Diseases

Diseases

• They can either be– Communicable : which

means you can catch it from someone else.

– Uncommunicable: you cannot catch it.

• They can be caused by– Pathogens– Environmental factors– Genetics– Or a combination of the

factors

Pathogens

• Pathogens are agents that cause the disease– They can be viruses, bacteria, protist, fungi, or

worms

• Vectors: Are organisms that carry the pathogen but are not affected. – Example: Mosquitoes carry the protist that causes

malaria.

VirusesRetroviruses like HIV have a high rate of mutation!!!

Several viruses can be prevented by

vaccines.

Examples of viruses: HIV: causes AIDSInfluenza ( Flu)

Smallpox

Vaccination has basically eliminated smallpox!

Wash your hands and cover your mouth

Bacterial Diseases

• Diseases that are caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics.

• Some diseases like TB have mutated to have antibiotic resistant strains.

• Example of bacterial diseases: Streptococcus ( strep throat), Cavities, and staph infections.

Bacteria can live outside a host and in many environments.So Wash YOUR HANDS!!!!!!

Malaria: parasitic disease( Plasmodium) that is carried by mosquitoes.

People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Each year 350-500 million cases of malaria occur worldwide, and over one million people die.

People who are have the sickle cell trait do not get sick with malaria.

Environmental Toxins

• Some problems can be triggered by chemicals in the environment. Pregnant women should avoid sources of mercury and lead.

Mercury: Can be found in tuna fish and other types of fish. It causes disorders to the nervous system if a

person eats a lot of it.

Lead: This element is often in paint and piped in older houses. Children can have severe

developmental disorders if they ingest a lot of it.

Diabetes

• This is a disease that affects the pancreas’ ability to regulate sugar( glucose) in the body)

• Factors that cause diabetes– Heredity: Some people have a

gene that causes them to be predisposed to diabetes.

– Diet and exercise: People who are overweight are more likely to have problems.

– The two factors combined increase the chances of having diabetes.

Bad Health Habits can lead to health problems

Skin cancer can be avoided by wearing sunscreen.

Mouth and lung cancer can be prevented by not smoking.

Make sure you get some sunshine so that your

body can make vitamin D and your bones will be

healthy.

Ways to stay healthy

• Eat a balanced diet– Reduces chances of diabetes– Reduces chances of cardiovascular diseases and strokes

• Drink Milk : provides calcium for strong bones.• Exercise

– Reduces chances of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.