Health And Disease Flashcards
Define health.
Health is the state of physical and mental wellbeing.
Give an example of a communicable disease and a non-communicable disease.
Communicable - Influenza, measles, malaria…
Non-communicable - Cancer, heart disease, asthma…
How do different diseases interact?
A weakened immune system increases a person’s chance of suffering from a communicable disease, as their body cannot defend itself against pathogens as effectively.
Some cancer growths can be triggered by infections from viruses (eg. HPV)
Some people’s immune system ‘overreacts’ to certain pathogens by producing skin rashes, or worsening the symptoms of asthma.
Physical health conditions can lead to mental health problems, such as depression or chronic anxiety, especially when an individual’s mobility or life expectancy is affected.
What are the risk factors for cardiovascular disease?
High-fat and high-salt diet - blocks arteries, leading to higher blood pressure.
Smoking - damages the walls of the arteries.
Exercise - lowers blood pressure.
What are the risk factors for lung cancer / disease?
Smoking - carcinogens ( chemicals ) can trigger cancers.
Air pollution - damages cells.
What are the effects of smoking / drinking alcohol on an unborn baby?
Increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Baby could be born with a low body-mass.
Fetal alcohol syndrome - learning difficulties.
What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?
Obesity - body is less resistant to insulin and cannot control the concentrations of glucose in the body.
What are the risk factors for liver / brain failure?
Drinking alcohol - damages the liver, damages nerve cells in the brain leading to memory loss.
