Learn: Keeping Healthy

Welcome!Today we'll explore how to keep healthy, focusing on diseases, defences, and prevention strategies. Let's dive in step by step.

What is health?Health is the state of being free from illness or injury. It is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, including lifestyle choices and exposure to diseases.

Communicable vs Non-Communicable DiseasesCommunicable diseases are caused by pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protists, and can be spread between individuals. Examples include measles and malaria. Non-communicable diseases, like diabetes or heart disease, cannot be spread and are often linked to lifestyle, genetics, or environment.

How do infections spread?Infections spread through various methods such as direct contact, air, water, vectors (like mosquitoes), or contaminated surfaces. Understanding these pathways helps us prevent and control diseases.

Human Defences Against DiseasesOur bodies have non-specific defences that protect us from infections. Examples include the skin, mucus, stomach acid, tears, and platelets for blood clotting.

Vaccination and Herd ImmunityVaccination introduces a harmless form of a pathogen to your body, helping your immune system recognise and fight the real pathogen. Herd immunity occurs when enough people are vaccinated, reducing the spread of the disease.

Reducing Transmission of DiseasesStrategies include hygiene (washing hands), sanitation, sterilisation, travel restrictions, destroying infected materials, using contraception, and vaccination. These methods help minimise the spread of infections.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about health, diseases, human defences, and methods to reduce disease transmission. Let's test your understanding with a few final questions.