HEALTH CARE

Introduction

We often hear that health is wealth and this is very true, No matter how much we study and work hard to earn a big income, without good health, everything is futile.

How do we define health? Health is the complete fitness of the body, soundness of the mind and wholesomeness of the emotion, which make possible the highest

quality of effective living and of service.

Why do we have to study health?

The following are the reasons why we have to study health:

1. Medical health records show that current health practices are poor

2. People’s attitude towards health does not lead to hygienic living

3. People lack basic information regarding health matters

4. Habits affect health and the school can develop health habits

Principles underlying health

1. Heredity, environment and mode of living determine one’s health

2. The students’ health is a joint responsibility of the home, the school as well as the community

3. Teaching health in the school is principally in the hands of the Health teacher

4. Health education is included in the curriculum starting from kindergarten up to college

5. The health specialist of the school should have a better understanding, sympathy, cooperation and support in order to have an effective health education

6. Better accomplishment of the medical and dental and nursing services of the school lies in the health instruction and the development of health, attitude

and habits

7. The promotion of the teacher’s health is important to the health education program as well as to the quality and cost of education

8. What constitutes a valuable element in the health education of the student is the professional skill and initiative of the teacher

9. It is very essential to develop the health practices of the student starting from kindergarten until he becomes old enough to understand the scientific

reasons which these practices rest.

According to Fuentes (1999), women tend to live longer and are generally far healthier than men. Yet they visit the doctor twice as often. This is partly because even

when they are in the best of their health, their basic biological functions – menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause – frequently require medical

intervention.

Further, she said that there is an increasing and predominantly silent crisis in men’s health and well being. Due to lack of awareness, poor health education, and

culturally induced behavior patterns in their work and personal lives, men’s health and well-being are deteriorating steadily. In the 1920’s, the life expectancy of males

and females was roughly the same. Now, life expectancy among males is over 10% lower of 7 years shorter than that of women. The relative slack in men’s health is

due to a number of reasons. The primary reason is that men have been brought up to think it is unmanly to react to pain in their bodies. The consequence is that men are

at greater risk for several of the top killers – heart disease, cancer, suicide, accidents and violence.

Women depend on their gynecologist for female problems, and learn the benefits of early detection for breast cancer through self-examination. Men, on the other hand,

often ignore warning signs and symptoms until the problem becomes serious. Furthermore, there really isn’t a medical specialty to deal with the wide variety of

problems that a man faces.

Essential Facts which man should know (Fuentes, et. al 1999)

1. Heart Disease. One of the leading causes of death among men is heart disease. This disease is brought by lack of concern for diet as well as a stressful

lifestyle.

2. Hospital. Men visit doctors when they can no longer bear the pain. So, if their disease os already severe, the tendency is to stay longer in the hospital.

3. Violence. Men’s tendency is to become aggressive than women. This aggressiveness is brought about by the male hormone, testosterone. What happens is

they end up in jail or in a mental hospital.

4. Addiction. Men are prone to addiction. According to Fuentes, et. al (1999), it is estimated that over two-thirds of alcoholics are men. The reason for this is

the “macho” image in which men seldom share their emotional disturbance with others. Because of these emotional outbursts, they tend to take drugs or alcohol.

5. Accidents. Men are exposed to hazardous jobs especially engineers, pilots, marines, fishermen, etc. So, they are also prone to accidents.

6. Sexually transmitted disease. STD is a disease among men if they do not practice safe sex, or restrain from sexual activities with some low moral

women, especially the prostitutes.

7. Suicide. More men tend to commit suicide than women. Because of the “macho” image, they always keep their problems to themselves. So they are more

likely to commit suicide, as they don’t have any outlet to share their emotions.

8. Impotence. This is brought about by psychological aspects. Other contributors to impotence are: smoking, alcohol, blood pressure medicines and diabetes.

9. Cancer. Accodring to Fuentes, et. al (1999), men are twice as likely to die from cancer than women are. The male specific cancers are: testicular, prostate,

while non-gender specific caners are lung and colon cancers.

10. Stress. Several factors can cause stress among men such as financial problems, poor health, heavy workload, the death of a loved one, work environment

and marriage strife.

Carriers of contagious disease

There are three agent-carriers of disease germs according to Meñez (1970) and these are:

1. Man. Man spreads a contagious disease directly or indirectly. He is a carrier even if he has not been sick with the disease, but carries the germs with him.

2. Water. Drinking water is another carrier of a disease. We also get the disease by using the glass and utensils of a sick person.

3. Food. Food is also a carrier of disease, so let us avoid eating dirty food. Leftover food should always be covered so that flies, rats and cockroaches will not

step on them. In order to avoid getting disease from infected food, you should not buy from the outside vendors, because you are not sure how they prepare, cook and

serve the food.

Fitness and Healthy Living

Fitness relates to physical activity – perhaps a rigorous daily exercise regimen. Others may think of fitness simply as being free from disease and other health problems.

Yet the true definition of fitness is far broader and more personal. It refers to your own optimal health and overall well-being. Fitness is your good health.

Being fit relates to every aspect of your health – physical, emotional, and mental. All the three are interconnected. Nutrition and physical activity are fundamental to

each one.

When you are fit, you have:

1. Stamina and are optimistic in dealing with everyday emotional ups and downs as well as the different mental challenges that are often encountered

2. Reduced risk for may health problems, including serious diseases

3. An attitude of looking and feeling the best

4. Physical strength and endurance to handle yourself in case of an emergency

5. A better future to become an asset to your country

6. Chance for a better quality of life and ready to face challenges

Nutrition

Nutrition is the science that studies nutrients determining what they are, in what quantities they are found in different foods, how they are utilized by the body, and in

what quantities they are needed by the body.

Its is also deifned by Fuentes, et. al (1999), as how the food nourishes your body. Being well nourished depends on getting enough of the nutrients your body needs, but

not too much of the nutrients and energy your body needs.

There are two classes of nutrients. The Macronutrients are relatively in large quantities and make up the bulk of all diets (supply energy). The Micronutrients are

needed in smaller quantities which serve as calorie sources, but play essential role in the body chemistry.

Common deficiency diseases

The common deficiency diseases among children in the Philippines are brought by inadequate nutrients in the body. As the children grow up, it has been noted that the

quantity of balanced food they eat goes down.

Hereunder are the common deficiency diseases:

1. Kwashiorkor – calorie deficiency

2. Vitamin A deficiency

3. Vitamin B deficiency

4. Vitamin C deficiency

Basic elements in food

Food is a substance out together by nature into plant or animal life. There are two general groups of food:

1. Those that give energy for life, growth and repair (energy-growth giving foods)

Under this group are the carbohydrates and protein.

2. Those that are needed by the body to help do its work (regulating foods)

Under this group are minerals, calcium and vitamins.

Water is not food, but plays a very essential part in changing substances for digestion, in helping waste elimination and in regulating our temperature.

Balanced diet food

1. Eat a variety of foods with different nutrients good for your body.

2. Balance the foods you eat so that you can attain good health; eat grain products which are energy giving foods, vegetables and fruits which supply other

nutrients needed by your body.

3. Choose a diet rich in grain products, vegetables and fruits because these are excellent sources of many nutrients like vitamins, minerals, complex

carbohydrates as well as fiber and other healthful food substances.

4. Choose a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Fat is essential for health. It supplies energy, contains essential fatty acids and carries vitamins into your

blood stream, but too much of it can also cause an ailment.

5. Choose a diet moderate in sugars because it can cause diabetes.

6. Choose a diet moderate in salts, especially those who are suffering from high blood pressure. Sodium is a nutrient and a natural part of many foods. It

helps the body maintain fluid balance and regulate blood pressure but a person with high blood pressure is sodium-sensitive.

7. Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation. Drinking higher amount is linked to many health problems.

Common communicable diseases

A disease is the abnormal state or functioning of all or part of the organism. It is also an alteration of the dynamic interaction between an individual and his

environment. On the other hand, a communicable disease is a disease that can be transferred from the source to another person.

Some signs of disease are abnormal changes in temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate. Symptoms are pain and restlessness, though these may not be the same for

all persons.

The following are the different communicable diseases:

1. Sore eyes

2. Chronic bronchitis

3. El tor or cholera

4. Common cold

5. Chicken pox

6. Whooping cough

7. Measles

8. Pneumonia
9. Tuberculosis

10. Dengue fever

11. Typhoid fever

12. Mumps

DRUG EDUCATION

Introduction

A drug is a chemical substance that brings about physical, emotional or behavioral change in a person taking it. Any drug can be harmful when taken in excess. Some

drugs can also be harmful if taken in dangerous combinations or by hypersensitive (allergic) persons in ordinary or even small amounts. Substance like glue, paint

thinners, gasoline and other volatile (breathable) solvents contain a variety of dangerous chemicals. They should be sold and used with caution.

What is Drug abuse?

Drug abuse is the use of any chemical substance, licit or illicit, which results in an individual’s physical, mental or social impairment.

It may refer to any of the following practices:

1. Using, without benefit or prescription, useful drugs which have the capacity to alter the mood or behavior.

2. Using drugs and substances for a purpose different from the one for which the drug has been prescribed.

3. Using drugs and substances having no legitimate medical application for purposes other than research.

Why do people turn to drugs?

These are the reasons ranging from the following:

1. “Medicines” can solve problems

2. Widespread access to various drugs

3. Peer pressure

4. The notion that drugs give enjoyment to users and in the context that it is used as an alcohol substitute

What drugs are commonly used?

Drugs that are commonly abused depending on their pharmacological effects may be classified into:

1. Stimulants – drugs which increase alertness and physical disposition.

Examples are amphetamine, cocaine, caffeine and nicotine

2. Hallucinogens (also called as psychedelics) – drugs which affect sensation, thinking, self-awareness and emotion. Changes in time and space perception,

delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations may be mild or overwhelming, depending on dose and quality of the drug.

Examples are LSD, Mescaline and Marijuana

3. Sedatives – drugs which may reduce anxiety and excitement.

Examples are barbiturates, non-barbiturates, tranquilizers and alcohol

4. Narcotics – drugs that relieve pain and often induce sleep.

Examples are opium and its derivatives (morphine, codeine and heroin)

How can you tell when one is abusing drugs?

A person who is abusing drugs has a lot of changes in behavior, appearance and mood. The changes may be pleasant or unpleasant. Thus he is:

1. Irritable, discourteous, defiant and aggressive

2. Untrustworthy and lacks self-confidence

3. Unhealthy and unconcerned with good grooming

4. Has a low frustration tolerance

5. Lacks interest in his studies/work

6. Blames everybody for his problems

7. Prefers his barkada where he feels accepted

What are the ill-effects of drug abuse?

Drug abuse leads to medical and health problems. The physical complications depend to an extent on the specific drug, its source and the way it is used. Among the

physical and mental complications are:

1. Malnutrition. The lives of drug dependents revolve around drug abuse. They miss their regular meals because they lose their appetite.

2. Panic Reaction. The loss of thought processes can cause panic reactions or feelings on invulnerability. Both of these states can lead to injury and death.

The prolonged harmful reactions include anxiety and depressive sates, or breaks with reality, which may last from a few days to months.

3. Physical Damage. In addition to those disease, which accompany the use of unsterile syringes and contaminated drugs these may cause certain medical

problems. Kidney failure, hepatitis, drastic weight loss and vitamin deficiencies are some of the adverse physical complications.

The life of drug abusers is a dreadful one. To support the habit, they resort to committing crimes like stealing, prostitution and gambling, wherein they hamper their

emotional maturation.

What can a person do to prevent drug abuse?

1. Maintain god physical and mental health

2. Use drug properly

3. Understand your own self

4. Develop your potentials

5. Learn to relate effectively to whom you can communicate your problems freely

6. Learn to cope with your problems and other stresses without the use of drugs

7. Seek professional help if you feel you cannot cope with your problems

8. Develop strong moral and spiritual foundations

What are the general facts about Ecstasy, Marijuana, Inhalant abuse, Opiates and Cocaine?

Ecstasy is a synthetic amphetamine – related substance. IT GAINED POPULARITY AS A RECREATIONAL DRUG, FIRST IN THE United States and then later in

Europe and now is increasingly known in other parts of the world. It has the following street names: X, Rave, Love Drug, Flying Saucer, LBD or Libido, Jagged Little

Pill, Artist Drug, Hug Drug, MDA, MDEA, XTC, E, Eckie, and Love Doves. Its scientific name is 3, 4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). A user generally

takes the drug through oral ingestion, but some resort to snorting for its faster effect, but this is usually painful and irritating to the nostrils. Its dosage varies whole

tablet-1 “hit” lasts for about 3 to 5 hours. A typical dose is between 75 mg and 150 mg; one half-tablet – half a bit.

The physiological effects are muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, appetite loss, blurred vision, rapid eye movement, hallucinations,

irritability, faintness, chills, sweating, sleeping problems, increase in heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure, liver & heart damage, and brain hemorrhage.

MDMA is particularly dangerous when taken with alcohol, or by those suffering from heart ailments, diabetes, asthma and psychosis.

The psychological effects are classified into two categories. The first of which are positive psychological effects which include: extreme mood lifts,

increase in willingness to communicate, increase in energy or stimulation, ego softening, feeling of comfort, belonging and closeness to others, feeling of love and

empathy, forgiveness, increased awareness and appreciation of music, increased awareness of senses, profound life-changing spiritual experiences, neurotically based

fear dissolution, experience bright and intense sensations and urge to hug and kiss people. The second category has negative effects which include: inappropriate and

unintended emotional bonding, tendency to say things the user might feel uncomfortable about later, depression and fatigue up to seven days, confusion, drug craving,

severe anxiety and paranoia.

 The short term effects of MDMA are: restlessness, anxiety, pronounced visual and auditory hallucinations at larger dose, increased blood pressure and

heart rate which may lead to cardiac arrest, nausea and vomiting while the long term effects of MDMA are: psychosis, arrhythmia, same effect as with Amphetamines,

psychological dependence, depression.

A user experience grogginess, talkativeness, increased heart rate and palpitation, reverberating feeling, glassy eyes, and hypertension. The after effect of Ecstasy leads

to sudden drop of euphoria and depression. After taking the drug, users usually indulge in sex (with single or multiple partners) and some resort to mental intercourse

(jamming or sex talks.

The signs and symptoms are: poor appetite, disturbed sleeping pattern, erratic behavior, paranoia and suspicious of people.

The penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from five hundred thousand pesos (PhP 500,000.00) shall be imposed upon any person, who unless

authorized by law, shall possess 10 grams of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) regardless of purity to include illegal manufacture, sale, administration,

dispensing, distribution, delivery and transportation.

Marijuana, often called grass, pot, or weed, is a crude drug made from Cannabis sativa, a plant that contains a mind-altering (psychoactive) ingredient called

tetrahydrocannabinol THC. A marijuana “joint” or cigarette is made from the dried leaves, tops and flowers of the plant. Its strength depends on the type of plant, the

weather, the soil and the time of harvest of the plant. Hashish or hash – is made from the extracted resin of the plant. It is usually stronger than crude marijuana and can

be both be smoked and eaten. Marijuana slows down the user’s mental and psychomotor activities. Users don’t remember what they have learned when they are high.

The effects of marijuana can also impair thinking, reading comprehension and verbal and mathematical skills. Marijuana creates other health problems related to the

reproductive system, the heart and the lungs. It has been found that Marijuana use may lead to cancer. The long term regular use of this may lead to psychological

dependence. Once started, it may take more of the drug for the user to get the same effect.

The immediate effects are: faster heartbeat and pulse rate, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat, altered sense of time/disorientation, forgetfulness or inability to think,

impaired reflexes, coordination and concentration, “acute panic anxiety reaction” – extreme fearing of losing control. The long term effects are chest pain, irregular

menstrual cycle, temporary loss of fertility for both sexes, premature babies or low birth weights, cancer, and marijuana “burn out” (dull, slow moving, inattentive, and

unaware of surroundings).

The reasons why people use marijuana are: peer pressure, curiosity, boredom, frustration (due to personal/family/school and work problems), poor self-image, weak

personality (unable to cope with stress, conflicts, etc.), desire to escape from reality, an lack of parental guidance.

Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation of volatile chemical substances that contain psychoactive (mind/mood altering) vapors to produce a state of intoxication. It

is dangerous because it will cause permanent damage to the brain or may result in “sudden sniffing death”. Abusers under the influence of inhalants are prone to

accident. Abusers can also become violent. Inhalant abuse produces psychological dependence. Once the habit is formed, the dose has to be increased gradually to

produce the same effect.

The immediate effects of this are: confusion or disorientation, distorted perception of time and distance, aggressive behavior or violence, illusions, nausea, vomiting

and hallucination. The delayed effects are: loss of memory, inability to think, muscle cramps and weakness, numbness in limbs, abdominal pains, and damage to the

central nervous system, kidneys & liver.

Opiates, sometimes called narcotics, are a group of drugs that are used to relieve pain, but have a high potential for abuse. Some opiates come from a resin taken from

the seedpod of the Asian poppy.

Opium – dark brown chunks or powder that are usually smoked or eaten.

Morphine – white or brownish powder that is usually dissolved in water and then injected.

Heroin – diluted or “cut” with other substances such as sugar or quinine.

Codeine

Synthesized or manufactured opiates – come in capsules, tablets, syrups, solutions and suppositories.

Morphine, meperidine, paregoric (which contains opium), and cough syrups (that contain codeine) are the most common opiates with legal medicine uses

that are abused.

 The dangers of opiates abuse are: opiates may cause dependence and tolerance. An opiate-dependent person makes finding and using the drug his main

focus in life. Over time, opiate users may develop infections of the heart lining and valves, skin abscesses and congested lungs. The opiate-dependent women suffer

from health problems like anemia and may give birth to babies with defects or who are dead.

The immediate effects are: restlessness, nausea and vomiting, “on the nod” effect (going back and forth from feeling alert to drowsy), for very large dose –

person cannot be awakened anymore, smaller pupils, cold, moist and bluish skin, slowed down breathing and death.

The delayed effects are: uneasiness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, chills, sweating, nausea, runny nose and eyes.

The symptoms begin 4-6 hours after lat dose of the drug, are stronger 24-27 hours after and subside with 7-10 days. Sometimes, symptoms such as

sleeplessness and drug craving can last for months.

The treatments for opiate addicts are: detoxification in a hospital or as outpatient, rehabilitation in therapeutic communities, outpatient drug-free programs,

methadone-maintenance using methadone (a substitute for heroin, on a daily basis to help people lead productive lives while in treatment).

Cocaine is a drug extracted from the leaves of coca, a South American shrub, which has the same effect as amphetamines – a central nervous system stimulant.

Cocaine is available in the following forms:

Cocaine Hydrochloride – is the most available form. It is a fine white crystal-like powder that is medically known as a local anesthetic. Users sniff or snort it into the

nose.

“Street” Cocaine Hydrochloride or “rocks” – these are the larger pieces of cocaine hydrochloride.

Freebase – is the purified substance of “rocks”. It is usually injected or smoked.

Coca Paste – is the crude product smoked in South America. It is more dangerous because it has contaminants such as kerosene.

Cocaine is dangerous because in some people, even low doses of cocaine, it may

Create psychological problems. An overdose may cause delirium, convulsions, respiratory failures or death. Regular intake of high doses of cocaine may cause

paranoia or may lead to “cocaine psychosis” (hallucinations of touch, sight, taste or smell).

Injecting cocaine with unsterile equipment can cause hepatitis or other infections. Preparation of freebase exposes the user to death and serious injuries

from fire or explosion that can occur.

Repeated use of cocaine leads to addiction. Users can get to the point of centering their lives on seeking and using the drug. Sometimes, they

may continue to use it to avoid depression and fatigue they would feel if they stopped using the drug.

The immediate effects are: dilated pupils, increase in blood pressure/heart rate/breathing rate/body temperature, a sense of well-being, feels energetic/alert,

less hungry and slurred speech.

The delayed effects are: psychosis, restlessness, irritability/anxiety, sleeplessness, stuffy or runny nose/ulcerated mucous membrane of nose, confusion,

and slurred speech.