Health Health and and DiseaseDisease

What your syllabus says…What your syllabus says…

►Prescribed Focus AreasPrescribed Focus Areas

►5.1explains how social factors influence 5.1explains how social factors influence the development and acceptance of the development and acceptance of scientific ideasscientific ideas

►5.3evaluates the impact of applications 5.3evaluates the impact of applications of science on society and the of science on society and the environmentenvironment

►5.5analyses how current research might 5.5analyses how current research might affect people’s livesaffect people’s lives

► KnowledgeKnowledge

► 5.12technology5.12technology► b) Discuss the benefits and problems b) Discuss the benefits and problems

associated with medical and industrial uses of associated with medical and industrial uses of nuclear energy describenuclear energy describe some medical some medical applications of electromagnetic radiationapplications of electromagnetic radiation

► 5.85.8.45.85.8.4 relates the structure and function of relates the structure and function of living things to models, theories and lawsliving things to models, theories and laws

► HumansHumans► a) Describe the role of, and interaction a) Describe the role of, and interaction

between, coordination systems in maintaining between, coordination systems in maintaining humans as functioning organismshumans as functioning organisms

► b) Describe some responses of body systems b) Describe some responses of body systems to infectious and non-infectious diseasesto infectious and non-infectious diseases

SkillsSkills

5.13.3 Choosing equipment or resources5.13.3 Choosing equipment or resources Describe ways to reduce the risk to themselves and others Describe ways to reduce the risk to themselves and others

when working in the laboratory or field.when working in the laboratory or field.5.14 Performing first-hand investigations5.14 Performing first-hand investigations follow the planned procedure when performing an follow the planned procedure when performing an

investigationsafely and efficiently construct, assemble and investigationsafely and efficiently construct, assemble and manipulate identified equipment manipulate identified equipment

g) record data using the appropriate unitsg) record data using the appropriate units5.16accesses information from a wide variety of secondary 5.16accesses information from a wide variety of secondary

sourcessources5.17explains trends, patterns and relationships in data and/or 5.17explains trends, patterns and relationships in data and/or

information from a variety of sourcesinformation from a variety of sources5.18selects and uses appropriate forms of communication to 5.18selects and uses appropriate forms of communication to

present information to an audiencepresent information to an audience5.19uses critical thinking skills in evaluating information and 5.19uses critical thinking skills in evaluating information and

drawing conclusionsdrawing conclusions

Focus VerbsFocus Verbs

► IdentifyIdentify►DescribeDescribe►ExplainExplain►DiscussDiscuss►outlineoutline

SpellingSpelling

► VaccineVaccine► InfectiousInfectious► HealthHealth► AntibodyAntibody► DiseaseDisease► VirusVirus► TraditionalTraditional► ImmuneImmune► PathogenPathogen► BacteriaBacteria► MedicineMedicine► SystemSystem

Let’s Make a GlossaryLet’s Make a Glossary

► Construct a table that will show the terms and Construct a table that will show the terms and their meanings used in the spelling list. You their meanings used in the spelling list. You will add to this glossary throughout the topic.will add to this glossary throughout the topic.

► Glossaries are a very useful tool for studying Glossaries are a very useful tool for studying for exams because they let you define terms for exams because they let you define terms in your own words clearly in questions and in your own words clearly in questions and know what key words you can use instead of know what key words you can use instead of being conversational in your answers. This will being conversational in your answers. This will help you to get better marks in your School help you to get better marks in your School Certificate.Certificate.

DiseaseDisease►The study of disease is called The study of disease is called

pathology pathology and people working in and people working in this field are called this field are called pathologistspathologists. .

►A disease is defined in biology as A disease is defined in biology as anything that stops the body anything that stops the body functioning properly. This does not functioning properly. This does not only include the flu, but also other only include the flu, but also other conditions such as colour conditions such as colour blindness.blindness.

►NOW add these to your glossaryNOW add these to your glossary

Other definitions you will need to Other definitions you will need to remember are :remember are :

• • An An organism organism is any living thing.is any living thing.

• • A A micro-organism micro-organism (often called a (often called a microbe) is a very small organism microbe) is a very small organism that cannot be seen with the naked that cannot be seen with the naked eye but can be seen using a eye but can be seen using a microscope. Some micro-organisms microscope. Some micro-organisms consist of only one cell. consist of only one cell.

• • An An pathogen pathogen is an organism that is an organism that causes disease.causes disease.

• • A A host host is the organism being affected is the organism being affected by the pathogen.by the pathogen.

• • A A parasite parasite is a pathogen that is a pathogen that uses the host for food and/or uses the host for food and/or shelter and has a negative shelter and has a negative effect on the host.effect on the host.

• • An An infection infection is where a is where a pathogen enters the body and pathogen enters the body and is able to cause disease. The is able to cause disease. The pathogen will multiply and pathogen will multiply and have numbers that are so have numbers that are so large that symptoms will large that symptoms will show.show.

► SYMPTOMS are the physical effects on the SYMPTOMS are the physical effects on the body by a disease. These can include fever, body by a disease. These can include fever, increased sweating, a rash, coughing etc.increased sweating, a rash, coughing etc.

► INCUBATION PERIOD is the time between INCUBATION PERIOD is the time between entry of the pathogen and the development entry of the pathogen and the development of symptoms. Some diseases have short of symptoms. Some diseases have short times, such as influenza and ebola. Others times, such as influenza and ebola. Others have longer times, such as up to 3 weeks have longer times, such as up to 3 weeks with Chickenpox. This can be a problem with Chickenpox. This can be a problem because the hosts can be spreading the because the hosts can be spreading the disease before they know they have it.disease before they know they have it.

► TRANSMISSION is the passing of disease TRANSMISSION is the passing of disease from one person to another.from one person to another.

• • Virulence Virulence is a measure is a measure of how much damage a of how much damage a disease does to the host. disease does to the host. Highly virulent diseases Highly virulent diseases cause very serious cause very serious symptoms, perhaps symptoms, perhaps death.death.

Can you think of some Can you think of some examples?examples?

Endemic means that a disease regularly affects a small number of people in the population.

What examples do you know of ?

• • An An epidemic epidemic is when there are is when there are higher than normal numbers of higher than normal numbers of people being affected by a people being affected by a particular disease in a certain particular disease in a certain place.place.

► A A pandemic pandemic is when an epidemic spreads is when an epidemic spreads across countries. This was recently an issue across countries. This was recently an issue with the SWINE FLU, and then the Avian with the SWINE FLU, and then the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) before that.Influenza (Bird Flu) before that.

►PFA:5.1 The history of sciencePFA:5.1 The history of science

DescribeDescribe historical cases where historical cases where developments in science have led to developments in science have led to the development of new technologiesthe development of new technologies

Universal Flu Vaccine digital article including videoclip.http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2613604.htm

Causes of DiseaseCauses of Disease

Disease can be caused by many Disease can be caused by many factors, some infectious, some factors, some infectious, some avoidable and others you are born avoidable and others you are born with:with:

• • The body could be invaded by The body could be invaded by micro-organisms suchmicro-organisms such

as bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. These diseases are usually infectious.

Parasites such Parasites such as worms as worms could be could be ‘caught’ from ‘caught’ from other infected other infected people. These people. These would then would then invade the invade the body.body.

Some part of the body Some part of the body could malfunction could malfunction due to some due to some imperfection or fault. imperfection or fault. For example, For example, diabetes can develop diabetes can develop if the pancreas isn’t if the pancreas isn’t working properly.working properly.

• • Environmental factors might cause Environmental factors might cause your body not toyour body not to function properly

(e.g. air and water pollution, normal but still damaging exposure to UV radiation).

Lifestyle factors can also cause Lifestyle factors can also cause disease. These factorsdisease. These factors

are ‘self-inflicted’ and include drug abuse, overuse of alcohol, smoking, sunbaking and high-fat, high-sugar diets.

Genetic disorders Genetic disorders or diseases that or diseases that your parents your parents either had or either had or ‘carried’. You do ‘carried’. You do not ‘catch’ not ‘catch’ these diseases, these diseases, but are born but are born with them.with them.

Infectious DiseaseInfectious Disease

►There are many ways that There are many ways that pathogens can be shared. An pathogens can be shared. An infectious infectious communicable communicable disease disease is a diseaseis a disease

that is transmitted easily from person to person. The disease is said to be endemic if small numbers of cases are present in the population and an epidemic if large numbers of people are affected. An outbreak happens when the disease is suddenly out of control.

Diseases Caused by Micro-Diseases Caused by Micro-OrganismsOrganisms

Not all micro-organisms are harmful to humans. In fact, some are Not all micro-organisms are harmful to humans. In fact, some are very helpful. Some micro-organisms serve as food sources, others very helpful. Some micro-organisms serve as food sources, others help decompose wastes, some help protect us from disease and help decompose wastes, some help protect us from disease and others aid digestion. Only a few micro-organisms cause disease. The others aid digestion. Only a few micro-organisms cause disease. The micro- micro- organisms that cause disease are known as pathogens and include varieties of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi.

BacteriaBacteria►One characteristic that is used to identify One characteristic that is used to identify

bacteria bacteria is their shape. They may be rod-shapedis their shape. They may be rod-shaped (bacilli), spiral (spirilla) or spherical (cocci).(bacilli), spiral (spirilla) or spherical (cocci). All All bacteria consist of only one cell, but theybacteria consist of only one cell, but they can join can join together in pairs, chains or clusters.together in pairs, chains or clusters. Bacteria can Bacteria can multiply very quickly under the rightmultiply very quickly under the right conditions. If conditions. If conditions are not favourable for growth,conditions are not favourable for growth, some some types of bacteria can form thick-walled sporestypes of bacteria can form thick-walled spores that allow them to withstand cold, heat and that allow them to withstand cold, heat and prolongedprolonged drying. They can remain inactive for drying. They can remain inactive for days or evendays or even years. Antibiotics can kill many years. Antibiotics can kill many types of bacteria.types of bacteria.

Common Bacteria ShapesCommon Bacteria Shapes

VirusesViruses►Viruses Viruses are so small that they can be seen only are so small that they can be seen only

with an electron microscope. Viruses are not with an electron microscope. Viruses are not considered to be living things because they do not considered to be living things because they do not self-reproduce, feed, grow, produce waste or move. self-reproduce, feed, grow, produce waste or move. They do move from place to place, but only if they They do move from place to place, but only if they hitch a ride on something else, like other organisms, hitch a ride on something else, like other organisms, wind or water. Viruses are parasitic invaders made wind or water. Viruses are parasitic invaders made of DNA (or a similar material called RNA) in a protein of DNA (or a similar material called RNA) in a protein coat. If viruses come into contact with a suitable cell coat. If viruses come into contact with a suitable cell (called a (called a host cellhost cell) they can attach to the cell and ) they can attach to the cell and enter it. They hijack the cell and force it to make enter it. They hijack the cell and force it to make more virus particles. The cells make so many virus more virus particles. The cells make so many virus particles that they burst open, releasing the virus particles that they burst open, releasing the virus particles, which then invade other cells.particles, which then invade other cells.

►Some viruses invade cells and Some viruses invade cells and remain dormant or inactive for long remain dormant or inactive for long periods of time. An example is the periods of time. An example is the herpes simplex virus, which is herpes simplex virus, which is responsible for cold sores. Cold responsible for cold sores. Cold sores come and go, but the virus is sores come and go, but the virus is always there, awaiting the right always there, awaiting the right conditions for rapid reproduction conditions for rapid reproduction and ‘re-appearance’. Others do not and ‘re-appearance’. Others do not kill the cell they infect, but re-kill the cell they infect, but re-program it in a way thatprogram it in a way that

causes it to become cancerous. Viruses are hard to treat as they are not stopped by antibiotics. With most viral infections you have to wait until your body itself stops the invading virus.

Foot and Mouth Virus

The Problem with VirusesThe Problem with Viruses

►Because they are so Because they are so small, viruses are small, viruses are difficult to isolate in difficult to isolate in the laboratory. They the laboratory. They also multiply so also multiply so rapidly that new rapidly that new strains are appearing strains are appearing all the time. As yet no all the time. As yet no chemicals can chemicals can eradicate a viral eradicate a viral infection.infection.

ProtozoaProtozoa►Diseases caused by Diseases caused by protozoa protozoa

(sometimes called protists) are most often (sometimes called protists) are most often seen in tropical and subtropical areas. seen in tropical and subtropical areas. Like bacteria, protozoa are singlecelled. Like bacteria, protozoa are singlecelled. Most protozoa are harmless to humans, Most protozoa are harmless to humans, but some parasitic types can cause but some parasitic types can cause serious illness. Protozoa sometimes form serious illness. Protozoa sometimes form protective cysts around themselves if protective cysts around themselves if conditions are unfavourable, allowing conditions are unfavourable, allowing them to survive between outbreaks. them to survive between outbreaks. Giardia Giardia and and Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidium are both are both examples of protozoa that contaminate examples of protozoa that contaminate water supplies. water supplies.

►Another example is the Another example is the common tropical disease, common tropical disease, malaria.malaria. Malaria is Malaria is caused by caused by PlasmodiumPlasmodium, , which live in the red blood which live in the red blood cells and cells of the liver. cells and cells of the liver. Falciparum malariaFalciparum malaria, the , the most dangerous type, is most dangerous type, is fatal in about 20% of fatal in about 20% of untreated cases. untreated cases.

•Initial infection occurs through a female Anopheles mosquito bite.

FungiFungi►Very few Very few fungi fungi cause cause

disease in humans and disease in humans and those that do commonly those that do commonly invade the hair, skin and invade the hair, skin and nails.nails.

►Fungi are Fungi are opportunistic opportunistic pathogenspathogens. They are not . They are not usually associated with usually associated with infection, but they can infection, but they can cause infection if the cause infection if the conditions are ideal or if conditions are ideal or if the person’s immune the person’s immune system is not working system is not working properly. properly.

•People can have lowered immunity due to a number of causes and all are more susceptible to these fungal infections. Tinea (athlete’s foot), ringworm and thrush are all opportunistic fungal infections.

Diseases Caused by Diseases Caused by Macroscopic ParasitesMacroscopic Parasites

►Parasites that can be seen without a Parasites that can be seen without a microscope are called macroscopic microscope are called macroscopic parasites.parasites.

FlukesFlukes►The most The most

common type of common type of disease-causing disease-causing macroscopic macroscopic parasite is the parasite is the flatwormflatworm. . Parasitic Parasitic flukesflukes are flatworms, are flatworms, bestbest

known for causing disease in many animals, including humans. Intestinal flukes, blood flukes, lung flukes and liver flukes all affect humans, causing damage to the organs they inhabit, resulting in serious illness for the host. For example, blood flukes can damage blood vessels near major organs like the bladder and kidneys.

TapewormTapeworm►Another type of flatworm is the Another type of flatworm is the

tapewormtapeworm, which can sometimes , which can sometimes live in human intestines. One type of live in human intestines. One type of tapeworm causes hydatid disease. If tapeworm causes hydatid disease. If the tapeworms’ eggs are swallowed the tapeworms’ eggs are swallowed by humans, the tiny embryos will by humans, the tiny embryos will hatch hatch

hatch from the eggs and move from the intestines into the bloodstream. Cysts develop wherever the embryos end up, most often in the liver. Here they are capable of killing the host human.

Life Life Cycle Cycle of a of a

Blood Blood FlukeFluke

Bird ‘FluBird ‘Flu►Bird flu, or more correctly avian Bird flu, or more correctly avian

influenza A virus, usually only infects influenza A virus, usually only infects birds. But sometimes these flu strains birds. But sometimes these flu strains mutate into more dangerous forms. mutate into more dangerous forms. This happened in Hong Kong in 1997 This happened in Hong Kong in 1997 when avian influenza (H5N1) when avian influenza (H5N1) infected both poultry and humans. infected both poultry and humans. This was the first time a bird flu had This was the first time a bird flu had ever transmitted directly toever transmitted directly to

humans. During this outbreak, 18 people were hospitalised and six of them died. To control the outbreak, authorities killed about 1.5 million chickens to remove the source of the disease. Further outbreaks occurred in 2003 and 2004.

Similar pandemics have occurred in the past:Similar pandemics have occurred in the past:

• • 1957–58, Asian flu caused about 70 000 deaths.1957–58, Asian flu caused about 70 000 deaths.

• • 1968–69, Hong Kong flu caused approximately 34 1968–69, Hong Kong flu caused approximately 34 000 deaths. This virus still circulates today.000 deaths. This virus still circulates today.

•Pathologists are concerned about the possibility that genes might swap between bird flu and human flu. This could happen if a person got infected with both diseases at the same time. The new bug would then have the potential to be as deadly as bird flu, and as easy to catch as human flu. It could then bring us the next pandemic.

Transmission and Control of Transmission and Control of Infectious DiseasesInfectious Diseases

►You can get infectious diseases by You can get infectious diseases by direct direct or or indirect transmissionindirect transmission..

►Direct transmission comes about by Direct transmission comes about by direct contact with the infected direct contact with the infected person or by contact with droplets of person or by contact with droplets of body fluid. Diseases transmitted by body fluid. Diseases transmitted by direct contact are called direct contact are called contagious diseasescontagious diseases..

►Indirect transmission occurs Indirect transmission occurs through an intermediary agent through an intermediary agent like an insect, air or like an insect, air or contaminated water. Carriers of contaminated water. Carriers of disease are called vectors. An disease are called vectors. An example of a vector is the example of a vector is the mosquito that carries malaria mosquito that carries malaria from person to person.from person to person.

Natural controlNatural control►The first line of defenceThe first line of defence►The human body has several The human body has several

mechanisms for coping with disease. mechanisms for coping with disease. The first defence is the outer layer The first defence is the outer layer of the skin, consisting of dead cells. of the skin, consisting of dead cells. Harmful pathogensHarmful pathogens

on the skin can be shed with the dead cells. There are also a lot of good bacteria on your skin, which help fight the invaders.

►The second line of defenceThe second line of defence

•The second line of defence is in your blood, as white blood cells or leucocytes. They travel in the blood to the site of infection, converge on the pathogens, digest them and engulf their remains. Dead micro-organisms and dead white cells are left behind and form the discharge call pus.

►The third line of defenceThe third line of defence►When invaded by a pathogen your When invaded by a pathogen your

body responds by making body responds by making antibodiesantibodies. These antibodies are . These antibodies are produced in a process called produced in a process called acquired immunityacquired immunity..

►The antibodies float around in the The antibodies float around in the blood and attach to a specific part blood and attach to a specific part of the pathogen, which is called of the pathogen, which is called an an antigenantigen. The antibody . The antibody disables the pathogen, which is disables the pathogen, which is then easily consumed by white then easily consumed by white blood cells, thus destroying the blood cells, thus destroying the threat. A particular antibody will threat. A particular antibody will act against the antigens on only act against the antigens on only one type of pathogen. The body one type of pathogen. The body can continue to produce can continue to produce antibodies long after the pathogen antibodies long after the pathogen has been destroyed. The body will has been destroyed. The body will be be immune immune to that particular to that particular pathogen as long as the pathogen as long as the antibodies are present.antibodies are present.

The The process of process of acquired acquired immunityimmunity

VaccinationsVaccinationsThe threat of many of the killer diseases of the The threat of many of the killer diseases of the

past has been greatly reduced, and past has been greatly reduced, and sometimes eliminated, by the development of sometimes eliminated, by the development of vaccinesvaccines. A person can be . A person can be immunisedimmunised against a certain disease by being injected against a certain disease by being injected (inoculated or (inoculated or vaccinatedvaccinated) with a vaccine. ) with a vaccine. Most children in Australia are routinely Most children in Australia are routinely vaccinated against diseases like polio, tetanus vaccinated against diseases like polio, tetanus and measles, chicken pox and tuberculosis and measles, chicken pox and tuberculosis

Two types of immunity can be producedTwo types of immunity can be producedby vaccines:by vaccines:

► Active immunityActive immunity: the body is : the body is stimulated to make its own stimulated to make its own antibodies. This usually involves antibodies. This usually involves injecting a live but disabled version injecting a live but disabled version of the virus or bacteria. An example of the virus or bacteria. An example is the Sabin polio vaccine, which is the Sabin polio vaccine, which uses a live but non-contagious uses a live but non-contagious strain of the disease.strain of the disease.

►Passive immunityPassive immunity: the body is injected with : the body is injected with antibodies previously produced by another antibodies previously produced by another organism. This is good in emergency situations, organism. This is good in emergency situations, where immunity is needed quickly. Unfortunately it where immunity is needed quickly. Unfortunately it does not last as long as active immunity. active does not last as long as active immunity. active immunity does not last forever. Production of immunity does not last forever. Production of antibodies can reduce with time and a antibodies can reduce with time and a boosterbooster shot shot (re-injection with the vaccine) may be (re-injection with the vaccine) may be needed. needed.

AntibioticsAntibiotics►Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs that are able to are drugs that are able to

selectively kill off certain pathogens selectively kill off certain pathogens while leaving the patient’s own body while leaving the patient’s own body cells intact. Although antibiotics can cells intact. Although antibiotics can fight many bacterial infections, they fight many bacterial infections, they are ineffective against viruses. Overuse are ineffective against viruses. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to and misuse of antibiotics have led to the development of antibiotic-resistant the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. The morestrains of bacteria. The more

antibiotics are used, the more quickly resistant strains emerge. It takes up to 20 years to develop new drugs and soon doctors might be left without any drugs to fight the new strains.

Non Infectious DiseasesNon Infectious Diseases►Genetic disorders are caused by Genetic disorders are caused by

abnormalities in one or more abnormalities in one or more genes—this means that the code genes—this means that the code contained on the chromosomes contained on the chromosomes for building new cells is faulty. for building new cells is faulty. These genetic abnormalities may These genetic abnormalities may be caused by mutations be caused by mutations mutagens mutagens such as radiation, such as radiation, drugs, chemicals and some drugs, chemicals and some viruses may be responsible. viruses may be responsible. Once a new gene mutation has Once a new gene mutation has happened, the disorder it causes happened, the disorder it causes will be passed on to future will be passed on to future generations. Eg Downs generations. Eg Downs syndrome, Haemophiliasyndrome, Haemophilia

Diseases Caused by DietDiseases Caused by Diet

►Malnutrition Malnutrition

People in developing People in developing countries generally do countries generally do not have the quantity or not have the quantity or range of foods that you range of foods that you have, making them have, making them susceptible to susceptible to malnutrition. Vitamin malnutrition. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies and mineral deficiencies can easily cause death.can easily cause death.

►Eating disorders Eating disorders Anorexia nervosa Anorexia nervosa results in severe weight loss, often results in severe weight loss, often enough to cause massive organ enough to cause massive organ failure and death. Bulimia nervosa is failure and death. Bulimia nervosa is a related disorder characterised by a a related disorder characterised by a bingeing and purging cycle. The bingeing and purging cycle. The imbalance of imbalance of electrolytes electrolytes (mineral (mineral salts) that results from this cyclesalts) that results from this cycle may may cause heart failure.cause heart failure.

►Diabetes Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which glucose, the disorder in which glucose, the energy source for your bodies, is energy source for your bodies, is not used correctly due to lack of a not used correctly due to lack of a substance called substance called insulininsulin. Diabetes . Diabetes seems to have some sort of seems to have some sort of genetic component but there is no genetic component but there is no defined pattern of inheritance. defined pattern of inheritance. There are two types of diabetes:There are two types of diabetes:• juvenile onset (Type I)• juvenile onset (Type I)• mature onset (Type II).• mature onset (Type II).

•Being overweight is a common factor in Type II cases. If the insulin deficiency is serious, regular monitoring and injections are needed throughout the patient’s life.

Diseases of the Circulatory Diseases of the Circulatory SystemSystem

► In Australia, heart In Australia, heart disease is the leading disease is the leading cause of death in cause of death in males over 35 and males over 35 and females over 60. Many females over 60. Many of these diseases are of these diseases are caused by poor diet, caused by poor diet, smoking and a lack of smoking and a lack of regular exercise.regular exercise.

Thrombosis and EmbolismThrombosis and Embolism►Thrombosis Thrombosis is a is a

disease that causes a disease that causes a large, solid mass (a large, solid mass (a thrombusthrombus) to form on ) to form on the inside wall of a blood the inside wall of a blood vessel. Sometimes these vessel. Sometimes these large masses can detach large masses can detach and end up blocking and end up blocking major arteries, causing major arteries, causing death. The blockage of a death. The blockage of a blood vessel is called an blood vessel is called an embolismembolism. The . The embolism can result embolism can result from a thrombus, gas, from a thrombus, gas, fat, tumour cells or some fat, tumour cells or some type of foreign body.type of foreign body.

High Blood PressureHigh Blood Pressure

►Hypertension Hypertension is the name given to is the name given to persistent high blood pressure. It can cause persistent high blood pressure. It can cause arteriosclerosisarteriosclerosis, or hardening of the , or hardening of the arteries, and coronary heart disease. The arteries, and coronary heart disease. The worst type of arteriosclerosis is called worst type of arteriosclerosis is called atherosclerosis. It is characterised by fatty atherosclerosis. It is characterised by fatty deposits within arteries. These deposits can deposits within arteries. These deposits can eventually cause arteries to become blocked. eventually cause arteries to become blocked. Atherosclerosis can occur in any part of the Atherosclerosis can occur in any part of the body, not just the heart. It can be inherited, body, not just the heart. It can be inherited, but is also strongly linked to environmental but is also strongly linked to environmental factors like smoking and diet.factors like smoking and diet.

► In WA, a four year study of 50 In WA, a four year study of 50 children aged from 10 to 16 and children aged from 10 to 16 and found that found that allall the children had early the children had early signs of arteriosclerosis. signs of arteriosclerosis.

Varicose VeinsVaricose Veins► Irregularities in vein walls Irregularities in vein walls

and weaknesses in the and weaknesses in the valves can stop blood valves can stop blood flowing back to the heart flowing back to the heart normally. Varicose veins normally. Varicose veins are the result and are are the result and are usually seen in the legs, usually seen in the legs, where blood must fight where blood must fight gravity to get back to the gravity to get back to the heart. Unsightly, bulging heart. Unsightly, bulging veins develop wherever veins develop wherever blood is trapped.blood is trapped.

Heart DiseaseHeart Disease►Coronary heart Coronary heart

disease disease refers to refers to anything that anything that reduces blood flow reduces blood flow to the heart and is to the heart and is usually caused by usually caused by arteriosclerosis. It arteriosclerosis. It can cause milder can cause milder attacks of chest attacks of chest pain, called angina, pain, called angina, or a serious heart or a serious heart failure, called a failure, called a heart attackheart attack. .

CancerCancer►Cancer is one disease that is on the Cancer is one disease that is on the

increase in Australia. Cancer occurs increase in Australia. Cancer occurs when the cell division that produces when the cell division that produces new cells occurs uncontrollably. Cell new cells occurs uncontrollably. Cell division is a carefully controlled process division is a carefully controlled process and even tiny changes within cells can and even tiny changes within cells can be enough to disturb the process and be enough to disturb the process and produce cancer. A produce cancer. A tumour tumour is abnormal is abnormal growth in the body.growth in the body.

►There are two types:There are two types:►• • A A benign benign growth is one in which the cells growth is one in which the cells

are not rapidly dividing. A wart is an example are not rapidly dividing. A wart is an example of a benign tumour.of a benign tumour.

►• • A A malignant malignant growth is one in which growth is one in which uncontrollable growth is occurring—this is uncontrollable growth is occurring—this is cancer.cancer.

►A A biopsy biopsy is carried is carried out to determine out to determine whether a tumour is whether a tumour is malignant or benign. malignant or benign. A small sample of A small sample of tissue is taken, and is tissue is taken, and is then analysed under then analysed under a microscope. Cancer a microscope. Cancer can occur anywhere can occur anywhere in the body. The most in the body. The most common sites for common sites for cancers are the skin cancers are the skin and prostate in men, and prostate in men, and the breasts in and the breasts in women women

►Factors that can Factors that can lead to cancer are:lead to cancer are:

►• • environmentalenvironmental——cigarette smoking cigarette smoking (lung cancer), (lung cancer), exposure to the exposure to the sun (skin cancer), sun (skin cancer), poor diet (bowel poor diet (bowel cancer), and cancer), and exposure to exposure to certain chemicals, certain chemicals, called called carcinogenscarcinogens

►• • genetic predispositiongenetic predisposition—a family —a family history of breast or prostate cancer history of breast or prostate cancer suggests that you have a higher risk of suggests that you have a higher risk of developing those cancers. If a developing those cancers. If a malignant growth is found, it needs to malignant growth is found, it needs to be treated before be treated before metastasis metastasis occurs. occurs. Metastasis is when cancerous cells find Metastasis is when cancerous cells find their way into the circulatory or lymph their way into the circulatory or lymph systems and travel to other parts of the systems and travel to other parts of the body. The disease becomes very body. The disease becomes very difficult to treat once secondary cancer difficult to treat once secondary cancer sites (called sites (called metastasesmetastases) develop.) develop.

►Leukaemia is a type of cancer of the bone marrow Leukaemia is a type of cancer of the bone marrow and the tissues that produce blood cells. The first and the tissues that produce blood cells. The first symptoms are usually fatigue, unexplained bruising symptoms are usually fatigue, unexplained bruising and anaemia, caused by the lack of red blood cells. and anaemia, caused by the lack of red blood cells. An abnormal number of white blood cells appear. An abnormal number of white blood cells appear. Like most cancers, there is no known cure, but Like most cancers, there is no known cure, but many treatment options are available. Common many treatment options are available. Common treatments for cancer are surgery, radiotherapy treatments for cancer are surgery, radiotherapy (using radiation to kill localised growths) and (using radiation to kill localised growths) and chemotherapy (using chemicals to poison cells). chemotherapy (using chemicals to poison cells). These treatments can have serious side effects. These treatments can have serious side effects.

►The best chance for surviving cancer is to detect it The best chance for surviving cancer is to detect it early while it is still small. Never ignore an early while it is still small. Never ignore an unexplained lump anywhere on your body. unexplained lump anywhere on your body.

Abuse of Psychoactive DrugsAbuse of Psychoactive Drugs►A A drug drug is any substance that has the ability is any substance that has the ability

to alter a person’s body chemistry. to alter a person’s body chemistry. Psychoactive Psychoactive drugs are those that alter drugs are those that alter mood. mood. Drug use Drug use is the controlled, beneficial is the controlled, beneficial use of a substance. use of a substance. Drug abuse Drug abuse is when a is when a drug is used in a way that causes negative drug is used in a way that causes negative effects. People who use so-called recreational effects. People who use so-called recreational drugs like Ecstasy or marijuana are often drugs like Ecstasy or marijuana are often unaware of the serious side effects that can unaware of the serious side effects that can occur. Often, users develop mental disorders occur. Often, users develop mental disorders that stay with them for life.that stay with them for life.

Alcohol andAlcohol and Smoking Smoking

►Two of the most widely Two of the most widely used and abused drugs used and abused drugs in modern society are in modern society are the legalised drugs—the legalised drugs—alcohol and nicotine. alcohol and nicotine. Because they are legal, Because they are legal, their use is much more their use is much more widespread, open and widespread, open and accepted than illegal accepted than illegal substances like heroin substances like heroin and amphetamines. and amphetamines.

AlcoholAlcohol► In Australia approximately In Australia approximately

7% of all male deaths and 7% of all male deaths and 4% of all female deaths 4% of all female deaths can be directly attributed can be directly attributed to to alcoholalcohol..

►Alcohol is technically a Alcohol is technically a depressant depressant drug. drug. Although it doesn’t Although it doesn’t necessarily make you necessarily make you depressed, it does depressed, it does depress your central depress your central nervous system, slowing nervous system, slowing down its responses. down its responses.

Alcohol has different effects depending on how Alcohol has different effects depending on how much is consumed: much is consumed:

With a little more alcohol, muscle coordination With a little more alcohol, muscle coordination becomes difficult and speech slurred. Reactions becomes difficult and speech slurred. Reactions are slower and the senses become dulled. Alcohol are slower and the senses become dulled. Alcohol is a cause of around one-third of all road deaths. is a cause of around one-third of all road deaths. Hence the legal blood alcohol limit in New South Hence the legal blood alcohol limit in New South Wales for all learner and provisional licence Wales for all learner and provisional licence holders was reduced to zero in May 2004. holders was reduced to zero in May 2004.

Alcohol initially gives a sense of warmth and Alcohol initially gives a sense of warmth and wellbeing, and a loss of inhibitions.wellbeing, and a loss of inhibitions.

If more alcohol is ingested, If more alcohol is ingested, intoxication occurs. The person will intoxication occurs. The person will be staggering, nauseated, possibly be staggering, nauseated, possibly vomiting, and will have difficulty vomiting, and will have difficulty speaking. People are likely to fall into speaking. People are likely to fall into a coma if their blood alcohol content a coma if their blood alcohol content gets to 0.40%. Death through heart gets to 0.40%. Death through heart and respiratory failure can occur at and respiratory failure can occur at around 0.60%. This rarely happens, around 0.60%. This rarely happens, however, since unconsciousness and however, since unconsciousness and vomiting have usually forced the vomiting have usually forced the person to stop drinking before then.person to stop drinking before then.

►Alcohol also Alcohol also stimulates stimulates urine urine production, production, dehydrating dehydrating body cells. body cells. Part of the Part of the liver is put liver is put out of action out of action while it works while it works on processing on processing alcohol. A by-alcohol. A by-product of all product of all this this processing processing areare

poisonous chemicals that are then released back into the blood. It is a combination of dehydration and these chemicals that give the symptoms of a hangover. Binge-drinking is particularly harmful since it gives no time for the body to process the alcohol.

Chronic Chronic AlcoholAlcohol Abuse Abuse

This causes many ill-effects including:This causes many ill-effects including:• • digestive problems— alcohol destroys the lining digestive problems— alcohol destroys the lining

of the stomach.of the stomach.• • malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies—diet is malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies—diet is

often neglected. Although alcohol is rich in often neglected. Although alcohol is rich in kilojoules, it has no nutrients.kilojoules, it has no nutrients.

• • destruction of the liver—alcohol can cause destruction of the liver—alcohol can cause cirrhosis, a disease where cells are replaced by cirrhosis, a disease where cells are replaced by fibrous tissuefibrous tissue

• • heart damage—alcohol can harden artery wallsheart damage—alcohol can harden artery walls• • destruction of brain cellsdestruction of brain cells• • slow deterioration of the central nervous slow deterioration of the central nervous

system.system.

►The abuse of The abuse of alcohol can result in alcohol can result in the disease called the disease called alcoholismalcoholism, where , where drinking is drinking is compulsive and the compulsive and the person dependent person dependent on it. This on it. This dependence is most dependence is most often psychological, often psychological, but can develop but can develop into a physical into a physical dependence.dependence.

SmokingSmoking►More young women than More young women than men are currently men are currently smokers, one common smokers, one common reason being that it is an reason being that it is an appetite suppressant. The appetite suppressant. The nicotine in tobacco is nicotine in tobacco is addictive and once the addictive and once the habit is formed, it is not habit is formed, it is not an easy one to give up. an easy one to give up. Withdrawal symptoms Withdrawal symptoms include intense craving, include intense craving, anxiety, sweating, anxiety, sweating, depression, sleep depression, sleep problems and difficulty problems and difficulty concentrating.concentrating.

Smokers are likely to Smokers are likely to have:have:

• • more accidents than more accidents than non-smokers, due to non-smokers, due to the slowing down of the slowing down of their reflex actions their reflex actions following a cigarettefollowing a cigarette

• • constriction of blood constriction of blood vessels, which means vessels, which means that smokers’ brains that smokers’ brains don’t work as well as don’t work as well as non-smokers’ brainsnon-smokers’ brains

••

a middle-age death rate twice that of non-smokers• an increased risk of developing many diseases, not just lung cancer• an increased risk of having low birth weight babies with health problems and reduced intelligence if the mother smokes during pregnancy• bad breath• stained teeth and fingers.

Environmental HazardsEnvironmental HazardsExposure to radiation, Exposure to radiation, heavy metals such as lead, heavy metals such as lead, and chemicals such as and chemicals such as asbestos are all asbestos are all environmental hazards that environmental hazards that can cause diseases. can cause diseases. Although these hazards are Although these hazards are usually avoidable, some usually avoidable, some people are exposed to them people are exposed to them without warning. Many without warning. Many environmental diseases environmental diseases have only been diagnosed have only been diagnosed relatively recently, since relatively recently, since many take a long time to many take a long time to develop. Asbestos was oncedevelop. Asbestos was once

thought to be safe and many people innocently exposed themselves to it in the past.

Traditional MedicineTraditional Medicine

Traditional Aboriginal medicine is a Traditional Aboriginal medicine is a complex system linked to the complex system linked to the belief and culture of the people, belief and culture of the people, their knowledge of the land and of their knowledge of the land and of its flora and fauna. its flora and fauna.

Traditional medicine and health care are holistic, taking a whole-being approach. It recognises the social, physical and spiritual dimensions of both health and life. Sorcery remains a potent belief and the casting and removing of spells is still practised.

Good NutritionGood NutritionTo survive, organisms To survive, organisms

must take in must take in nutrientsnutrients. A nutrient is . A nutrient is any substance that is any substance that is used by an organism used by an organism either as a source of either as a source of energy or to build living energy or to build living tissue. Fats, proteins tissue. Fats, proteins and carbohydrates can and carbohydrates can all be used by the all be used by the human body to makehuman body to make

energy and so these are our main nutrients. A balanced diet should consist of a variety of foods including fresh fruit and vegetables, breads and cereals, dairy products, fish, lean meats and water.