Health and Diseases

Health and Disease Concepts

Health is the state of physical and mental wellbeing, and it’s not just the absence of disease or illness.
A disease disrupts the body’s normal functioning, and is often caused by infections, nutrient deficiencies, genetic disorders, or lifestyle choices.

Types of Diseases

Infectious diseases (also known as contagious or communicable diseases) can be spread from person to person. Examples include the flu, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.
Non-infectious diseases are not spread between individuals. These include heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Diseases can also be categorised as degenerative (caused by the gradual deterioration of the body’s functions), nutritional (caused by a lack of important nutrients in the diet), or genetic (caused by faulty genes).

Causes and Transmission of Diseases

Pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, are microorganisms that cause disease.
Diseases can be transmitted in different ways, such as through the air (coughing and sneezing), physical contact, contaminated food and water, or vectors like mosquitos.
People with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to disease.

The Impact of Lifestyle on Health

Choices about diet, exercise, and habits like smoking and drinking can significantly affect health.
A balanced diet is crucial in maintaining good health and preventing diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Regular physical activity can help prevent diseases like heart disease and obesity.
Smoking is linked to several diseases including cancer and heart disease, while excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease and mental health problems.

Communicable Diseases Prevention

Good hygiene practices such as washing hands regularly and preparing food safely can prevent the spread of many diseases.
Using barriers like condoms can prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Immunisation through vaccination can prevent certain diseases by exposing the body to a weakened or dead version of the pathogen, triggering a defence response.

Treatment of Diseases

Medication can help manage the symptoms of a disease or cure it entirely.
Surgery can remove diseased parts of the body or repair damage.
Therapy, either physical or mental, can help manage chronic diseases or recovery after surgery.
Lifestyle changes can often prevent or manage diseases, for example through diet and exercise.

Remember to practice exam questions and use this revision content as a guide rather than the whole picture. Always refer to your teacher or textbook for further understanding and clarification.