Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases

What is a disease? A disease is an unhealthy condition of the body or mind. When you have a disease your body does not function normally and you will probably feel sick.

Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases Caused by germs An infection is the result of germs invading the body. If the body cannot fight off germs, disease occurs. Virus, Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa. (cold, flu, strep throat, ringworm, malaria) Noncommunicable Disease that are born with or develop later in life. You cannot “catch” it. Related to heredity, lifestyle or the environment. Many of these are chronic or long lasting.

How are germs spread? Direct Contact (touching an infected area, surface or person). Indirect Contact (from a sneeze or cough, sharing cups, utensils and other items). Contact with Animals (you can get an infection from an infected insect or animal). Other Contacts (eating or drinking contaminated food or water).

The First Line of Defense Your body’s first line of defense includes barriers that keep germs out or trap and destroy them. Skin and Mucous Membranes (lines the inner parts of your body such as your nose, mouth and throat). Saliva, Tears, and Gastric Juices (wash germs away. All contain chemicals that attack and destroy certain germs).

What is your Immune System? The second line of defense if germs get past the barriers and survive the general reactions. A group of cells, tissues, and organs that fights specific germs. Lymphocytes: white blood cells that attack germs. Antibodies: chemicals produced specifically to fight a particular invading substance.

Five Most common communicable diseases Common cold Influenza Mononucleosis Hepatitis Tuberculosis Vaccinations and practicing good health behaviors are the best way to prevent these diseases.

Protection Yourself Wash your hands. Get plenty of exercise and rest. Bathe or shower daily Eat a balanced diet. Don’t share eating or drinking utensils. Food safety Others Wash your hands. Stay away from others when you are sick. Go to the doctor. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Use your arm.

Noncommunicable Diseases 3 ways a person can develop one of these Present at birth (Heredity makes their body function abnormally. Ex. heart defect). Lifestyle (Occurs in people whose lifestyles include unhealthy habits. Ex. smoking, unhealthy diet, obesity). Environmental (caused by poisons in the air, in the water and within buildings. Ex. asthma, cancer).

Heart Disease Includes several diseases of the heart and blood vessels. High blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, arteriosclerosis. # 1 cause of death in the United States Treatment is early identification, lifestyle changes, surgery and medication. Prevention: exercise, healthy diet, decrease stress and not smoking.

Cancer A disease caused by abnormal cells that grow out of control. Many cancers start as tumors. #2 leading cause of death in the United States. A history of cancer in the family increases your risk. Treatment: radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Prevention: Avoid tobacco, use sunscreen, low-fat high-fiber diet

Asthma A chronic breathing disease caused by allergies, physical exertion or other factors. Often shows up before age five. 75% of children outgrow it. Treatment: Prevent attacks from occurring and medication. Prevention: Avoiding triggers that can cause an attack. Ex. animals, over exertion.

Diabetes Prevents the body from using sugars and starches in food for energy. Caused by problems with insulin (hormone produced by the pancreas). Complications can include; blindness, heart disease and kidney problems. Type I: less common and more serious. Born with it or develop it very young. Type II: Can be controlled by regulating their diet and weight. It is estimated that 1 in 3 children today could develop diabetes due to obesity.

Diabetes Continued Symptoms: excess urine, extreme thirst, increased hunger, weight loss, lack of energy, blurred vision. Diagnosed with a blood or urine test. Cannot be cured but can be controlled. Treatment: Daily medication or insulin injections if watching diet and weight is not enough. Prevention of Type II: Live a healthy lifestyle!