Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Physical Education and Health (Elective) Year 1

SECTION

2
HUMAN DISEASES

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Health Education
Common Human Diseases

INTRODUCTION
Human diseases affect everyone and understanding them is crucial for maintaining
good health and preventing illness.
In this section, we will explore the fascinating world of human diseases, from what
they are and what causes them, to how they can be classified and prevented. We will
discuss what a disease is, common causes, and typical symptoms that might indicate
illness. This foundation will help us better understand the various types of diseases we
encounter.
We also will discuss the classifications of human diseases, distinguishing between in-
fectious diseases, like the flu and COVID-19, and non-infectious diseases, such as di-
abetes and heart disease. You will learn to identify and categorise different diseases,
which will enhance your ability to recognise and understand them in real life.
We will further look at various prevention strategies and explore how vaccinations,
good hygiene practices, and healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent disease. You will
have the opportunity to share ideas, create personalised prevention plans, and evaluate
the effectiveness of these strategies.
By actively participating in these discussions and activities, you will learn not just how
to avoid diseases, but also how to take proactive steps to ensure a healthier future.
This skill will not only enhance your understanding but also empower you to take
proactive steps in disease prevention. After all, the best way to stay healthy is to prevent
diseases before they start. We will also explore how our environment and community
play a role in disease prevention.
Let’s embark on this journey to become experts in the classification of human diseases.
Together, we’ll unlock the knowledge needed to lead healthier lives and make informed
health choices. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

At the end of this section, you should be able to:

• Explain the concept of human disease

• Discuss the classification of human disease
• Discuss the various levels of prevention of diseases

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Key Ideas
• Disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism.
• Human disease refers to any condition that impairs the normal functioning of the
human body, causing discomfort, distress, or dysfunction.
• A Risk factor is a condition that increases an individual’s chances of getting a particular
disease.
• Infectious diseases are diseases that are caused by pathogens and can be transmitted
directly or indirectly from person to person, or through other mediums.
• Non-infectious diseases are non-pathogenic diseases and cannot be transmitted from
person to person.
• Prevention is a proactive measure used to maintain and improve health, with the aim
of reducing diseases in individuals.
• Control means using actions and plans to lower the number of cases and impact of
diseases or health conditions.

THE CONCEPT OF HUMAN DISEASE

Human Diseases: This refers to abnormal conditions that affect the body’s optimum
functioning, causing physical or mental discomfort.

Fig. 2.1: Feeling very sick

Major Reasons Why Diseases Spread in Ghana:

i. Poverty and socioeconomic inequalities: Low incomes and unavailable
income-generating opportunities lead to limited access to healthcare and
nutritious food.
ii. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure: Insufficient healthcare infrastructure,
particularly in rural areas, hinders access to quality healthcare services. This
includes a shortage of healthcare facilities, medical equipment, trained healthcare
professionals and limited access to diagnostics and treatment.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Fig. 2.2: Ghana needs more healthcare facilities

iii. Limited access to clean water and sanitation: Inadequate access to clean
water sources, poor sanitation facilities, lack of hygiene and improper waste
management practices increase the risk of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea,
cholera and typhoid fever.

Fig. 2.3: A community in need of clean tap water

iv. Vector-borne diseases: A vector refers to an organism such as a mosquito, tick

or flea that can transmit pathogens (bacteria, viruses or parasites) from one host
to another.
Ghana’s tropical climate and ecological conditions support the spread of vector-
borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Factors such as stagnant water,
inadequate mosquito control measures and limited access to insecticide-treated
bed nets contribute to their prevalence.

Fig. 2.4: A mosquito biting its victim

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

v. High prevalence of communicable diseases: A communicable disease, also

known as an infectious disease or a transmissible disease is an illness caused
by an attacking agent, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi and can be
transmitted from a person, animal, or object to another person, either directly or
indirectly. Communicable diseases include HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, tuberculosis
and vaccine-preventable diseases like measles.

Fig. 2.5: A child with measles

vi. Lifestyle factors: Changing lifestyle patterns, including unhealthy diets,

sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption contribute to
the rise in diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancers.

Fig. 2.6: An unhealthy behaviour that must be avoided

vii. Environmental factors: Environmental challenges such as pollution,

deforestation, illegal mining practices, indiscriminate disposal of waste, smoke
emitting from vehicles, littering and climate change, can have adverse effects on
health. Air pollution, for instance, increases the risk of respiratory diseases.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Fig. 2.7: Environmental pollution in Accra

viii. Limited health education and awareness: Insufficient health education

and awareness programs hinder knowledge about disease prevention, symptom
recognition and appropriate health-seeking behaviours. This can result in delayed
diagnosis, inadequate treatment and the spread of infectious diseases.

Fig. 2.8: Disease awareness and prevention campaign

a. Diseases/Disorders and Their Risk Factors

A risk factor is a condition that increases an individual’s chances of getting a particular
disease or injury. These factors may be genetic, environmental, behavioural or related
to an individual’s lifestyle choices. The following are some diseases and the risk factors
associated with each:
i. Cardiovascular diseases
Risk factors:
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol level
• Smoking or tobacco use

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet (high in saturated fats and cholesterol)
• Obesity or overweight
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• Age and gender (older age, male gender, post-menopausal women)

Fig. 2.9: A healthy heart and a damaged/sick heart

ii. Cancer
Risk factors:
• Tobacco use (smoking or chewing tobacco)
• Exposure to carcinogens (e.g. asbestos, radiation, certain chemicals)
• Family history of certain cancers
• Unhealthy diet (low fruit and vegetable intake, high processed or red meat
consumption)
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity or overweight
• Viral infections (e.g. human papilloma-virus (HPV), hepatitis B and C)
• Exposure to extreme sunlight (skin cancer)

Fig. 2.10: A damaged kidney split into two showing renal cancer at the top

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

iii. Type 2 Diabetes

Risk factors:
• Obesity or overweight
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Unhealthy diet (high in processed foods, sugary beverages)
• Family history of diabetes
• Ethnicity (higher risk for certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans,
Hispanics, and Native Americans)
• Age (risk increases with age)
• Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Hypertension

Fig. 2.11: A skin disease associated with diabetes

iv. Respiratory Diseases

Risk factors:
• Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
• Environmental pollutants (e.g. polluted air, occupational exposure to
chemicals)
• Family history of respiratory diseases
• Allergies
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma triggers (e.g. allergens, pollution, exercise)

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

• Occupational exposure (e.g. asbestos, smoke, dust)

Fig. 2.12: Healthy lungs versus diseased lungs

v. Mental Health Disorders

Risk factors:
• Family history of mental illness
• Traumatic life events or experiences
• Chronic stress
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Socioeconomic factors (e.g. poverty, unemployment, lack of social support)
• Genetic predisposition
• Certain personality traits

Activity 2.1

1. Use the following keywords to search for the meaning of human diseases
(Human, Diseases, and Ghana). Summarise your findings below.

2. Find a partner and share your ideas. Together come up with a shared
meaning of what a disease is. Write your definition below.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

3. Provide written or oral feedback to your colleagues either in groups or in

pairs.

Activity 2.2

In a group, complete the following:

1. Write down as many reasons as you can as to why diseases spread in Ghana.
2. Identify common diseases in your community. To complete this task, you can
talk to community groups and members. Note your findings below:

3. For each of the diseases identified above, research and note how the disease is
spread.

4. Create a table of available and unavailable health infrastructure in your

community

Available infrastructure Unavailable infrastructure

5. What are the implications of having a poor infrastructure on health? Use the
information above to help you answer this question in your group.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

6. How can environmental destruction have an impact on health?

Activity 2.3

1. In a group talk about and write down two ways income can affect the spread
and occurrence of diseases for each of the groups below. To help you consider
the following; living conditions, access to healthcare, immunity, overall
vulnerability to pandemics etc.

Low-Income Community Middle Income Group High-Income Group

1. In your group, answer the following question and make notes below.

Why do vector-borne diseases spread in our community?

3. With your partner or group, present your work to the class. Decide with your
teacher the best way to present this.
4. Make notes from other group presentations.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Notes

Activity 2.4

1. Individually write down your ideas on the impact of unclean water and
unsanitary conditions on your health.

2. Discuss your ideas with a partner and add any new ideas to your notes above.
3. With your partner, share your ideas with other groups or your class.

Extended Reading
1. This link highlights depicts air pollution in Accra
https://www.ecohubmap.com/hot-spot/air-pollution-in-accra-ghana/hqoiml9l27pbw
2. Follow the link below to watch a video on heart diseases https://www.khanacademy.org/
science/health-and-medicine/circulatory-system-diseases/coronary-artery-disease/v/heart-
disease-and-heart-attacks

CLASSIFICATIONS OF HUMAN DISEASES

Diseases can be broadly classified into two main categories: infectious diseases and
non-infectious diseases. Each category encompasses various types of illnesses with
unique characteristics, causes and risk factors.
a. Infectious diseases
Infectious diseases are diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as
bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. These pathogens (disease causing organisms)
can enter the body, multiply, and cause harm by disrupting the normal functioning
of cells, tissues, and organs. Infectious diseases can spread from person to person,
from animals to humans, or through contaminated food, water, or objects.
ii. Types of infections
Infectious diseases can be classified into several types depending on what
causes the disease.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

• Viral infections: These are caused by viruses. Viral infections occur when
a virus enters a person’s body and causes illnesses such as common cold,
influenza, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and COVID-19.

Fig. 2.13: Viral disease

• Bacterial infections: These occur when harmful bacteria enter a person’s

body and release toxins that can make them sick. Examples include; strep
throat (an infection that affects the throat, salmonella (an illness caused
by consuming contaminated food), tuberculosis and whooping cough
(pertussis).
• Fungal infections: Fungal infections occur when harmful fungi grow
on or in a person’s body and cause symptoms. Some examples of fungal
infections are athlete’s foot, ringworm, candidiasis and histoplasmosis (an
infection found in the droppings of birds and bats).

Fig. 2.14: Fungal infection

• Parasitic infections: These occur when parasites use a person’s body to live
and reproduce causing symptoms and harm to the body. Examples: malaria
plasmodium, toxoplasmosis (a disease transmitted through uncooked meat,
soil or in cat faeces), and certain types of worms.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Fig. 2.15: Parasitic infection

iii. Modes of transmission of infectious diseases:

Infectious diseases can be transmitted through various modes, including:
• Direct transmission: This occurs through person-to-person contact,
such as through respiratory droplets (e.g. tuberculosis), sexual contact (e.g.
gonorrhoea, HIV/AIDS), or touching contaminated surfaces.
• Indirect transmission: Occurs through contaminated objects or vectors
(organism that carry the disease). For example, insect bites (e.g. malaria),
airborne droplets (tuberculosis), or environmental sources such as
contaminated food or water (cholera).
iv. Risk factors of infectious diseases:
Several factors increase the risk of contracting infectious diseases. These
include:
• Poor personal hygiene: Not maintaining proper personal hygiene
practices, such as handwashing and having regular baths can increase the
risk of spreading infectious diseases.
• Lack of vaccination: Failing to receive recommended vaccinations
can lead to individuals contracting various infectious diseases like polio,
measles, yellow fever, COVID-19 etc.

Fig. 2.17:Receiving a vaccination as protection against diseases

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

• Close contact with infected individuals: Being near an infected person,

especially without proper protective measures, increases the chances of
contracting an infectious disease.
• Consumption of contaminated food or water: Consuming contaminated
food or water sources can lead to various waterborne or food-borne infectious
diseases.

Fig. 2.18: Polluted water unsafe for drinking due to illegal mining

• Travel to or living in endemic (areas where the disease is constantly

present): Travelling to or living in regions with high rates of specific
infectious diseases can increase an individual’s risk of exposure to and
contraction of diseases.
• Weakened immune system: Having a compromised immune system due
to underlying health conditions or certain medications makes individuals
more susceptible to infections.
• Poor sanitation and infrastructure: Living in areas with inadequate
sanitation, limited access to clean water or overcrowded conditions can
facilitate the spread of infectious diseases.
• Animal contact: Direct or indirect exposure to animals, their waste or
animal products can lead to zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from
animals to humans.
• Lack of awareness about disease transmission and prevention:
Insufficient knowledge about infectious diseases, their transmission, and
prevention measures can contribute to an increased risk of contracting and
spreading infections.
• Unsafe Sexual Practices: Engaging in unprotected sexual activity, having
multiple sexual partners or not practising safe sex (e.g. using condoms) can
increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

b. Non-infectious diseases
Non-infectious diseases are caused by factors other than pathogens and cannot
be transmitted from person to person. These diseases result from genetic
predisposition, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, or a combination thereof.
Examples include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, respiratory diseases,
and mental health disorders.
i. Examples of non-infectious diseases:
Non-infectious diseases encompass a wide range of medical conditions,
common examples include:
• Cardiovascular Diseases: This category includes heart diseases such as
coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
• Cancer: Non-infectious diseases characterised by abnormal cell growth
and proliferation, leading to the formation of tumors in various parts of the
body.
• Diabetes: A metabolic disorder characterised by high blood sugar levels
resulting from inadequate insulin production or insulin resistance.
• Respiratory Diseases: Conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory
system, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
and lung cancer.
• Mental Health Disorders: Conditions affecting emotional, psychological,
and social well-being, such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder,
and schizophrenia.
ii. Risk factors of non-infectious diseases:
The following are risk factors associated with non-infectious diseases:
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity or extended periods
of inactivity increases the risk of developing various non-infectious diseases.
• Unhealthy diet: Consuming a diet high in processed foods, added sugars,
and unhealthy fat and taking in low amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole
grains can contribute to the development of chronic diseases.
• Tobacco and alcohol use: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
are associated with a wide range of non-infectious diseases, including
cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders and certain types of cancers.
• Obesity: Excess body weight, especially when accompanied by a high body
mass index (BMI), increases the risk of conditions such as heart disease,
type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
• High blood pressure: Consistently elevated blood pressure levels can
damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and other
cardiovascular disorders.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

• High cholesterol levels: Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to the

blockages in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Stress: Chronic stress can lead to various health issues, including increased
blood pressure, weakened immune systems, mental health disorders and
cardiovascular diseases.
• Genetic predisposition: Certain non-infectious diseases have a link
with a person’s genetics, meaning that, individuals with a family history
of conditions like diabetes, cancer or cardiovascular disorders may be at a
higher risk.
• Environmental pollution: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as
bad and dusty air or hazardous substances can increase the risk of respiratory
diseases, certain cancers and other health problems.
• Lack of sleep: Inadequate sleep or poor sleep quality can contribute to
a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, weakened immune
systems and mental health disorders.
Great Work! With your knowledge from the above, let’s go through the following
activities;

Activity 2.5

Working in a group, create a one-page report on infectious diseases. Present your

report to the class. Talk to your teacher to agree on your presentation method.
Topics are as follows:
Group 1 – The types of human infections, including examples and characteristics.
Group 2 – Modes of transmission of infectious diseases, including examples.
Group 3 - Risk factors of infectious diseases, including examples.
Listen attentively to other presentations and provide feedback following each
group’s presentation.

Activity 2.6

1. Consider doing this in a group in class.

2. Each group is to identify some common infectious diseases. (Your teacher will
divide you into groups and assign each group with an infectious disease).
3. In your group, create an awareness campaign to educate your peers on the
assigned disease. (Include the type of infection, its mode of transmission and
preventative measures)
4. Present your awareness campaign to the class for feedback

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

5. Revise your campaign with the feedback from peers in class

6. Present your revised campaign to your school or local community if possible.

Activity 2.7

1. In your opinion, what are the dangers of parasitic infections to the health of
individuals?

2. Share your thoughts with a partner and add any new information to your
notes above.
3. With your partner share your combined thoughts with your classmates.
4. Reflect on what you have learned and update your notes accordingly.

Extended Reading
1. Watch the video below on Health and diseases in Ghana
https://www.youtube.com/user/ghanahealthservice
2. The link below is a video that highlights infectious and non-infectious diseases
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/how-does-the-human-body-work-class-12/
x7babbc170453fdb8:human-health-and-disease/x7babbc170453fdb8:common-diseases-in-
human-beings/v/infectious-and-non-infectious-diseases
3. This video shows coronavirus transmission.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqFn6AHoJZQ#:~:text=URL%3A%20
https%3A%2F%2F2.zoppoz.workers.dev%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww,100
4. Click the link below to watch a video on non-infectious diseases and their risk factors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK1_SH3X2ek

PREVENTION OF HUMAN DISEASES

1. Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases
The following are ways to prevent and control infectious (communicable) diseases:
a. Practice good personal hygiene
Good personal hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of infectious
diseases.
i. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
helps remove germs and prevent transmission.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

ii. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or
sneezing to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading.
iii. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, with
unwashed hands to reduce the risk of infection.

Fig. 2.19: Practise regular hand-washing with soap to prevent diseases

b. Ensure vaccination
i. Follow the recommended vaccination schedule provided by healthcare
professionals.
ii. Stay updated on vaccinations for diseases like measles, influenza, hepatitis,
COVID-19 and others.
c. Maintain physical distancing and use protective measures
i. Keep a safe distance (at least 1 metre or 3 feet) from people who are sick.
ii. Keep an arms-length away when talking to people.
iii. Wear face masks or coverings when in crowded areas or when physical
distancing is not possible.

Fig. 2.20: Protect yourself against infectious diseases in public

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

d. Ensure food and water safety

i. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water before consuming.
ii. Cook food at the recommended temperatures to kill bacteria and other
pathogens.
iii. Drink clean and safe water from trusted sources or use water filters and
purification methods if necessary.

Fig. 2.21: Wash fruits and vegetables before eating

e. Take precautions during travel

i. Research and be aware of any health risks or outbreaks in the destination
you are traveling to.
ii. Follow travel advisories and recommendations from health authorities.
iii. Get necessary vaccinations before traveling, especially to areas with endemic
diseases.

Fig. 2.22: Look out for warning signs

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

f. Strengthen the immune system

i. Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole
grains to provide essential nutrients and antioxidants.
ii. Engage in regular physical activity to boost overall health and immunity.
iii. Get enough sleep and manage stress levels.

Fig. 2.23: Engage in regular physical exercise to improve health

g. Promote sanitation and infrastructure development

i. Follow Proper waste disposal practices in your community. Access to clean
water, and improved sanitation facilities contribute to public health and
reduce the burden of infectious diseases.
ii. Support initiatives aimed at improving sanitation facilities and access to
clean water.
iii. Educate others about the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in
preventing disease transmission.
h. Practice responsible animal contact
i. Wash hands thoroughly after handling animals or their waste.
ii. Avoid contact with wild or stray animals.
iii. Ensure pets receive regular veterinary care and vaccinations.

Fig. 2.24: Send your pets and animals to the veterinary doctor regularly

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

i. Increase awareness and education

i. Stay informed about infectious diseases through reliable sources, such
as the Ministry of Education, Ghana Health Service and other reputable
organisations.
ii. Attend health education programs or workshops to learn about disease
prevention and management.
iii. Share accurate information with family and friends to combat misinformation
and promote understanding.
j. Practice safe sexual behaviour
i. Use barrier methods, such as condoms to protect against sexually transmitted
infections (STIs).
ii. Get regular STI screenings to detect infections early and encourage open
communication with sexual partners about sexual health.
iii. Seek medical advice and treatment if you suspect you may have been
exposed to an STI.
2. Prevention and Control of Non-Infectious Diseases
The following are ways to prevent and control non-infectious diseases:
a. Regular physical activity
Engage in regular exercise or physical activity to maintain a healthy weight,
improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of various non-infectious
diseases. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity
per week, along with strength training exercises (Cleveland Clinic; Health
Essentials, 2023).
b. Healthy eating habits
Adopt a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit the intake of processed foods, sugary
snacks, and beverages. Maintain portion control and stay adequately hydrated.
c. Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption
Stay away from smoking or any form of tobacco use. Avoid drinking alcohol but
if you do consume it, do so in moderation. For adults, this generally means up
to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men (Centres
for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).
d. Maintain a healthy weight
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of regular
physical activity and a nutritious diet. This reduces the risk of obesity-related
diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

e. Regular health check-ups:

Schedule regular check-ups with healthcare professionals to monitor your health
status, detect any early signs of disease and receive appropriate preventive care.
f. Stress management
Practice stress management techniques such as regular exercise, meditation,
deep breathing exercises and engage in hobbies or activities that help you relax.
Seek support from friends, family or professionals when needed.
g. Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly. If they are elevated,
follow medical advice regarding lifestyle modifications, medication and dietary
changes to manage them effectively.
h. Genetic testing and counselling
If you have a family history of certain non-infectious diseases, consider genetic
testing or counselling to assess your risk and receive guidance on preventive
measures.
i. Environmental awareness
Stay informed about environmental factors that can impact health and take
necessary precautions. Minimise exposure to pollutants, maintain good
indoor air quality and follow safety guidelines when working with hazardous
substances.
j. Prioritise sleep
Establish a regular sleep routine and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each
night. Create a comfortable sleep environment and practice good sleep hygiene
habits to improve overall well-being.
3. General Disease Prevention and Management Measures
a. Practise good hygiene
i. Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating
and after using the toilet.
ii. Promote proper sanitation by using toilets or latrines and safely disposing of
waste.
iii. Maintain cleanliness in living spaces and promote a clean environment in
communities.
b. Use protection and practise safe behaviour
i. Use insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent malaria.
ii. Adopt safe behaviours to prevent accidents and injuries, such as wearing
seat belts, using helmets and following road safety guidelines.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Fig. 2.25: Sleep inside insecticide-treated bed nets for protection against mosquitoes.

c. Get vaccinated
i. Stay up to date with immunisations to protect against vaccine-preventable
diseases. Follow the national immunisation schedule and seek vaccinations
for yourself and your family.
d. Seek early diagnosis and treatment
i. Recognise the signs and symptoms of common diseases, such as malaria,
TB and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
ii. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms, seek prompt medical
attention and follow healthcare provider recommendations for diagnosis,
treatment and management.
e. Practise healthy lifestyle habits
i. Avoid unnecessary injuries, engage in regular physical activity to promote
overall health and reduce the risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
f. Educate and raise awareness
i. Educate yourself and others about health issues, including preventive
measures, symptoms and available resources.
ii. Raise awareness within your community about disease prevention, hygiene
practices and the importance of seeking healthcare.
g. Support health initiatives
i. Participate in community health programs, campaigns and initiatives aimed
at improving health and preventing diseases.
ii. Support organisations and initiatives working towards improving healthcare
access, disease prevention and health promotion.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Fig. 2.26: Engage in community health programmes like health walks

4. Role of Physical Education and Health in Disease Prevention and Promoting

Good Health
Physical education and health:
a. Promotes healthy lifestyle choices (physical activity, balanced diet).
b. Enhances knowledge about disease prevention and management.
c. Develops skills to identify and avoid risky behaviours.
d. Encourages regular health screenings and self-care practices.

Activity 2.8

1. I suggest you do this in groups

2. Identify five common diseases in your community and describe how to
prevent them.
3. Is the disease infectious or non-infectious?
4. Use the information gathered to complete the table below

Disease How to prevent disease Infectious or non-

infectious

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Activity 2.9

• In your groups, select a leader to ballot for a topic.

• Your teacher will give you additional information on each of the topics to
guide you.
• Design a project to be shared within your school/community on your
assigned topic:
Project Topics:
a. Common diseases in your school and how to prevent them. Prepare a
report for your school authorities.
b. Organise a personal hygiene day in your school. How to prevent disease
and live healthier lives.
c. Organise a handwashing day in your school.
d. Organise a health walk programme in your community.
e. Create an awareness campaign on how to avoid STI’s.

Activity 2.10

With a partner, identify five places or occasions where it is important to practice

good personal hygiene and note why this is important.

Place or occasion Why is it important

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Activity 2.11

Monitor your daily hygiene activities for one week. At the end of the week reflect
on your activities and note any changes you are going to make.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Day Hygiene Activities

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Extended Reading
1. The link shows diseases prevention and control
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6k0kXHnC0xs
2. The link below highlights the importance of vaccination in disease prevention and control
https://africacdc.org/video/17027/
3. This link will access the role of physical activity on disease prevention and control.
https://mfa.gov.gh/index.php/joint-health-walk-in-commemoration-of-the-55th-
anniversary-of-the-african-union-and-the-70th-anniversary-of-the-international-day-of-
united-nations-on-saturday-19th-may-2018/

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Review Questions

1. What are human diseases?

2. Describe the relationship between poverty and the spread of diseases in Ghana.

3. Which single factor from the content, would you say has the most significant
impact on the occurrence of disease in Ghana and why?

4. Place each of the following into the correct column below.

Asthma COVID-19
Influenza (Flu) Breast Cancer
Type 2 Diabetes Tuberculosis
Lung Cancer Ringworm
Coronary Artery Disease Candidiasis
Hepatitis Whooping Cough
Malaria Depression
Toxoplasmosis Bipolar Disorder
HIV/AIDS Anxiety Disorders
Stroke Schizophrenia

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Infectious Diseases Non-Infectious Diseases

1. Influenza (Flu) 1. Anxiety Disorders

2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8 8

5. Read the case study carefully and identify the risk factors present in Nyarko’s
lifestyle.
a. Case Study:
Nyarko is a 45-year-old office worker who spends most of his day sitting at a
desk. He smokes a pack of cigarettes daily and often eats fast food for lunch. His
BMI indicates he is overweight, and his recent check-up revealed high blood
pressure and high cholesterol levels. Nyarko rarely exercises and has a family
history of heart disease.

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

b. Risk Factors:
Match each infectious disease with its corresponding mode of transmission:
Infectious Disease Mode Of Transmission

Common Cold Contaminated water or food

COVID-19 Airborne droplets

Tuberculosis Respiratory droplets, direct contact, contaminated

surfaces

HIV/AIDS Contact with infected bodily fluids

Cholera Direct contact with respiratory droplets or

contaminated surfaces

6. Describe five ways of preventing and controlling infectious and non-infectious

diseases.
Infectious diseases

Prevention Control

Non-infectious diseases

Prevention Control

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

7. Complete the table below for each personal hygiene practice.

Practice How it’s carried out Impact on disease

prevention

Hand washing

Hand washing

Covering mouth/nose

Avoid touching face

a. Describe three pieces of travel information you should follow before

travelWling to a new destination in order to maintain health and safety.

b. Complete the chart to show how different types of physical activities

impact on the prevention of non-infectious diseases.

Physical activity Impact on diseases

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

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htm

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campaigns

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Year 1 SECTION 1 Human Diseases

Acknowledgements

List of Contributors
Name Institution

Agbonor Sulemani Rufai Kintampo SHS

Seth Nyarko Ebenezer SHS, Accra

Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong UEW, Winneba

Wahab N’C halendon Ali Ngleshie Amanfro, SHS

34