Mr. Chapman Science 8

Do You Know Anyone Who Has It?

 In people who have asthma, something causes their airways to become narrowed. This makes it difficult to breathe.  This can be many things, such as allergens (things like pollen that cause allergic reactions), or even physical activity.

 Asthma Triggers - Colds - Allergies - Smoke - Dust - Pets - Physical Activity  Asthma Symptoms - Coughing - Wheezing - Tight Chest - Difficulty Breathing Even some young children need to use an inhaler, a device that opens up the airways of a person suffering from the symptoms of asthma.

 All kinds of things can affect the health of your cells. These include the following: 1. Diseases or conditions that you inherited from your family. 2. Bacteria or viruses that cause infection. Virus that infects bacteria Bacteria cell

3. Sensitivity to environmental conditions (such as smog) or specific substances (like pollen, dust, or dairy) 4. Response to physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual stress. 5. How you treat your body in general (diet choices, exercise, etc)

Remember that blood cells are specialized cells that carry oxygen to your body. In sickle cell anemia, some of the blood cells are shaped in a curvy, pointy manner. Can you think of why this would reduce the oxygen your body can receive? The big purple-looking white cell in this picture is a white blood cell. Do you know what white blood cells are for? How do they protect your body from disease and infection?

Some factors that affect your health are obviously beyond your control. Clearly, you can’t help it if you have asthma or another disease! However, there are many factors that health that are a matter of personal choice. If you play video games 8 hours a day, eat nothing but chocolate bars and never exercise, you obviously won’t do to well for your body! With a partner, explain why each of the following factors affect your health!

1. Exercise 2. Nutritious Food 3. Sleep

 Exercise is important to your body because it causes your heart to beat faster and forces you to breathe harder.  This strengthens the heart and lungs and helps your body do a better job of delivering oxygen to all its cells.  Exercise also builds muscle, helping to protect your body from injury.

 Food is the fuel that runs your body and a balanced diet provides your cells with the energy they require to function and grow.  All foods do not contain the same nutritional value. Following Canada’s Food Guide is a good way to ensure you are eating properly.

 Sleep is very important for good health. While you sleep, your body continues to produce all the substances necessary to repair cells and tissues and build muscles.  It is harder to learn without enough sleep, and we need sleep in order to be alert and think clearly during the day.  Sleeping poorly can also contribute to other health problems, like high blood pressure and heart disease.