Lifestyle and Health Flashcards
What is health?
Physical and mental well-being
What is a risk factor?
A factor which makes it more likely that you will develop a disease
Define communicable
A disease which can be transmitted/spread from person to person
Define non-communicable
A disease which cannot be transmitted/spread from person to person
What are the three main ingredients in cigarettes?
Carbon monoxide, tar, nicotine
Describe the effect of tar on the body
Lung cancer, damages cilia which leads to a build up of mucus in airways
Describe the effect of carbon monoxide in the body
Binds to RBCs and reduces the amount of oxygen carried in the blood
Describe the effect of nicotine on the body
Addictive
State the main organ affected by smoking
Lungs
Define carcinogen
A substance which causes cancer
State the two main organs affected by alcohol
Liver and brain
Why does alcohol damage the liver?
The liver filters toxins like alcohol from the blood, too much alcohol too often damages the cells in the liver
What do we call the liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption?
Cirrhosis
Why is alcohol called a depressant?
It slows down your reactions
What two parts of the body are affected by cardiovascular disease?
Heart and blood vessels
What is a statin?
A prescribed drug which reduces the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries
What is a stent?
A wire tube inserted into the arteries to keep them open
What happens if the coronary arteries become blocked?
Heart attack
What are the two options if someone has heart failure?
Donor heart or mechanical heart
What are the three options if someone has “leaky” valves?
Donor valves, mechanical valves and animal tissue valves
What is the function of the valves?
Prevent backflow of blood
What is the function of coronary arteries?
To provide the heart muscle with oxygen and glucose
Define homeostasis
The maintenance of a constant internal environment despite changes in the external environment
State three levels maintained by homeostasis
Water, ions, body temperature and blood glucose
How does the body increase core body temperature?
Shivering, vasoconstriction
How does the body decrease core body temperature?
Sweating, vasodilation
How are water and ion levels controlled in the body?
Urination, sweating, fluid intake, salt intake