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Questions:
a) Write down what is meant by a "healthy lifestyle".
b) Which environmental factors could enhance the distribution of AIDS?
c) What do you see as your own responsibility towards yourself as well as to others with regard to HIV/AIDS?
2. TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
It is a disease, caused by bacteria, that normally affects the lungs but which can also affect the spinal cord, heart and kidneys. It is highly infectious, as small droplets of spittle containing the bacteria that are dispersed through the air when the infected person coughs are inhaled by other people. According to estimates, one infected person communicates the disease to three other people before treatment of the infected person commences. When or an infected person does not complete the course of treatment, it is estimated that he or she will infect ten other people before he or she dies.
The symptoms include a cough that lasts for weeks, weakness, night sweats, pains in the chest and coughing up of blood.
By keeping the body strong and taking care when among people. People who are within breathing distance of people infected with TB are very vulnerable. Good housing is important.
People who work in mines where there is silica (a type of rock) are also vulnerable.
Anybody who shows symptoms of the disease should be tested straight away, so it is important for people to be informed about the disease.
Yes. Tests can be done at clinics, hospitals and by doctors. Treatment takes from six to nine months. The danger is that TB sufferers begin to feel better after a few days of treatment and then stop taking the medication. At this stage only a small number of the bacteria have actually died and the rest have started building up resistance to the disease. This means that the medication is less effective when the condition of the patient worsens, and many such patients eventually die from the disease.
Plan a campaign to improve the problem of TB in South Africa.
3. MALARIA
malaria is a disease that is caused by a unicellular organism that lives and multiplies in the red blood corpuscles and destroys the cell when it breaks free. The organisms multiply extremely rapidly and very quickly cause severe illness in the form of chills and fever, leading to the death of the affected person.
The organism gains entry into the body when an infected mosquito bites the person.
By avoiding areas where malaria occurs, by wearing long-sleeved clothing and by applying mosquito repellents to the skin. Mosquitoes can also be controlled by means of poisons. All the countries in an affected region need to co-operate, otherwise the disease easily spreads back again. The measures also have to be continued for long enough. In the past, efforts to eradicate the mosquitoes have not been successful.
Yes, provided they react quickly when the symptoms of infection occur and they are able to get medical help. Prophylactic medication (that stops you getting the disease) is relatively effective, but has to be taken correctly. The medication has to be continued for four weeks after leaving the infected area.
The malaria organism is able to adapt very rapidly and to build up resistance against medication. This means that medication might be effective initially, but can systematically lose effectiveness.
The initial symptoms are like those of influenza, but the headaches and nausea become acute and are followed by a high fever.
Investigate the possibility of fighting malaria by treating or changing the areas where malaria is rife.
| Learning outcomes (LOs) |
| LO 1 |
| Promotion of Health The learner is able to make informed decisions concerning personal, community and environmental health. |
| We know this when the learner: |
| 1.1 plans an action in which laws and/or policies for protecting environmental health are applied to address an environmental health issue; |
| 1.2 critically analyses the causes of common diseases in relation to socio-economic and environmental factors; |
| 1.4 indicates that he/she is able to take responsible and informed decisions on personal and environmental safety; and; |
| 1.5 examines a health and safety issue related to violence, and proposes alternatives to violence as well as counter-strategies. |
| LO 2 |
| Social Development The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to constitutional rights and responsibilities, and to show an understanding of diverse cultures and religions. |
| We know this when the learner: |
| 2.1 discusses the violation of human rights and plans counter strategies; |
| 2.2 explains how democratic processes can be employed to deal with local problems; |
| 2.3 discusses how he / she would promote nation building in different contexts; |
| 2.4 critically evaluates changes in cultural norms and values in terms of personal and community issues; and |
| 2.5 is able to discuss the contributions made to social development by organisations from within different religions. |
LO 5
Orientation with Regard to the World of Work
The learner will be able to make informed decisions about further study and career choices.
We know this when the learner:
5.1 identifies and discusses career and study choices and their corresponding requirements;
5.2 investigates career and study opportunities related to own interests and abilities.
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