6.PCH.1.1

6.PCH.1.1 Explain the increase of incidence of disease and mortality over the last decades.Some diseases are increasing in incidence and some are decreasing. Examples include: some cancers and Alzheimer’s are increasing (in part because people are living longer and dying of diseases that happen later in life). Some diseases such as high blood pressure are better controlled than they were in the past through medication. For the most part, chronic diseases are increasing and communicable diseases are decreasing. Exceptions to that general rule are “emerging infections” such as the H1N1 virus, Ecoli, and the West Nile virus. Various influences dictate the prevalence and increase/decline of diseases: living conditions and sanitation, preventive measures such as immunization, accessibility to medical treatment, and heredity.

Over the last decades, fewer Americans are dying of infectious diseases and more die from chronic illness. Life expectancy can be improved by practicing primary prevention: choosing health-enhancing lifestyle behaviors. The most important lifestyle behaviors (that significantly reduce risks for illness and premature death) are to avoid tobacco, eat nutritiously and manage a healthy weight, participate in regular fitness activities, wear seatbelts and appropriate protective gear such as helmets, avoid alcohol and other drugs, avoid violent situations, and get help for depression or other mental disorders. Making individual decisions about health behaviors positively or negatively affects health status more than heredity or environment.
 * The student will recognize which categories of diseases are increasing in morbidity and mortality.
 * The student will practice life style behaviors to prevent disease and promote health.

6.PCH.1.2 Differentiate between communicable and chronic diseases.Communicable diseases are spread by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites). They may be spread through the air (Hantavirus, tuberculosis), food (salmonella, Ecoli), or water (SARS, polio). Some diseases are spread by insects. The bite of a tick may result in Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever; mosquitoes spread malaria. The bite of a warm-blooded animal can cause rabies. Some communicable diseases are spread directly from person to person, such as the childhood illnesses: measles, mumps, and chicken pox. Sexually transmitted diseases are passed only through intimate contact. The most common STDs are caused by bacteria (Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) and viruses (herpes, HIV, human papilloma virus). Methods of preventing communicable diseases include avoiding pathogens, cleanliness, the use of barriers and prophylactics, abstinence from risky behaviors, and staying away from those infected.

Chronic diseases involve the degeneration of body organs. These diseases are described as progressive, meaning they will continue to get worse unless there is successful treatment. Chronic diseases include those responsible for the greatest number of deaths (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes) and also include Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Some of these diseases can be prevented by practicing behaviors such as regular exercise, eating nutrient-dense foods in moderation, avoiding tobacco products, and managing healthy weight. For some of the chronic diseases (especially cancers), early detection is the best hope to prevent the disease from becoming fatal.
 * The student will be able to define terms such as chronic, degenerative, communicable, infectious, progressive, pathogen, transmission.
 * The student will be able to categorize diseases as chronic or contagious.
 * The student will practice behaviors to prevent chronic and contagious illnesses.

6.PCH.1.3 Recall symptoms associated with common communicable and chronic diseases.A symptom is an indication of an illness that usually reflects a change in normal body functions. It is a warning sign that one might have a disease. Some symptoms are easily recognizable, such as chicken pox; others may be associated with many different diseases. (A fever, for example, could be an indication of influenza, pneumonia, blood poisoning or infection, or strep throat. Noticing symptoms often prompts a person to seek medical care, and then serves as one way the physician is able to diagnose the health condition. It is important for a patient to report symptoms accurately to the health care provider.

Sometimes symptoms can be similar in diseases of different categories: shortness of breath is a symptom of tuberculosis (a communicable disease) and of emphysema (a chronic and degenerative disease). Recognizing symptoms and being willing to seek help by telling a trusted adult helps health care providers diagnose and treat a person early enough that they are more likely to have a positive health outcome. There are some diseases that are asymptomatic (meaning they do not have noticeable symptoms). With those diseases, it is important to be aware of risks and to be tested by a health care provider.
 * The student will recognize symptoms of common illnesses.
 * The student will be able to describe symptoms accurately.
 * The student will be able to communicate his or her symptoms to a health care provider.

6.PCH.1.4 Select methods of prevention based on the modes of transmission of communicable diseases. Knowing how communicable diseases are spread is helpful information for being able to prevent their transmission. An example might be staying away from a person who has the flu because those germs become airborne (through sneezing and coughing). The person with influenza should practice preventive measures such as coughing into a tissue or sneezing into the elbow, along with frequent hand washing. The germs are even more likely to be passed by touching.

Of all the preventive behaviors, hand washing is one of the most important. One should wash hands after using the rest room, before eating a meal, and before preparing or handling food. When out-of-doors, care should be taken to avoid the bites of insects such as ticks and to inspect body and clothing when coming indoors. The strategies for reducing the chances of food borne illness are: hand washing, keep foods cooked and uncooked separate, keep preparation surfaces clean, and keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Other preventive measures for communicable diseases include vaccinations, drinking only clean water, not sharing needles, treating cuts and open wounds correctly, and getting adequate rest and nutrition to maintain a healthy immune system.
 * The student will identify preventive measures for illnesses, including vaccination, cleanliness, awareness of products and environment, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
 * The student will practice behaviors associated with the primary prevention of communicable diseases.

6.PCH.1.5 Explain methods of protecting eyes and vision. Of the five senses, vision is valued as one of the most needed and appreciated. Vision is needed for learning, communication, entertainment, and safety. Eyes have natural protective mechanisms: blink reflex, eyelids, and eyelashes. In addition, there are methods for protecting the eyes and vision during certain activities. Precautions should be taken to protect the eyes during yard work (weed-eating), sports (swimming, skiing), using caustic chemicals (cleaning, science experiments), and the use of sharp objects (pencils, protractors). Eyes should be protected from eyestrain and bright lights and prolonged use (such as during computer gaming). Protective goggles are needed when there is any chance of impact with the eyes such as when using power tools or playing lacrosse. The eyes can be injured by exposure to secondhand smoke and by exposure to sunlight. Certain diseases (diabetes, for example) are associated with injury to the eye and diminished vision. Some products are particularly dangerous to the eyes: BB guns, slingshots, and fireworks.
 * The student will recognize potential threats to the health of eyes and vision.
 * The student will avoid activities dangerous to the eyes.
 * The student will wear protective gear to protect the health of the eyes and vision.
 * The student will participate in regular eye and vision examinations.

6.PCH.1.6 Summarize protective measures for ears and hearing. Hearing is also highly valued among the senses. One needs to hear for communication, learning, safety, and recreation. The hearing of people may be compromised by disease or infection, loud noises, and physical injury. Care should be taken not to insert any object into the ears. Noise pollution happens if noise is loud, constant, and can cause hearing loss. It can cause a person to experience stress, irritability, tension, and fatigue.

The usual sources of loud noise are from machinery, traffic, airplanes, music played too loudly, MP3 players, and recreational activities such as ATVs and motorcycles. The use of earplugs and headsets is encouraged to prevent loud, constant, and unwanted noises. A physician or clinician should test hearing regularly.
 * The student will avoid activities that put ears and hearing at risk.
 * The student should take protective measures (such as ear plugs) during activities that are loud.

6.PCH.1.7 Summarize the triggers and symptoms for asthma and strategies for controlling asthma.Asthma has increased in incidence in the last decade and now is the leading illness responsible for school absenteeism. It is a chronic disease that cannot be cured and is characterized by the airways becoming swollen, tight, and filled with mucous. The symptoms that are associated with asthma are shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and coughing. Behavioral and environmental factors can trigger an asthmatic attack: temperature (especially cold), mold, secondhand smoke, over-exercise, grasses, strong odors (such as perfumes), insecticides, certain foods, and animal dander. Avoiding asthma triggers is the best way to prevent an attack.

The person with asthma and those around him or her need to know the warning signs and what to do if an attack occurs. There should be an emergency plan in place for the child’s classroom and at home. An important part of treating the symptoms of asthma is medication. There is medication for prevention and for treatment. First aid for an asthmatic attack includes: stop the activity and sit the person upright, stay calm and speak reassuringly, call for help, and observe until improvement. If the symptoms do not improve after taking medication, 911 should be called. Other symptoms, which are a signal to call 911, are trouble walking or talking, chest/neck muscles pulled in, gray or blue lips, fingernails, or skin, hunching over, or struggling to breathe. Most people with asthma are able to participate in enjoyable activities if care is taken to avoid the asthma triggers.
 * The student will be able to recognize asthma triggers and symptoms.
 * The student will be able to follow a plan for a friend who has an asthma attack.