Advanced Math & Science Academy HEALTH CURRICULUM Topic #12. Chronic and
Non-Infectious Diseases
DO NOW:
Think of any chronic conditions that you or a family member has.
Also think of any chronic conditions that a friend has. (Respect their
privacy; don't name them out loud.)
NONINFECTIOUS DISEASES IN GENERAL:
A few (like heart attacks, strokes, and many cancers) are
acute if their victims die quickly.
Most noninfectious diseases are chronic (long-lasting).
Some noninfectious diseases are hereditary (you get them
from the genes you inherit) and congenital (you are born
with them). Other noninfectious diseases are acquired
during your lifetime.
IMPORTANT TYPES OF NONINFECTIOUS DISEASES
Nutritional deficiencies like scurvy, ricketts,
beri-beri, pellagra, etc.
Most of these diseases are now rare in rich countries like the U.S.
Metabolic disorders, which are usually hereditary.
In many cases, the body cannot make an important enzyme or
cannot break down certain chemicals in the body. Chemicals
that are not broken down may build up and become poisonous.
Examples of such diseases (all rare) are: phenylketonuria,
Tay-Sachs disease, alkaptonuria, porphyria, albinism.
Cancers, including leukemia. Chracterized by uncontrolled cell
growth without limits.
Allergies, overreaction of the immune system to certain
environmental stimuli called allergens.
Autoimmune disorders in which the body attacks its own cells.
SPECIFIC NONINFECTIOUS DISEASES that may occur in children:
Diabetes mellitus:
Type I (juvenile onset): an endocrine disorder in which the
pancreas does not make enough of the hormone insulin. We now
believe that this begins as an autoimmune disease.
Type II (adult onset): a disorder in which the body cells do
not respond well to insulin. This disease is much more common
among obese people.
Limited mobility. Not really a disease, but a miscellany
of conditions, usually acquired.
Asthma, a chronic condition in which air passages are often
obstructed.
Emphysema, a chronic lung disease with reduced breathing capacity.
Muscular dystrophy, a hereditary disorder of muscle tissue.
Celiac disease (sprue), an allergy to gluten, a protein found
in most wheat products and many other foods.
Crohn's disease, a digestive disorder.
Deafness, which can arise from a variety of causes.
SPECIFIC NONINFECTIOUS DISEASES that rarely affect children:
Alzheimer's disease, a mental deterioration that
mostly affects loss of memory.
Parkinson's disease, a deterioration of part of the
brain that controls certain voluntary movements.
Guillain-Barré syndrome, an inflammation of peripheral
nerves, of unknown cause, often leading to paralysis.
Osteoporosis, or loss of bone density, generally in
older women. The best protection against this disorder is to be
physically active throughout ages 12-30.
Eye diseases, including cataracts and glaucoma.
High blood pressure. The causes of this condition are
unknown. People who have this condition are at greater risk of
heart disease and stroke.
Heart attacks.
Stroke (cardiovascular accidents).
If someone has a stroke, you need to act FAST: FACE:
is it the same on both sides when they smile? ARMS:
are they even when the person tries to raise them? SPEECH:
is it slurred? TIME is essential
if any of these signs are present-- dial 911 FAST
and use the word "stroke."
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT / DISCUSS WITH YOUR PARENTS
If you have any of the conditions listed above,
you should discuss them with your parents and family doctor or a
specialist.
If someone else that you know has one of these conditions, you should
learn something about the condition, the specific needs of the
person, and the ways in which you can be helpful to them.
