Level: JHS, Basic 7 | Subject: Integrated Science | Strand: Humans and the Environment | Topic: Human Health
Curriculum reference: NaCCA Basic 7 Integrated Science, Strand 5 (Humans and the Environment). Written from the standard NaCCA topic list. Please check against the curriculum PDF.
1. What is Health?
- Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not just the absence of disease.
- A disease is a condition that stops the body or mind from working properly.
2. Causes of Diseases
| Cause | Examples |
|---|---|
| Bacteria | Cholera, typhoid, tuberculosis |
| Viruses | Covid-19, influenza, HIV, measles, hepatitis |
| Protozoa | Malaria (spread by female Anopheles mosquito), amoebic dysentery |
| Worms | Guinea worm, hookworm, roundworm |
| Poor diet | Kwashiorkor (lack of protein), anaemia (lack of iron), rickets |
3. How Diseases Spread
- Through dirty water and contaminated food (cholera, typhoid).
- By insects such as mosquitoes and houseflies.
- Through the air by coughs and sneezes (tuberculosis, Covid-19).
- By touching or sharing items with infected people or through body fluids.
4. Prevention and Control
- Wash hands with soap, especially after toilet and before eating.
- Drink treated or boiled water and cover food.
- Sleep under insecticide-treated nets and drain stagnant water.
- Take vaccines on time (measles, polio, tetanus).
- Eat a balanced diet, exercise and sleep well.
- Visit the clinic early and complete the medicine given.
- Keep the environment clean and dispose of waste properly.
5. Personal Hygiene
- Bathe daily, brush teeth twice a day, and keep nails short and clean.
- Wash clothes and wear clean ones.
- Use the toilet and not open defecation.
Remember: Prevention is better than cure. Clean hands, clean water, clean surroundings and vaccines keep us healthy.
Ready to practise?
Education Always (education.inspiringalways.com). Original notes written to follow the NaCCA Basic 7 Integrated Science curriculum.