Aids to Health

Health: State of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Not just absence of disease.

Dimensions of Health: (1) Physical health, (2) Mental health, (3) Social health, (4) Spiritual health.

Determinants of Health: (1) Genetics, (2) Environment, (3) Lifestyle, (4) Healthcare access.

Public Health: Health of population as a whole. Focuses on prevention and promotion.

Community Health: Health status of community. Influenced by social, economic, environmental factors.

Nutrition: Process of obtaining and utilizing food for growth, energy, and maintenance.

Balanced Diet: Contains all nutrients in correct proportions. Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, fiber.

Macronutrients: Required in large amounts. Carbs (energy), proteins (growth), fats (energy storage).

Micronutrients: Required in small amounts. Vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, K) and minerals (Ca, Fe, I, Zn).

Malnutrition: Deficiency or excess of nutrients. Undernutrition (kwashiorkor, marasmus), overnutrition (obesity).

BMI (Body Mass Index): Weight (kg) / Height (m)². Normal: 18.5-24.9, Overweight: 25-29.9, Obese: ≥30.

Dietary Guidelines: Eat variety of foods, limit salt/sugar/fats, stay hydrated, regular meals.

Hygiene: Practices that maintain health and prevent disease.

Personal Hygiene: (1) Regular bathing, (2) Clean clothes, (3) Oral hygiene, (4) Hand washing, (5) Nail care.

Environmental Hygiene: (1) Clean surroundings, (2) Proper waste disposal, (3) Safe water, (4) Pest control.

Food Hygiene: (1) Wash hands before eating, (2) Cook food thoroughly, (3) Store food properly, (4) Avoid contaminated food.

Mental Hygiene: Stress management, adequate sleep, positive thinking, social support.

Benefits: Prevents infections, improves quality of life, boosts immunity.

Communicable Diseases: Spread from person to person. Examples: Tuberculosis, Malaria, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19.

Non-communicable Diseases: Not infectious. Examples: Diabetes, Hypertension, Cancer, Heart disease.

Vectors: Organisms that transmit diseases. Mosquitoes (malaria), Houseflies (cholera), Rats (plague).

Prevention: Vaccination, sanitation, vector control, healthy lifestyle.

Epidemics: Sudden increase in disease cases in population.

Pandemics: Epidemics that spread across countries. Example: COVID-19.

Immunity: Ability of body to resist infections.

Types: (1) Innate immunity (natural, non-specific), (2) Acquired immunity (specific, develops after exposure).

Innate Immunity: (1) Skin barrier, (2) Mucus membranes, (3) Phagocytes, (4) Natural killer cells.

Acquired Immunity: (1) Active (after infection or vaccination), (2) Passive (antibodies from mother or injection).

Vaccination: Introduction of weakened/killed pathogens or toxins to stimulate immunity.

Types of Vaccines: (1) Live attenuated, (2) Killed, (3) Toxoid, (4) Subunit, (5) mRNA vaccines.

National Immunization Program: Vaccines for polio, BCG, DPT, measles, hepatitis, etc.

Herd Immunity: Protection of unvaccinated individuals when majority is vaccinated.

Diagram Importance: Diagram showing types of immunity and vaccination process is crucial.

First Aid: Immediate care given to injured or ill person before medical help arrives.

Principles: (1) Preserve life, (2) Prevent worsening, (3) Promote recovery.

Common Procedures: (1) CPR for cardiac arrest, (2) Heimlich maneuver for choking, (3) Bandaging for wounds, (4) Splinting for fractures.

Emergency Kit: Bandages, antiseptics, scissors, gloves, painkillers, thermometer.

Training: Learn from certified organizations like Red Cross.

Legal Aspects: Good Samaritan laws protect first aiders.

Diagram Importance: Diagrams of first aid procedures like CPR and bandaging are important.

Substance Abuse: Harmful use of drugs or alcohol.

Types: (1) Alcohol abuse, (2) Tobacco use, (3) Drug addiction (opioids, cannabis, cocaine).

Effects: (1) Physical (liver damage, cancer), (2) Mental (depression, anxiety), (3) Social (relationship problems).

Prevention: (1) Education, (2) Strict laws, (3) Rehabilitation centers, (4) Family support.

Government Initiatives: (1) National Drug Policy, (2) Awareness campaigns, (3) Prohibition in some states.

Mental Health: Emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Common Disorders: (1) Depression, (2) Anxiety, (3) Schizophrenia, (4) Bipolar disorder.

Causes: (1) Genetic, (2) Environmental, (3) Stress, (4) Trauma.

Signs: (1) Persistent sadness, (2) Withdrawal, (3) Sleep disturbances, (4) Suicidal thoughts.

Management: (1) Counseling, (2) Medication, (3) Lifestyle changes, (4) Support groups.

Stigma: Negative attitude toward mental illness. Needs to be reduced through education.