economic vulnerability, and social stigma may create conditions that increase their susceptibility to HIV. Inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners, and a higher likelihood of engaging in transactional sex may contribute to the elevated risk within this population.
Explain what is meant by the term ‘decriminalization of marijuana’ . comment on ONE advantage and ONE
disadvantage of its use
decriminalization refers to the process of removing criminal penalties or reducing the severity of legal consequences associated with the possession and use of marijuana. While decriminalization does not necessarily mean that marijuana becomes fully legal, it typically involves treating simple possession as a civil offense, often punishable by fines rather than imprisonment. It signifies a shift in legal policy towards a more lenient approach, focusing on public health rather than criminalization.
Advantage:
Medical purposes- the medical properties of marjuana can be used to alleviate symptoms associated with certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain, nausea from chemotherapy, and muscle spasms in conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Disadvantage:
Negative effect on Mental Health- Regular or heavy use of marijuana, particularly in adolescence, has been associated with an increased risk of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. Additionally, there is a concern about the potential for addiction and dependence, which can have adverse effects on an individual’s overall well-being and daily functioning
State the WHO definition of health and comment on TWO reasons why the definition
may be of limited use today.
(WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
However, this definition may have limitations in today’s context for a couple of reasons:
1. Demography- the population has changed
- Nature of diseases and their patterns have changed- rise in chronic diseases, decline of acute illnesses
- Public health measure changed- improved nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, healthcare interventions.
Briefly describe what dengue fever is and suggest TWO factors, which may have contributed to this disease becoming a major health problem in the region
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus, which is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes. he disease is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
Two factors that may have contributed to dengue fever becoming a major health problem:
1. Poor sanitation conditions- breeding sites
- Lack of education/ awareness about the disease/vaccines and effective treatments.
Describe TWO underlying risk factors that are contributing to the
increase of NCDs in the region.
With reference to a specific non-communicable disease, suggest ONE strategy
which may be useful in preventing and reducing the burden of NCDs in the region.
Risk factors of ncd’s fueled by food insecurity, economic and socio- cultural factors.
- Unhealthy lifestyle- substance abuse, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition. he consumption of unhealthy diets high in processed foods, sugars, unhealthy fats, and low in fruits and vegetables is a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Poor nutrition contributes to conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes. The availability and affordability of processed and unhealthy foods, coupled with changing dietary patterns, contribute to the rise in NCDs in many regions.
- Environmental factors- air pollution, exposure to UV radiation, weather changes. Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles and a lack of physical activity are major risk factors for NCDs. Modern urban environments often promote sedentary behaviors due to factors such as desk-bound jobs, reliance on transportation, and increased screen time. Physical inactivity is linked to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other NCDs. Insufficient opportunities for regular physical activity contribute to the prevalence of these diseases in populations.
Preventative strategies for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD):
the promotion of community-based interventions focusing on physical activity. This can include:
Implementing Walkable Infrastructure: Designing and enhancing urban environments to be more walkable, with sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly spaces, and access to parks, can encourage physical activity. Creating bike lanes and safe recreational spaces can also contribute to increased physical activity levels.
Community Exercise Programs: Initiating community-based exercise programs that are accessible and inclusive can encourage regular physical activity. These programs can range from group exercise classes to community sports events, making it easier for individuals to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.
Explain what is meant by the term substance abuse
identify the main drugs used and abused in the caribbean region
suggest on stratgy which caribbean countries may use to address this challenge
Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. It involves the repeated consumption of these substances in quantities or manners that are harmful to the individual’s health, well-being, or social functioning. Substance abuse can lead to physical and mental health problems, impaired social relationships, and an increased risk of accidents and injuries.
- Marijuana
- Alcohol
strategies:
Prevention and Education Programs: Implementing widespread educational programs to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of substance abuse. These programs should target schools, communities, and the general population.
Treatment and Rehabilitation Services: Expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals struggling with substance abuse. This includes establishing counseling services, support groups, and rehabilitation centers.
Policy and Regulation: Developing and enforcing policies and regulations to control the availability and use of substances. This may involve implementing stricter controls on the sale and distribution of alcohol and tobacco, as well as addressing illicit drug trafficking.
Explain giving two reasons why tuberculosis continues to be a global health challenge in the 21st century.
suggest one way in which science and/ or technology is being used to combat this disease.
tuberculosis Challenge to global health:
1. drug resistane strains- emergence of drug resistance strains of the bacterium cause tuberculosis. are more challenging to treat, requiring longer and more complex drug regimens. The development and spread of drug-resistant strains complicate TB control efforts, leading to higher treatment costs and lower success rates.
- Global Health Inequalities: Tuberculosis is closely linked to social determinants of health, and its prevalence is often associated with poverty, overcrowded living conditions, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Global health inequalities contribute to the persistence of TB, with marginalized populations facing higher risks of infection and limited access to healthcare services, including diagnostics and treatment.
One way in which science and technology are being used to combat tuberculosis is through the development and deployment of molecular diagnostics, such as GeneXpert technology- DNA detection. This technology provides quick and accurate results, enabling healthcare providers to promptly diagnose TB and determine whether drug-resistant strains are present. The rapid turnaround time helps in initiating appropriate treatment more swiftly, reducing the risk of transmission and improving patient outcomes.
Give a concise description of the nature of sickle cell anaemia.
describe the use of gene therapy as a potential cure for this disease.
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, known as hemoglobin S (HbS). Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. In individuals with sickle cell anemia, the abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to take on a rigid, sickle-like shape under certain conditions. These misshapen cells can lead to blood vessel blockages, causing pain, anemia, organ damage, and a range of other complications.
Gene therapy holds promise as a potential cure for sickle cell anemia by addressing the underlying genetic mutation. The most common approach involves modifying the patient’s own hematopoietic stem cells, which are cells that can give rise to various blood cells, including red blood cells.
while gene therapy offers significant potential, it is not yet widely available as a standard treatment for sickle cell anemia. Continued research and advancements in gene-editing technologies are necessary to refine the safety and efficacy of these therapies before they become widely accessible for individuals with sickle cell anemia.
Outline the key changes in dietary patterns in countries of english speaking caribbean over the last century.
comment on the relationship between changes in dietary habits and the increasing prevalence of obesity in the region.
- intro of Processed and Fast Foods: The last century has witnessed a significant shift from traditional, locally sourced, and home-cooked meals to increased consumption of processed and fast foods. This change is often associated with urbanization, globalization, and the availability of convenience foods.
- Increased Consumption of Sugary Beverages: There has been a notable rise in the consumption of sugary beverages, including carbonated drinks and sweetened fruit juices. This trend contributes to higher sugar intake and increased calorie consumption.
Transition to High-Fat and High-Sugar Diets: Traditional diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have been replaced, to some extent, by diets higher in saturated fats, sugars, and refined carbohydrates.
Reduced Physical Activity: Modern lifestyles in urbanized areas often involve less physical activity due to factors like sedentary jobs, increased reliance on transportation, and a shift towards more screen time for entertainment.
Relationship Between Changes in Dietary Habits and the Increasing Prevalence of Obesity in the Region:
Caloric Imbalance: The shift towards diets high in calories, particularly from processed and energy-dense foods, coupled with reduced physical activity, contributes to a caloric imbalance. Excess calorie intake, especially when not offset by sufficient physical activity, leads to weight gain and obesity.
Nutrient-Poor Foods: The increased consumption of processed foods often means diets that lack essential nutrients while being high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt. This can contribute to overeating as the body seeks to meet its nutritional needs, leading to weight gain.
Impact on Metabolism: Diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can lead to insulin resistance, promoting fat storage and increasing the risk of obesity. High sugar intake, in particular, is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome and other conditions linked to obesity.
Cultural and Economic Factors: Economic factors can influence dietary choices, as processed and energy-dense foods are often more affordable and accessible. Cultural shifts and changes in food marketing also play a role in shaping dietary patterns.
Explain what is meant by the term ‘obesity’ and how it is measured. Comment on two crucial factors which may account for the alarming increase in the incidence of obesity in the Caribbean over the past few decades.
Obesity is
