Unit Two Supporting Non-Curable Infections and Diseases PART 1 (Classes 1-5)

First 5 classes... What is an infection? What is a disease? Definition of non-curable Examples: notes on various NCIDs Holistic health charts Take-Home Assignment (20 marks) Class Discussions Representation of Learning (50 marks)

By the end of these classes... I can show I understand the impact of in/formal supports for those affected with or affected by non- curable infections and diseases.

Definitions Infection: an organism inside of someone which gets its nourishment from that person, it colonizes that person and reproduces inside them. The human with that organism (germ) inside is called the host. Parasites Fungi Bacteria It is only considered to be an infection if the organism is causing harm to the host. Examples: urinary tract infection Fungal infection Bladder infection

Definitions (cont’d) Disease: is any disturbance or anomaly in the normal functioning of the body that probably has a specific cause and identifiable symptoms. A widespread disease is called an epidemic, and a disease which is global is called a pandemic. Infectious Disease: a disease as the result of an infection. Examples: HIV/AIDS Epilepsy Obesity Mad cow disease, swine flu, and avian influenza as examples of pandemics.

Definitions (cont’d) Non-curable or Incurable: describing something for which there is no cure. This does not mean that the illness or disease is not treatable. Example: Cancer can be treated, but there is no cure.

Definitions (cont’d) Chronic: Persists for a long time, or constantly recurring. Acute: of a short duration but typically severe Bloodborne pathogen: can be spread by contamination of blood Immune System: a system that protects the body from foreign substances and pathogens by producing the immune response.

Non Curable Infections/Diseases WE WILL BE FOCUSING ON... Hepatitis C HIV Diabetes Cancer Lupus

HEPATITIS C

FACT, or FICTION? Hepatitis C is only contracted through unprotected sex. FICTION Someone with Hepatitis C may eventually need a liver transplant. FACT You shouldn’t hug someone with Hepatitis C because you might get it Some people’s bodies naturally get rid of Hepatitis C before it becomes more serious

What is it? A live disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus, which attacks the liver. Many people infected never feel sick and completely recover. If the body is not able to fight off the virus, one may develop chronic hepatitis which can lead to cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure and even liver cancer later in life. It is considered a “silent” disease because often no symptoms appear until your liver is severely damaged.

How is it contracted? Hepatitis C travels through the blood, and is contracted when blood infected with the Hepatitis C virus gets into the blood stream. Exposure is risked by using injection drugs, getting tattoos, piercings, pedicures, manicures or medical procedures with improperly sterilized equipment, sharing personal hygiene items with an infected person (razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers), or having had a blood transfusion prior to July 1990. (www.liver.ca)

Symptoms Symptoms often do not appear until the liver is severely damaged. Many people never feel sick and completely recover. Others get a brief, acute illness with fatigue, loss of appetite, and skin and eyes turning yellow (jaundice) If the body is not able to fight the virus, chronic hepatitis is developed, which can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer later in life. Once you have developed Hepatitis C and your body cannot fight it off, you will always have the virus in your body.

Managing Hepatitis C Regular exercise and healthy eating is the best way to manage the chronic fatigue that is associated with Hepatitis C. For some patients, drug treatment may be appropriate. This consists of a combination of injections once a week (administered by a physician) and pills taken daily.

HIV

What is it? Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV weakens the immune system, leaving the body unable to fight off certain infections. When a person has HIV and becomes sick from one or more of these infections, they have AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome Although there is no cure for HIV, with proper care and treatment most people with HIV can avoid getting AIDS and stay healthy for a long time.

How is it Contracted? HIV can only be contracted by the virus entering the bloodstream. The virus can be transmitted through blood, vaginal fluids, semen, and breast milk. A person can get HIV by having unprotected sex, by sharing needles or other drug use equipment, razors or toothbrushes that have blood on them. Females can pass the virus to babies while breastfeeding. HIV CANNOT BE PASSED through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands, sharing food or toilet seats.

Symptoms A person can have HIV and not know it because there may be no symptoms for many years. A mild flu may be developed 2-4 weeks after becoming infected. HIV prevents the body from fighting off otherwise harmless infections, like the flu and can develop into AIDS. Eventually, an infected person can become sick with life threatening infections.

Managing HIV Anti-HIV drugs must be taken every day to keep it under control. Today there are 31 antiretroviral drugs approved to treat HIV. These drugs suppress the virus, even to undetectable levels, but do not completely eliminate HIV from the body. Individuals who are medicated for HIV can still transmit the virus to others, and must continuously take these drugs in order to maintain their health quality.

DIABETES

What is it? Diabetes describes a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar Either because insulin production is inadequate And/or because the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin There are three types of Diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes: the body does not produce insulin. Usually developed in early adulthood or teenage years Type 2 Diabetes: the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function. 90% of all diabetes cases are type 2. Gestational Diabetes: Affects females during pregnancy. High levels of glucose in the blood, and the body is unable to produce enough insulin to transport it all. <Canadian Diabetes Association> More than 9 million Canadians are living with Diabetes. Insulin encourages your body’s cells to drain glucose from your blood and store it as glycogen in the liver and muscles, which is in turn used as an energy sort. If insulin levels are low or non-existent the body will start to use fat as an energy source which then can impact other areas and functions of the body.

How is it Contracted? Diabetes is genetic. People most at risk include someone of Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian or African descent, and individuals who are overweight (will most of the weight carried around the middle) Other people at high risk include those who have: A parent, brother or sister with diabetes Health complications associated with diabetes Given birth to a baby over 9 pounds Had gestational diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol or other fats in the blood

Symptoms Unusual thirst Frequent urination Weight change (gain or loss) Extreme fatigue or lack of energy Blurred vision Frequent or recurring infections Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal Tingling/numbness in hands or feet

Management Lifestyle changes (healthy meal plan, weight control, physical activity) can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Physical activity Nutrition Weight management Medication Type 1 is always treated with insulin Type 2 may require medications/insulin along with healthy lifestyle changes Stress reduction Blood pressure

CANCER

What is it? Cancer is a disease cause by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of a body, leading to a malignant growth or tumor. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through blood and lymph systems. There are more than 100 types of cancer. Main categories: Carcinoma Sarcoma Leukemia Lymphoma and myeloma Central nervous system cancers www.cancer.ca

How is it contracted? All cancers begin in cells. The genetic material (DNA) of a cell can become damaged, producing mutations that affect normal cell growth and division. Cells do not die when they should, and new cells form when the body does not need them. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a tumor http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/cancerlibrary/what-is-cancer

Symptoms There are so many different types of cancer and many symptoms that go with them. The first sign that a malignant tumor has spread is often swelling of nearby lymph nodes, but can metastasize to almost any part of the body. It is important to know one’s family history and understand the signs to look for to ensure that cancer is found in it’s earliest stages

A story about malignant melamona http://cancergameplan.ca/blog/2012/07/idhatetobefra nk/

Management There are different ways to manage the many types of cancer, but no cure. Radiation: use of high-energy radiation to kill dancer cells by damaging their DNA. Must be carefully plan as radiation can damage healthy cells as well. Chemotherapy: drugs which are put into the body to kill cells that divide rapidly. Removal: surgery to go in and take out infected cells when possible. The most important part of effective management is knowing your body and paying attention to any warning signs. Check for differences in the body and keep track of changes carefully. Chemo also harms cells that divide rapidly under normal circumstances: in the bone marrow, digestive tract, hair follicles.

LUPUS

What is it? A chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system forms antibodies that attack healthy tissues and organs. May be a mild disease that affects only a few organs; or may become life-threatening. Discoid Lupus: affects skin, causing a rash and lesions usually across the face and upper part of the body. Systemic Lupus erythemastosus: can attack any body organ or system such as joints, kidneys, brain, heart and lungs. If not controlled, can be life threatening. Drug-induced Lupus: a reaction to medication Half a million Americans affected.

How is it contracted? Doctors do not know exactly what causes lupus, however most believe it results from both genetic and environmental stimuli. It is believed to be possible to inherit a genetic predisposition to lupus. It is possible that this makes the disease more likely only after coming into contact with some environmental trigger: Extreme stress Exposure to ultraviolet light (usually from sunlight) Smoking Some medications & antibiotics Some infections, including Fifth Disease and Hepatitis C More common in females

Symptoms Achy joints, arthritis, swollen joints Swelling of hands and feet due to kidney problems Fever of over 38 degrees C Prolonged or extreme fatigue Skin lesions or rashes Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose Anemia Pain in chest on deep breathing, shortness of breath Hair loss or alopecia Sun or light sensitivity Abnormal blood clotting problems Seizures Dry eyes Easy bruising .........

Management Early diagnosis and proper medical treatment can significantly help control the disease and symptoms Minimizing symptoms, reducing inflammation pain, helping maintain normal function, and preventing serious complications. Treatments are usually tailored to the specific problems that arise in each person. Medication and dosages with vary depending on the severity of the disease.

Holistic Health Charts Complete the following chart about how non-curable infections and diseases affect the individual, family, and community of the individual when there are no supports available. Individual Family Community Physical Mental Spiritual Emotional Students should have their own charts to fill out in groups. Go through and discuss (allow 5-10 minutes)

Take-Home Assignment Explore the recommended follow-up procedures and supports for those who test positive for HIV /15 Talk about how HIV testing is a support service. /5 Roughly ½ page per question.

Class Discussion How can formal/informal supports affect individuals dealing with NCIDs? Families of individuals dealing with NCIDs? Communities of individuals dealing with NCIDs?

Representation of Learning: Wrap Up Be able to: Describe the effects of non-curable infections/diseases, including HIV and Hepatitis on families and communities. (CHART) Recognize that some non-curable infections, including HIV, are linked to risky behaviours and not to particular groups of people, and use this knowledge to determine when people should be tested for HIV. Examine the types of informal and formal community supports available for people infected and/or affected by non- curable infections/diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. Consider the impact that education has on the kinds of supports available in communities for people infected with/affected by non-curable infections.