We all know that no matter how hard we try, the disease can still affect us at some point in our lives. From the common cold to serious long-term illnesses, a wide variety of diseases can affect us. Fortunately, with advances in modern medicine and treatments, there are now more ways than ever to keep ourselves healthy and manage any diseases we may face.

Poor health can be caused by diseases. Ill health is often the result of various diseases, compromising the state of physical and mental wellbeing. Therefore it's essential to prioritise one's health and take necessary measures to ensure a healthy lifestyle. It is known that various diseases can interact in a way that leads to additional health problems, which may not appear to be related initially.


What are communicable diseases?

Communicable diseases are transmissible illnesses, those that can be passed from one individual to another or between humans and animals. These ailments may arise from a range of sources including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Communicable diseases are often referred to as contagious or infectious. For instance, measles and malaria are prime examples of communicable illnesses. Measles and malaria are examples of communicable diseases.

Communicable Diseases: Bacteria, Viruses, Parasites and Fungi
Communicable Diseases: Bacteria, Viruses, Parasites and Fungi


What are non-communicable diseases?

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. They are long-term health conditions that cannot be passed from person to person, nor between animals and people. Asthma, cancer and coronary heart disease are some of the most common NCDs. These diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality, as well as a huge burden on individuals, families and society as a whole. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk of developing NCDs through preventive measures such as healthy lifestyle choices.



The interaction of diseases

Complex interactions between diseases can have further implications on physical and mental health, resulting in consequences that may not be apparent at first glance. Here are just a few examples:

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People who have weak immune systems, the system that your body uses to help fight off infection, have an increased chance of suffering from comm seasonal illnesses like the flu, which means communicable diseases can spread quickly and easily with them. This is due to their immune system is not strong enough to fight off the invading pathogens, resulting in them falling ill more easily.
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Certain types of viruses can lead to certain forms of cancer. For instance, long-term hepatitis infections in the liver have been linked to this type of virus living in the cells. It can cause increased risk of developing liver cancer. Additionally, HPV (human papilloma virus) infection, if left untreated, can lead to cervical cancer in women.
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Pathogens can cause the body to have an immune system response which sometimes leads to allergic reactions, like skin rashes. For people with asthma, these reactions could worsen the symptoms of their condition.
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Mental health issues like depression can be caused by a range of physical health issues, particularly if it interferes with daily tasks or has an effect on life expectancy. Such conditions can make it difficult for a person to cope and consequently, cause psychological distress.


Other elements affecting your health

Good health is much more than just the absence of disease. Many other factors can influence your overall wellbeing, such as dietary choices, lifestyle habits, and environmental conditions. While it is important to take preventive measures against diseases and illnesses, it is equally important to be aware of all the factors that can affect your health in both positive and negative ways.

Here are some examples:

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Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential to maintain your physical and mental health. If you want to stay in good shape and have an active lifestyle, it's important to make sure that you're getting enough of the right nutrients from your food. Otherwise, this can lead to lack of energy or even worse health issues.
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Prolonged exposure to high stress levels can have adverse effects on your health. It is important to address these issues and find ways to manage the stress in order to lead a healthier lifestyle.
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Factors such as accessibility to healthcare and preventive measures can greatly influence your quality of life. Access to medicines, nutrition, and other necessities are important for staying healthy and enjoying a good quality of life. Having access to nutritious food and condoms to reduce the spread of certain sexually transmitted diseases are examples of what is possible with improved healthcare.

Non-Communicable Diseases can be very costly - both in terms of physical and financial aspects. All the more reason to take steps towards prevention of such diseases.

  1. Non-communicable diseases take a severe toll on humanity. These diseases claim the lives of tens of millions of people each year, causing immense distress to their families.
  2. People suffering from such illnesses often have to face reduced quality of life and shortened lifespan, impacting them and their family mentally as well as financially.
  3. NHS and other health services' expenditure on investigating and treating these conditions is remarkably high, having a huge impact on their budgets around the globe.
  4. Having to adjust a home to help a loved one with an illness may be financially demanding for families. This could include having to relocate or making modifications to the house. Additionally, if a family member has to give up their job due to disease or passing away, their income will take a hit.


Revision Quiz for Health and Disease

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