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Introduction |
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Health is considered to be the state of perfect functioning of body and mind, unhindered by diseases. Disease is the malfunctioning of the organism or part of it due to infection, inherent weakness or environmental stress, that upsets the normal physiological functioning of the organism. |
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Communicable Diseases |
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These are diseases caused by the entry and development of living organisms such as virus, bacteria, protozoans, worms or fungi into the body. The organism causing the disease may be transmitted from one person to another by means of air, water, food, physical contact and insects (vectors). |
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Communicable Diseases - Continued |
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AIDS is a fatal disease in which the immune system of the body is affected. “Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome” which is the medical expansion for AIDS was first detected in June 1981 in USA. The disease is caused by a retrovirus - HIV (human immuno deficiency virus). |
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Communicable Diseases - Continued |
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This is the most communicable disease in our country and effects mainly children in the age group 0-15 years. Every year 2.5 million people suffer from typhoid. Caused by bacterium salmonella typhi, it passes out through the excreta of the infected person. This is spread by houseflies or directly through contaminated food especially milk and eggs. |
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Non-Communicable Diseases (Non-Infections) |
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Under this category are diseases which do not spread from an infectionous person to a healthy person. These are non-infectious diseases e.g., diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and cancer. Many non-communicable diseases are caused by nutritional deficiency. |
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Nutritional Disorders |
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For the healthy growth of the individual, a nourishing, well balanced diet is required. A diet has nutrients in the right proportion ensures proper growth and development of both body and mind. If the nutrients are inadequate or not in the right proportion nutritional disorders may occur. |
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Nutritional Disorders - Continued |
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Partial paralysis of the skeletal muscles, muscular dystrophy, enlargement of the heart, digestive disturbances, nervous disorder and polyneurites are some of the symptoms of Beri Beri. |
