Health and disease

• Diseases are a major cause of ill health

  Health is the state of physical and mental wellbeing. Diseases are often responsible for causing ill health
• Diseases can be communicable or non-communicable

  1. Communicable diseases are those that can spread from person to person or between animals and people. They can be caused by things like bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. They’re sometimes described as contagious or infectious diseases. Measles and malaria are examples of communicable diseases.
  2. Non-communicable diseases are those that cannot spread between people or between animals and people. They usually last for a long time and get worse slowly. Asthma, cancer and coronary heart disease are examples of non-communicable diseases
• What are communicable diseases?

  Diseases that can be spread from person to person or between animals and people.
• What are examples of communicable diseases?

  Measles and malaria.
• What are non-communicable diseases?

  Diseases that are not spread between people or between animals and people.
• What are examples of non-communicable diseases?

  Cancer and coronary heart disease.
• How can different types of diseases interact?

  • Immune system issues can increase susceptibility to communicable diseases.
  • Certain viral infections can trigger types of cancer.
  • Pathogen infections can cause allergic reactions or worsen asthma.
  • Severe physical health problems can lead to mental health issues like depression.
• Why do people with immune system problems have an increased chance of suffering from communicable diseases?

  Because their body is less likely to defend itself against pathogens.
• How can certain viruses lead to cancer?

  Infections by certain viruses can cause long-term infections that increase the risk of cancer.
• What is the relationship between HPV and cancer?

  HPV can cause cervical cancer in women.
• How can infections trigger allergic reactions?

  Infections can cause immune system reactions that trigger allergic responses.
• How can severe physical health problems affect mental health?

  They can trigger mental health issues like depression, especially if they impact daily activities.
• What factors other than diseases can affect health?

  • A balanced diet that meets nutritional needs.
  • Levels of stress experienced.
  • Access to medicines and preventive measures.
• How does a poor diet affect health?

  A poor diet can negatively impact both physical and mental health.
• What health issues can arise from constant stress?

  Constant stress can lead to various health issues.
• Why is access to medicines important for health?

  It allows for treatment of illnesses and prevention of diseases.
• What is the importance of understanding the terms communicable and non-communicable diseases for exams?


  They could come up in the exam, and understanding them is crucial.
• What is meant by "health"?

  Health refers to the overall physical and mental well-being of an individual.
• Why is influenza classified as a communicable disease?

  Because it can be spread from person to person.
• What are communicable diseases sometimes described as?

  Contagious or infectious diseases
• Can you name two examples of communicable diseases?

  Measles and malaria
• What are non-communicable diseases?

  Diseases that cannot spread between people
• How do non-communicable diseases typically progress?

  They generally last for a long time and get worse slowly
• Can you name three examples of non-communicable diseases?

  Asthma, cancer, and coronary heart disease
• How can different types of diseases interact?

  • They can cause other physical and mental health issues.
  • Interactions may not seem related at first.
  • Examples include immune system problems leading to increased susceptibility to infections.
• What is a pathogen?

  A microorganism that can cause disease when it infects its host
• How can problems with the immune system affect susceptibility to diseases?

  They can increase the chance of suffering from communicable diseases like influenza
• How can certain viruses trigger cancer?

  Infection by certain viruses can lead to an increased chance of developing cancer
• What is one example of a virus that can lead to liver cancer?

  Hepatitis virus
• How can immune system reactions affect health?

  They can trigger allergic reactions or worsen symptoms of existing conditions
• How can mental health issues be triggered by physical health problems?

  They can arise when physical issues impact daily activities or life expectancy
• What factors other than diseases can affect health?

  • A good, balanced diet
  • Physical activity
  • Lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption)
  • Environmental factors
• How does a poor diet affect health?

  A poor diet can negatively affect physical functioning