Health Flashcards
Define a Drug
A drug is any chemical that alters the activities of the body.
Define a depressant and a stimulating and give examples
of both.
Depressent - a drug reducing functional or nervous activity (Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, GHB, Kava)
Stimulant - a substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body (caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines and cocaine)
List the negative impacts of smoking on the body from
Nicotine, Tar, and Carbon monoxide.
Nicotine An addictive drug that narrows blood vessels and can lead to a heart attack.
Tar A black sticky chemical that can cause cancer.
Carbon monoxide A toxic gas that prevents red blood cells from carrying oxygen.
The importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise
for a healthy life style.
It’s important to eat a varied and balanced diet to stay healthy. You need to drink plenty of water and eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. You also need to make sure you exercise regularly to keep your heart, lungs and muscles strong and healthy.
What is a microbe and give examples of microbes?
What Are Microbes? Microbes are organisms that are too small to be seen without using a microscope, so they include things like bacteria, archaea, and single cell eukaryotes — cells that have a nucleus, like an amoeba or a paramecium.
Describe the properties of viruses and give examples of
common viruses?
Viruses have a very simple form; a DNA or RNA genome - genetic code - surrounded by a protective protein coat. Some viruses, like coronaviruses, have an extra fatty envelope to keep their genetic material safe. This is vital because like all living creatures, viruses aim to pass on their genes by reproducing.
Describe the properties of bacteria and how they can be
killed using antibiotics, antiseptics, and disinfectants.
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can vary widely in shape, size, and structure.
Antibiotics target specific bacterial structures or processes, such as cell wall synthesis or protein production, to inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria. Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances applied to living tissue to prevent infection by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Disinfectants are similar to antiseptics but are used on inanimate objects or surfaces to eliminate or reduce the number of bacteria present.
Natural defences – list some barriers to microbes
entering the body.
Physical barriers: The skin serves as a physical barrier that prevents microbes from entering the body. Mucous membranes lining the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive tracts also act as physical barriers.
Chemical barriers: Various substances produced by the body, such as stomach acid, enzymes in tears and saliva, and antimicrobial peptides, create an inhospitable environment for microbes.
Natural defences – the role of white blood cells,
phagocytes, and lymphocytes
White blood cells, or leukocytes, are crucial for immunity. Phagocytes engulf and digest foreign particles, while lymphocytes coordinate immune responses.
Natural defences - the role of platelets in keeping us
healthy.
Platelets prevent excessive bleeding by forming blood clots when blood vessels are damaged, ensuring vascular integrity and supporting overall health.
List some human actions to keep healthy: Personal
hygiene, community actions and provisional of medical
care
Personal Hygiene: Regular handwashing, maintaining oral hygiene, bathing, and practicing safe food handling to prevent the spread of infections.
Community Actions: Vaccination programs, sanitation measures, clean water provision, waste management, and public health education to promote disease prevention and community health.
Provision of Medical Care: Access to healthcare services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and management of illnesses, along with health screenings and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
