Noncommunicable Diseases In this lesson, you will Learn About… Diseases that are not spread by germs. What you can do to keep your heart healthy. How you can avoid diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

Noncommunicable Diseases The Vocabulary terms in this lesson are: Chronic Cancer Tumors Allergy Allergen Asthma Diabetes Insulin

What Are Noncommunicable Diseases? Noncommunicable diseases are not spread by germs and cannot be passed from person to person. Some people are born with noncommunicable diseases, while others develop them later in life. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, allergies, and asthma are all examples of noncommunicable diseases.

What Are Noncommunicable Diseases? (cont’d.) If a noncommunicable disease has been passed on to you from a parent, it is called a hereditary disease. Many noncommunicable diseases are chronic. chronic

Causes of Noncommunicable and Hereditary Diseases Diseases Present at Birth Some people are born with noncommunicable diseases. Problems may occur during the development or birth of a baby. Other times, heredity is the cause. Examples of hereditary diseases include allergies, muscular dystrophy, and sickle cell anemia. Many people inherit a tendency to develop certain types of diseases such as heart disease and some cancers.

Causes of Noncommunicable and Hereditary Diseases (cont’d.) Lifestyle Diseases Some noncommunicable diseases are caused by unhealthy habits. For example, having an unhealthy weight and being physically inactive may contribute to heart disease and diabetes. Tobacco use may lead to heart disease or cancer. Environmental Diseases Poisons in the environment may contribute to lung cancer, asthma, and other noncommunicable diseases. Pollution is a factor that can cause disease.

Heart Disease Heart disease includes several problems of the heart and blood vessels. It is the number one cause of death in the United States.

Heart Disease (cont’d.) Arteriosclerosis a group of conditions in which artery walls thicken, harden, and do not stretch as easily, decreasing blood flow; sometimes called “hardening of the arteries” Stroke the destruction of brain tissue caused by lack of blood flow to the brain, often leading to disability or death. High blood pressure a condition in which the blood exerts an unusually high force on the walls of the arteries for a long period of time; also called hypertension. Heart Attack the death of heart tissue caused by lack of blood flow to the heart, often leading to disability or death.

Heart Disease (cont’d.) Many people inherit a tendency to develop heart disease. You can lessen your chances of developing heart disease later in life by adopting healthy habits now.

Heart Disease (cont’d.) Healthy habits that can reduce the risk of heart disease: 1.Stay active – Aerobic activity can strengthen your heart and blood vessels and lower blood pressure. 2.Maintain a healthy weight – Having less body fat reduces the strain on the heart and blood vessels.

Heart Disease (cont’d.) 3.Eat nutritious foods – Choose foods that are high in fiber and low in salt, fat, and cholesterol. 4.Learn to manage stress – Reducing or managing stress can help lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease. 5.Avoid tobacco products – Not using tobacco can lower your risk of stroke and heart attack.

Treating Heart Disease There are many treatments available for heart disease: 1.Medication can dissolve blood clots, enlarge blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and control heartbeat. 2.Surgical procedures can open up blocked arteries or insert devices to regulate heartbeat. 3.Lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and prevent further heart damage. These changes include regular physical activity, healthy eating, and avoiding tobacco.

Cancer Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cells that grow out of control. Many cancers start out as tumors in one tissue or organ.tumors Some tumors are noncancerous, or benign. They do not spread. Tumors that are cancerous, or malignant, invade surrounding tissue. Cancerous cells from the tumor may eventually spread throughout the body.

Cancer (cont’d.) Many people inherit an increased risk of developing cancer. Exposure to cancer-causing substances is the most important factor in the development of cancer. Sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancer. Tobacco use is the single biggest cancer threat.

Cancer (cont’d.) You can lower your cancer risk by: Making healthy choices such as avoiding tobacco use. Protecting yourself from the sun.

Treating Cancer Detecting cancer early improves the chances that it will be treated successfully. Seven warning signs of cancer – CAUTION 1.C hange in bowel or bladder habits. 2.A sore that does not heal. 3.U nusual bleeding or discharge. 4.T hickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere. 5.I ndigestion or difficulty swallowing. 6.O bvious change in a wart or mole. 7.N agging cough or hoarseness.

Treating Cancer (cont’d.) Three common treatments for cancer are: Surgery – Removes tumors and repairs damaged organs. Radiation – Destroys cancer cells. Chemotherapy – Destroys cancer cells with powerful drugs.

Allergies When you have allergies, your immune system reacts to allergens as if they were germs entering your body.allergiesallergens A doctor can perform simple tests to determine the source of an allergy. Although, there is no cure for an allergy, certain medicines can relieve the symptoms. You can also try to avoid the allergen.

Asthma People with asthma experience asthma attacks.asthma If untreated, asthma can lead to lung infections and permanent lung damage. Most people develop asthma during childhood.

Asthma (cont’d.) Narrowed airways Normal airways During an asthma attack, the airways in the lungs become swollen and clogged with mucus.

Asthma (cont’d.) Many factors can trigger an asthma attack, including: Common allergens, such as pollen or mold. The dander in animal fur or hair. Certain foods. Tobacco smoke. Physical activity. A cold virus.

Asthma (cont’d.) To avoid an attack, it’s best to avoid any known allergens or take preventive medicine as prescribed. Medication helps people with asthma lead normal lives.

Diabetes Diabetes is a disease that prevents the body from using the sugars and starches in food for energy. It is caused by problems with insulin, which normally moves sugar into cells.insulin

Diabetes (cont’d.) There are two types of diabetes: In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body is prevented from using insulin effectively.

Reviewing Terms and Facts 1.What is a chronic disease? A chronic disease is a long-lasting disease.

Reviewing Terms and Facts 2.List two noncommunicable diseases and two hereditary diseases. Two noncommunicable diseases are cancer and diabetes. Two hereditary diseases are muscular dystrophy and sickle cell anemia.

Reviewing Terms and Facts 3.Which of these noncommunicable diseases can be triggered by exposure to allergens: diabetes, allergies, or heart disease? Allergies can be triggered by exposure to allergens.

Chapter Review

Reviewing Terms and Facts 1.Define the term immune system. The immune system is a group of cells, tissues, and organs that fight disease.

Reviewing Terms and Facts 2.Give an example of a common communicable disease. Explain what a person with this disease could do to get rid of it or feel better. A common communicable disease is the common cold. Plenty of rest, intake of liquids, and over-the-counter medicines can help the sufferer feel better.

Reviewing Terms and Facts 3.Describe the two main ways that HIV is transmitted. HIV is transmitted mostly through sexual contact and sharing needles. A drug user can become infected with HIV by using a needle that was previously used by a person with HIV.

Reviewing Terms and Facts 4.Compare healthy cell growth to cell growth that occurs in the disease process. Healthy cells in the body are produced at a steady rate as older cells die. In some disease processes, abnormal cells are produced at a very fast rate, destroying the healthy tissue around them.

Thinking Critically 5.What is the difference between a communicable disease and a noncommunicable disease? A communicable disease is a disease that can spread, such as cold. A noncommunicable disease is a disease that does not spread, such as diabetes or cancer.

Thinking Critically 6.How does getting a vaccine help protect both your health and the health of people around you? Vaccines can protect you and the people around you from many communicable diseases. When a person receives a vaccine, his or her body produces antibodies that make him or her immune to the disease. Because the person will not get a certain disease, he or she can’t transmit it to others.

Thinking Critically 7.Why is it important for a person who thinks that he or she has an STD to see a health care provider? If left untreated, STDs can cause serious damage to the reproductive system and other body systems. Therefore, it is important for an infected person to see a health care provider.

Thinking Critically 8.Choose one of the noncommunicable diseases and one of the hereditary discussed. Write a paragraph about how each disease can be prevented and treated. Share your answer with the class.

Vocabulary Review Chronic means long-lasting.

Vocabulary Review Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cells that grow out of control.

Vocabulary Review Tumors are masses of abnormal cells.

Vocabulary Review An allergy is the body’s sensitivity to certain substances.

Vocabulary Review A substance that causes an allergic reaction is called an allergen.

Vocabulary Review Asthma is a chronic breathing disease caused by allergies, physical exertion, air pollution, or other factors.

Vocabulary Review Diabetes is a disease that prevents the body from using the sugars and starches in food for energy.

Vocabulary Review Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas.