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BPED 313 - 7141

WHAT IS SELF CARE?


What is self-care? Self-care is a general term that describes everything you do deliberately
for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. As simple as it sounds, many of us pay
little attention to self-care. This is why ‘deliberately' is one of the most important words in the
definition. You need to be conscious of your well-being before you can achieve true self-
care. It starts from the simple acts like not checking emails at night when you know it
affects your sleep and extends to more important decisions like going for a vacation or
booking a massage when you feel you need one.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Why is it important? Self-care encourages you to maintain a healthy relationship with
yourself so that you can transmit the good feelings to others. You cannot give to others
what you don't have yourself. While some may misconstrue self-care as selfish, it's far from
that. When you pay adequate attention to your well-being, you're not considering your
needs alone. You're reinvigorating yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself
for the people around you. Everyone around you also benefits from the renewed energy
and joy you exhibit.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR SELF-CARE TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR WELL-BEING
1. Pay attention to your physical health
2. Get enough sleep
3. Be a healthy eater
4.) Identify the things that matter to you
5. Change your mindset / Gratitude
6. Learn to say No

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE


Self-Care is personal, and no general principle will always work. What motivates you and
inspires you is different than the person next door. Look for the things that make you feel
alive. Make dates with yourself and when you commit to working out or doing something
for yourself, keep the commitment you make to yourself. . We don't back out on our
friends, don't back out on yourself. By being healthy about self-care, you will feel be better
equipped to help others. Go live your best life

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Personal Health:
⮚ It is the area of health that focuses on personal hygiene, following a fitness plan,
involving oneself in physical activities, getting adequate rest and sleep and focuses
on having a regular medical examination.
⮚ Personal Health is the ability to take charge of your health by making conscious
decisions to be healthy. It not only refers to the physical wellbeing of an individual
but it also comprises the wellness of emotional, intellect, social, spiritual and other
areas of life

Determinants of Health:

The range of personal, social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health
status are known as determinants of health.

● Social factors:

Social determinants of health reflect social factors and the physical conditions in the
environment in which people are born, live, learn, play, work and age. Also known
as social and physical determinants of health, they impact a wide range of health,
functioning and quality of life outcomes.

● Health Services:

Both access to health services and the quality of health services can impact health.
Healthy People 2020 directly addresses access to health services as a topic area
and incorporates quality of health services throughout a number of topic areas.

Lack of access, or limited access, to health services greatly impacts an individual’s


health status. For example, when individuals do not have health insurance, they are
less likely to participate in preventive care and are more likely to delay medical
treatment.

● Individual Behavior:

Plays a role in health outcomes. For example, if an individual quits smoking, his or her
risk of developing heart disease is greatly reduced.

Many public health and health care interventions focus on changing individual
behaviors such as substance abuse, diet, and physical activity. Positive changes in
individual behavior can reduce the rates of chronic disease in this country.

● Biology and genetics:

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Some biological and genetic factors affect specific populations more than others.
For example, older adults are biologically prone to being in poorer health than
adolescents due to the physical and cognitive effects of aging

● Policymaking

Policies at the local, state, and federal level affect individual and population health.
Increasing taxes on tobacco sales, for example, can improve population health by
reducing the number of people using tobacco products.

Your Own Views on Health


This section will help you understand the concept of health in a broader and more holistic way.

Definition and Concepts of Health

In the Oxford English Dictionary health is defined as: ‘the state of being free from sickness,
injury, disease, bodily conditions; something indicating good bodily condition.”

This definition of health is a widely publicized one. But you may have thought of someone
who has a disability or wondered about someone who looks OK but who you know does
no exercise. Clearly health is not quite as simple as the definition implies.
The concept of health is wide and the way we define health also depends on individual
perception, religious beliefs, cultural values, norms, and social class. Generally, there are
two different perspectives concerning people’s own definitions of health: a narrow
perspective and a broader perspective.

Narrow Perspectives of Health

People with a narrow perspective consider health as the absence of disease or disability or
biological dysfunction. According to this view (or model), to call someone unhealthy or sick
means there should be evidence of a particular illness. Social, emotional and
psychological factors are not believed to cause unhealthy conditions. This model is narrow
and limits the definition of health to the physical and physiological capabilities that are
necessary to perform routine tasks.

According to this definition, the individual is healthy if all the body parts, cells, tissues and
organ systems are functioning well and there is no apparent dysfunction of the body.

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Broader Perspectives of Health

The most widely used of the broader definitions of health is that within the constitution of
the World Health Organization (1948), which defines health as: A state of complete
physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
This classic definition is important, as it identifies the vital components of health.

Well-being Concepts
Well-being is a positive outcome that is meaningful for people and for many sectors of
society, because it tells us that people perceive that their lives are going well. Good living
conditions (e.g., housing, employment) are fundamental to well-being. Tracking these
conditions is important for public policy. However, many indicators that measure living
conditions fail to measure what people think and feel about their lives, such as the quality
of their relationships, their positive emotions and resilience, the realization of their potential,
or their overall satisfaction with life—i.e., their “well-being.” Well-being generally includes
global judgments of life satisfaction and feelings ranging from depression to joy.

Concept of personal health

1. Personal Hygiene:
Good personal hygiene involves keeping all parts of the external body clean and healthy.
It is important for maintaining both physical and mental health. In people with
poor personal hygiene, the body provides an ideal environment for germs to grow, leaving
it vulnerable to infection.

The importance maintaining of personal hygiene

● Maintaining high personal hygiene


standards builds a positive baseline for your
success in any aspect of your life like
relationships, work, sport, health, social,
etc.
● Maintaining good hygiene is the first step to living a healthy life. Neglecting your
hygiene, or allowing your child to be careless about cleanliness, can harm
everyone's health.

● Maintaining good personal hygiene promotes strong health, attractive physical


appearance and improved self-esteem, which allows you to experience a better
life.

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To understand the factors that contribute to better personal hygiene , let's define their
meaning
Hygiene
● Hygiene refers to the process of maintaining yourself and your environment clean to
reduce the chances of spreading microorganisms or being infected with a disease. 
Body cleanliness
Body cleanliness refers to all the body cleaning activities like hand washing, showering, hair
washing, teeth brushing, etc. 
Grooming
Maintaining yourself well-groomed includes activities that empower personal hygiene as
well

2. The Five Sense Organs in Human Beings


The sense organs — eyes, ears, tongue, skin, and nose — help to protect the body. The
human sense organs contain receptors that relay information through sensory neurons to
the appropriate places within the nervous system.

Taking good care of our sense organ:

Without your five senses you couldn’t watch the sunset, smell the grass after rain, taste that
lovely sashimi, listen to the lapping ocean or enjoy a calming massage. Well-functioning
senses not only enable you to have a better quality of life, they promote longevity by
allowing you to remain more active and independent. 

Eye to eye
Ten vision tips

1. Reduce sun exposure and risk of cataracts by wearing a wide-brimmed hat


and sunglasses (Australian standard 1067, offering 99 per cent UV reduction)
when in the sun.
2. Stay active. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of age-related macular
degeneration by up to 70 per cent.
3. Undergo screening for diabetes and high blood pressure, conditions that can
cause chronic and debilitating eye problems if left untreated.
4. Give up smoking, which contributes to degenerative conditions of the retina —
the “seeing” layer at the back of the eye.

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5. Eat fish. Studies indicate that a fish meal just once a week reduces the chance
of developing macular degeneration by 40 per cent, possibly by combating
free radicals in the eye.
6. Reduce computer eye-strain. Every hour, look at least six feet away from the
screen and back. Roll your eyes to the right and the left and cup your eyes in
your hands, closing them for a few minutes.
7. When gardening or renovating, wear glasses with a hard, unscratchable lens to
protect eyes from flying particles.
8. Reduce your intake of saturated fats and sugars; both are linked to the
development of eyesight problems.
9. Eat greener, leafy vegetables, which studies show help keep the retina of the
eye in better working order.
10. Ensure you have eye checks every one to two years to screen for conditions
such
as glaucoma.

⮚ Sound track
Ten hearing tips

1. Treat ear problems such as a middle ear infection promptly to prevent


complications that can result in total or partial hearing loss.
2. Avoid going to noisy music venues twice within 24 hours; loud noise can harm
the tiny cilia (hearing hairs) located in the cochlea of your ear and they take at
least 16 hours to recover. When using circular saws, sanders, nail guns and lawn
mowers, protect your ears by wearing industrial-strength earmuffs.
3. Turn down portable players such as iPods and Discmans and don’t use them for
more than six hours a week.
4. After swimming, shake your head on the side to help remove water, then dry
your ears with a towel. Alcohol-based eardrops can also evaporate excess
water caught in the ear canal. These strategies will help reduce the risk of
infection.
5. Give up cigarettes and other forms of smoking, which cause vascular problems
that adversely affect hearing.
6. Minimize use of medications, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, aspirin and
diuretics, which can all affect hearing, causing problems such as tinnitus.
7. Don’t clean your ears with cotton buds — you might introduce bugs to the ear
canal, causing infection, or push wax onto the eardrum, which will dull sound.
8. Avoid travelling on an airplane when suffering a cold or you risk your eardrums
bursting from the increased pressure.

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9. Consult with a health practitioner to discuss possible supplementation with
magnesium, zinc, ginkgo biloba (to improve circulation) and niacin.
10. See your GP for a referral to an audiologist if you develop ringing in your ears or
notice changes such as loss of hearing.
⮚ Taste and teeth
Ten dental tips

1. Brush your teeth at least twice daily using a rolling motion from the gum towards
the biting edge and a soft scrubbing motion on grinding surfaces. Floss your
teeth regularly or within 24 hours the dental film on your teeth will become
permanent plaque.
2. Treat gum problems. People with inflamed, sore or bleeding gums are almost
twice as likely to suffer coronary artery disease. This is possibly because the
bacteria in the mouth enter the bloodstream and attach to fatty plaques in the
arteries of the heart.
3. Limit intake of acidic and sugary foods such as dried fruit, salad dressings, fruit
juice and soft drinks, as these lead to acid attacks on teeth.
4. Avoid smoking, which can increase your risk of gum disease and cancer of the
mouth and throat.
5. Treat bad breath, which may indicate the presence of bacteria that can lead
to gum disease and tooth decay.
6. Breathe through your nose; mouth breathing can reduce the flow of saliva,
which protects teeth from decay.
7. When playing sport, always wear a mouth guard.
8. Watch out for dental decay, which usually shows up as a white or brown area
on tooth enamel. If cavities are caught early, special toothpaste mousse can
be applied to help teeth remineralise.
9. Avoid mouthwashes (some have been linked to cancer in recent studies) and
use a salty rinse to help combat germs in your mouth.
10. Visit your dentist for a six-monthly or yearly clean and check-up.
⮚ Touch down
To safeguard your sense of touch, you need to protect the sensitive nerve
endings and touch receptors located in your skin, particularly in your:

Hands: There are about 100 touch receptors in your fingertips, so take care to avoid
accidents. Simple measures include using a chopping knife carefully, wearing
thermal gloves when handling hot food, placing safety guards on saws and closing
heavy car doors with care.

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Lips, face, neck, feet and tongue: Adopting strategies such as wearing a mouth
guard when playing sport and putting on protective shoes when mowing the lawn
will help protect your touch sensation in those areas of the body.

⮚ Smell the roses


Enjoy a highly functioning sense of smell as you age by adopting the following
strategies:
Protect against nose impact injuries: Always wear a seatbelt and use a helmet with
a mouth guard when playing sport such as cricket.
Eat foods high in zinc: This important mineral found in lamb, yoghurt and seafood is
crucial to your sense of smell.
Give up smoking: Smell receptors can become damaged over time by cigarette
chemicals.
Address food or environmental allergies: These may be causing nasal congestion
that can dull smell receptors.
Eat stimulating foods: Curries, horseradish, cinnamon and spearmint arouse the
trigeminal nerve, which affects smell.
3. Following a Fitness Plan
⮚ Studies have shown that physical activity is, quite obviously, one of the primary
factors when evaluating a person’s overall health. Do you know why?

With the help of our nutrition team, we compiled a few of the most important
benefits from regular exercise. They shared information on how regular physical
activity can help almost all systems of the body, from your immune system to your
blood and circulatory systems to your mental health. Exercise can also help you
avoid physical injuries. Before we dive into the benefits of physical exercise, let’s
cover what a fitness plan actually is.

What is a Fitness Plan?

⮚ Put simply, a fitness plan is a schedule of planned sessions of physical exercise. These
sessions can be relaxed exercise, like a walk around the park, or it can be more
strenuous, like interval training or resistance training.

4. Adequate rest and sleep

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⮚ In many ways, sleep is one of the body’s best natural preventive medicines:
adequate amounts of sleep promote health in many areas of the body, and have
been proven to be an effective protector against several different conditions.

5. Having regular check-up/Physical examination


A generation ago, people used to see their doctor only when they were sick, or dying.
Today, preventative health care is becoming commonplace as people become more
educated and empowered about their own health. People are pre-emptively seeking
medical advice on how to live a healthy lifestyle. They are looking to lower their risk of
various conditions or diseases by maintaining a healthy diet, weight, and level of physical
activity.

Regular check-ups can help find potential health issues before they become a problem.
When you see your doctor regularly, they are able to detect health conditions or diseases
early. Early detection gives you the best chance for getting the right treatment quickly,
avoiding any complications. By getting the correct health services, screenings, and
treatment you are taking important steps toward living a longer, healthier life.

A. OBESITY:

Common health issue that is defined by having a high percentage of body fat. A body
mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is an indicator of obesity. Over the last few decades,
obesity has become a considerable health problem.

B. POOR POSTURE:Over time, poor posture may be caused by habits from everyday
activities such as sitting in office chairs,

staring at the computer, cradling a cell phone, carrying a purse over same shoulder,
driving, and prolonged standing, caring for small children, or even sleeping.

Poor posture can easily become second nature, causing and aggravating episodes of
back and neck pain and damaging spinal structures. Fortunately, the main factors
affecting posture and ergonomics are completely within one ability to control and are not
difficult to change.

C. SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE

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A sedentary lifestyle is a type of lifestyle involving little or no physical activity. A person

living a sedentary lifestyle is often sitting or lying down while engaged in an activity like
reading,

socializing, watching television, playing video games, or using a mobile phone/computer


for much

of the day. A sedentary lifestyle can potentially contribute to ill health and many
preventable causes

of death.

D. FATIGUE

Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. It isn’t
the same as simply feeling drowsy or sleepy. When you’re fatigued, you have no
motivation and no energy. Being sleepy may be a symptom of fatigue, but it’s not the
same thing. Fatigue is a common symptom of many medical conditions that range in
severity from mild to serious. It’s also a natural result of some lifestyle choices, such as lack
of exercise or poor diet.

E. UNDERWEIGHT

Being underweight can represent as many health concerns to an individual as being


overweight can. If a person is underweight, their body may not be getting the nutrients it
needs to build healthybones, skin, and hair.When is a person underweight?

A person’s BMI is under 18.5, then they may be underweight. Using the BMI is considered a
good measure of a person’s weight because it compares their weight to their height. For
example, a 170-pound person may not be overweight if they are very tall but could be
overweight if they are very short.

F. STUNTED GROWTH

A growth delay occurs when a child isn’t growing at the normal rate for their age. The
delay may be caused by an underlying health condition, such as growth hormone
deficiency or hypothyroidism. In some cases, early treatment can help a child reach a
normal or near-normal height.

G. BODY ODOR

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Body odor is the perceived unpleasant smell our bodies can give off when bacteria that
live on the skin break down sweat into acids.Some say it is the smell of bacteria growing on
the body, but it is actually the result of bacteria breaking down protein into certain
acids.Body odor usually becomes evident if measures are not taken when a human
reaches puberty. People who are obese, those who regularly eat spicy foods, as well as
individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, are more susceptible to
having body odor.

A. OBESITY:

Obesity usually results from a combination of causes and contributing factors:

1. Family inheritance and influences

The genes you inherit from your parents may affect the amount of body fat you store, and

where that fat is distributed. Genetics may also play a role in how efficiently your body

converts food into energy, how your body regulates your appetite and how your body
burns calories during exercise.

2. Certain diseases and medications

In some people, obesity can be traced to a medical cause, such as Prader-Willi syndrome,

Cushing syndrome and other conditions. Medical problems, such as arthritis, also can lead

to decreased activity, which may result in weight gain.

3. Social and economic issues Social and economic factors are linked to obesity. Avoiding
obesity is difficult if you don't have safe areas to walk or exercise. Similarly, you may not
have been taught healthy ways of cooking, or you may not have access to healthier
foods. In addition, the people you spend time with may influence your weight —more likely
to develop obesity if you havefriends or relatives with obesity.

4. Age

Obesity can occur at any age, even in young children. But as you age, hormonal changes
and a less active lifestyle increase your risk of obesity. In addition, the amount of muscle in
your body tends to decrease with age. Generally, lower muscle mass leads to a decrease
in metabolism. These changes also reduce calorie needs, and can make it harder to keep
off excess weight. If you don't consciously control what you eat and become more
physically active as you age,ll likely gain weight.

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PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY

1. Exercise regularly. You need to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a

week to prevent weight gain. Moderately intense physical activities include fast walking
and swimming.

2. Follow a healthy-eating plan. Focus on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits,

vegetables and whole grains. Avoid saturated fat and limit sweets and alcohol. Eat three

regular meals a day with limited snacking. You can still enjoy small amounts of high-fat,

high-calorie foods as an infrequent treat. Just be sure to choose foods that promote a

healthy weight and good health most of the time.

3. Know and avoid the food traps that cause you to eat. Identify situations that trigger out-

of-control eating. Try keeping a journal and write down what you eat, how much you eat,

when you eat, how you feeling and how hungry you are. After a while, you should see
patterns emerge.

4. Monitor your weight regularly. People who weigh themselves at least once a week are
more successful in keeping off excess pounds. Monitoring your weight can tell you whether
your efforts are working and can help you detect small weight gains before they become
big problems.

5. Be consistent. Sticking to your healthy-weight plan during the week, on the weekends,
and amidst

C. SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE:

Contributing factors that lead to sedentary lifestyle

1. Increased use of computers, TV and other ‘screens’ (tablets and smart phones) for work,

school, entertainment and social interaction.

2. Online shopping.

3. Increased access to motorized transport.

4. Urban design not favoring walking or cycling.

5. Automated manufacturing processes.

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6. A reduction in sports activities in schools.

Solutions to a sedentary lifestyle

1. Increasing physical activity

A more active lifestyle can significantly reduce the chances of chronic health conditions,
mental

health disorders, and premature death. Research has shown that physical activity,
including

exercise and sports, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes,
obesity, and

early death.

D. FATIGUE

What causes fatigue?

There are many potential causes of fatigue. They can be divided into three general

categories:

1. Lifestyle factors

2. Physical health condition

3. Work related causes

4. Psychological causes

E. UNDERWEIGHT

CAUSES OF UNDERWEIGHT:

1. Family history. Some people have a naturally low BMI due to physical

characteristics that run in their family.

2. A high metabolism. If a person has a high metabolism, they may not gain much

weight even when eating high-energy foods.

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Frequent physical activity. Athletes or people who engage in high levels of

physical activity, such as runners, may burn significant amounts of calories that

result in low body weight.

4. Physical illness or chronic disease. Some disease types can cause regular

nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, making it difficult to gain weight. Other conditions

may decrease a person’s appetite, so they do not feel like eating. Examples

include cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and digestive conditions, such

as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

5. Mental illness. Poor mental health can affect a person’s ability to eat,

including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating

disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. Each of these conditions can affect a

person’s body image and appetite.

F. BODY ODOR:

Causes

Body odor is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat and is largely linked to the
apocrine

glands. Most body odor comes from these. These glands are found in the breasts, genital

area, eyelids, armpits, and ear. In the breasts, they secrete fat droplets into breast milk. In

the ear, they help form earwax. Apocrine glands in the skin and the eyelids are sweat

glands.

What causes foot odor?

Most of us wear shoes and socks, making it much more difficult for the sweat to evaporate,
giving the bacteria more sweat to break down into smelly substances. Moist feet also raise
the risk of fungi developing, which can also give off unpleasant smells.

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To help you nurture your understanding on personal health, the following texts provides you
deeper learning on the different concepts of psychosocial health and how it affects your
personal

health:

PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH

Psychosocial health

encompasses the mental, emotional, social, and spiritual

dimensions of what it means to be healthy.

Psychosocial health is the result of complex interaction

between a person’s history and his or her thoughts about and

interpretations of the past and what the past means

Psychosocially healthy people

1. Feel good about themselves

2. Feel comfortable with other people

3. Control tension and anxiety

4. Are able to meet the demands of life

5. Curb hate and guilt

6. Maintain a positive outlook

7. Value diversity

8. Appreciate and respect nature

9. Enrich the lives of others

PSYCHOSOCIALLY HEALTHY VS PSYCHOSOCIALLY UNHEALTHY

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FACTORS INFLUENCING

PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH

1. The Family:

Having a close-knit and supportive family provides emotional support,economic well-


being, and increases overall health. However, the opposite is also true. When family life is
characterized by stress and conflict, the health of family members tends to be negatively
affected.Dysfunctional familiesChildren raised in dysfunctional families may have a harder
time adapting to life and run an increased risk of psychosocial problems.

2. The Macro Environment

Drugs, neighborhood, crime, threats to safety, injury, school failure unemployment,


financial problems, and natural disasters also play a role in increased risk of psychosocial
problems. Dysfunctional familiesChildren raised in dysfunctional families may have a harder
time adapting to life and run anincreased risk of psychosocial problems.

3. Self-Efficacy

Belief in one’s ability to perform a task successfully

4. Self-Esteem

Sense of self-respect or self-wortha person self-respect, sense of value, pride, and worth, is

most definitely one of these. People with a high self-esteem:

● Have pride in themselves and their baccomplishments.


● Treat themselves with respect.
● Are confident, accepting of themselves, and
● believe they are valuable.

5. Learned Helplessness vs. Optimism

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● Learned optimism
● Teaching oneself to be optimistic
● “Positive affirmations”
● It is the idea that an individual can learn positive
● ways of thinking about and explaining both positive
● and negative events in their life.

6. Personality

In general, people who possess the following personality

trait healthy:

● Extroversion
● Agreeableness
● Openness to experience
● Emotional stability
● Conscientiousness

7. Resiliency as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy,
threats or significant sources of stress — such as family and relationship problems, serious
health problems, or workplace and financial stressors

8. Life Span and Maturity -Our temperaments change as we move through life.The college
years mark a critical transition period for young adults as they move away from their
families and establish themselves as adults. Those who do not accomplish developmental
tasks, such as learning how to solve problems and evaluate decisions, may find their lives
interrupted by recurrent crises later on. Be cautious about how you use tone and volume to
say something.

PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH ISSUES AND CONCERNS:

A. What is depression?

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9. Depression is classified as a mood disorder. It may be described as feelings of sadness,
loss, or anger that interfere with a person’s everyday activities. People experience
depression in different ways. It may interfere with your daily work, resulting in lost time and
lower productivity.influence relationships and some chronic health conditions.

Depression symptoms

● Depression can be more than a constant state of sadness or feeling “blue.”


● Major depression can cause a variety of symptoms. Some affect your mood, and
others
● affect your body. Symptoms may also be ongoing, or come and go.
● The symptoms of depression can be experienced differently among men, women,
and children differently.

Men may experience symptoms related to their:

1. mood, such as anger, aggressiveness, irritability, anxiousness, restlessness

2. emotional well-being, such as feeling empty, sad, hopeless

3. behavior, such as loss of interest, no longer finding pleasure in favorite activities,

feeling tired easily, thoughts of suicide, drinking excessively, using drugs, engaging

in high-risk activities

4. sexual interest, such as reduced sexual desire, lack of sexual performance

5. cognitive abilities, such as inability to concentrate, difficulty completing tasks,

delayed responses during conversations

6. sleep patterns, such as insomnia, restless sleep, excessive sleepiness, not

sleeping through the night

7. physical well-being, such as fatigue, pains, headache, digestive problems

B. SOCIAL ANXIETY:

social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) is a mental health condition. It is an

intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work,

school, and your other day-to-day activities. It can even make it hard to make and keep

friends. But social anxiety disorder doesn’t have to stop you from reaching your potential.

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Treatment can help you overcome your symptoms.

Symptoms

● Feelings of shyness or discomfort in certain situations arent necessarily signs of social


● anxiety disorder, particularly in children. Comfort levels in social situations vary,
depending
● on personality traits and life experiences. Some people are naturally reserved and
others are more outgoing.
● In contrast to everyday nervousness, social anxiety disorder includes fear, anxiety
and
● avoidance that interfere with daily routine, work, school or other activities. Social
anxiety
● disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in
younger
● children or in adults.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms

● Fear of situations in which you may be judged


● Worrying about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
● Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
● Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing,
● sweating, trembling or having a shaky voice

Physical symptoms

Physical signs and symptoms can sometimes accompany social anxiety disorder and may

include:

● Blushing
● Fast heartbeat
● Trembling
● Sweating
● Upset stomach or nausea
● Trouble catching your breath
● Dizziness or lightheartedness
● Feeling that your mind has gone blank
● Muscle tension

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C. MOOD SWING

Mood swings refer to rapid changes in mood

Causes of mood swings in female

Hormonal shifts can lead to significant changes in mood. Females tend to be more prone
to symptoms of hormonal changes than males, particularly during menstruation,
pregnancy, and menopause.

Common causes of mood swings in females include:

1. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

2. PMS causes many symptoms just before the onset of a menstrual period. These include:

3. mood swings

4. bloating

5. breast tenderness

6. depression

7. fatigue

8. food cravings

Treatment

1. Psychotherapy

2. better manage their emotions

3. work on issues that contribute to mood swings

4. understand the link between thoughts, feelings, and behavior

5. learn more helpful coping skills

6. improve communication skills, which can benefit relationships

7. Therapy can also help those with a chronic or terminal physical illness deal with their

situation and better manage their emotions.

8. Medication

9. Lifestyle changes

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10. creating a sleep schedule and aiming for 7–9 hours’ sleep every night

11. eating a healthful diet and having meals at regular times

12. engaging in regular physical activity

13. managing stress through meditation, mindfulness, yoga, or other sessions

14. maintaining an active social life and connecting with family and friends regularly

D. BULLYING:

Bullying involves people repeatedly and deliberately doing things that leave another
person upset, afraid or hurt. It can increase the risk of developing mental health problems
for everyone involved, including those doing the bullying.Bullying is not just ‘playing
around’ or harmless fun. It happens when someone has (or thinks they have) more power
than someone else. This could be:power in numbers being older or stronger popularity
being in the majority

Types of bullying:

1. Verbal – Putting someone down or threating to cause harm

2. Physical – contact that hurts someone or break thing

3. Social- spreading rumors, excluding someone or even embarrassing someone in public

4. Cyberbullying – Sending harmful messages, comments or pictures on social media

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT BULLYING?

If you’re being bullied, try to follow these steps:

1. stay calm

2. don’t fight back

3. try to ignore the bullying

4. try to avoid the person who is bullying you or ask a friend to stay with you when they’re

around

5. tell a trusted adult what has happened straight away • get some more information from

school or your workplace.

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If you’re being bullied online here are some things you can do:

1. report any bullying to the site where it is occurring

2. keep everything that is sent to you, like screenshots or messages, as proof

3. talk to friends you trust and let them know how you’re feeling and that you need their

support and advice

4. ask your friends to stand up for you

5. talk to your parents, peer, teacher or another trusted adult about what’s happening

6. block the person or people from being able to contact you

7. delete your current online account and start a new one.

E. EATING DISORDER:

What is an Eating Disorder (ED)?

Eating Disorders describe illnesses that are characterized by irregular eating habits and

severe distress or concern about body weight or shape. Eating disturbances may include
inadequate or excessive food intake which can ultimately damage an individual’s well-
being. The most common forms of eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia
Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder and affect both females and males. Disordered eating
issues can develop during any stage in life but typically appear during the teen years or
young adulthood. Classified as a medical illness, appropriate treatment can be highly
effectual for many of the specific types of eating disorders.Although these conditions are
treatable, the symptoms and consequences can be detrimental and deadly if not
addressed. Eating disorders commonly coexist with other conditions, such as anxiety
disorders, substance abuse, or depression.

Types of Disordered Eating

The three most common types of Eating Disorders are as follows:

1. Anorexia Nervosa

The male or female suffering from anorexia nervosa will typically have an obsessive fear of
gaining weight, refusal to maintain a healthy body weight and an unrealistic perception of
body image.

2. Bulimia Nervosa-

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This eating disorder is characterized by repeated binge eating followed by behaviors that
compensate for the overeating, such as forced vomiting, excessive exercise, or extreme
use of laxatives or diuretics. Men and women who suffer from Bulimia may fear weight gain
and feel severely unhappy with their body size and shape.

3.Binge Eating Disorder

Individuals who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder will frequently lose control over his or her

eating. Different from bulimia nervosa however, episodes of binge-eating are not followed
by compensatory behaviors, such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise. Because of
this, many people suffering from BED may be obese and at an increased risk of developing
other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. Men and women who struggle with this
disorder may also experience intense feelings of guilt, distress, and embarrassment related
totheir binge-eating, which could influence the further progression of the eating disorder.

Signs & Symptoms of an ED

A man or woman suffering from an eating disorder may reveal several signs and symptoms,

some which are:

● Chronic dieting despite being hazardously underweight


● Constant weight fluctuations
● Obsession with calories and fat contents of food
● Engaging in ritualistic eating patterns, such as cutting food into tiny pieces, eating
● alone, and/or hiding food
● Continued fixation with food, recipes, or cooking; the individual may cook intricate
● meals for others but refrain from partaking
● Depression or lethargic stage
● Avoidance of social functions, family, and friends. May become isolated and
withdrawn
● Switching between periods of overeating and fasting

F. EMOTIONAL ABUSE:

Emotional abuse is a serious form of abuse that may come before, during, or after periods
of physical abuse. Emotional abuse is never the fault of the person subjected to it.

Emotional abuse can have several long- and short-term effects. These might be physical
(racing

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heart and tremors), psychological (anxiety and guilt), or both.

Types of emotional abuse

A person may be subjected to emotional abuse from a number of different people


throughout their

life.

Emotional abuse has a number of potential sources. These include:

● parents
● romantic partners
● friends
● colleagues

1. Parental emotional abuse

People of all ages can be subjected to emotional abuse, including children. Contrary to
what some people believe, a relative or close family friend are more likely to abuse a child
than a stranger some signs of emotional abuse toward children include:

yelling, bullying, or threatening a child shaming, belittling, or humiliating a child

telling a child that they are worthless, a mistake, or bad giving a child “the silent treatment”
as punishment limiting signs of affection exposing a child to violence against others calling
a child names negatively comparing a child with others

2. Relationship emotional abuse

In romantic relationships, people who are emotionally abusive may not be physically or
sexually abusive at first. However, emotional abuse can lead to physical abuse if the
relationship continues down an unhealthy path.Emotional abuse can take the form of
name calling, demeaning, or any behavior that makes a person feel belittled or worthless.
In some cases, a person may start to believe that they are ugly or unwanted, or that they
cannot “do better” than the person they are with.

3. Marital emotional abuse Marriage does not give anyone the right to abuse their partner
physically, sexually, emotionally, or in any other way. The signs of emotional abuse within a
marriage are similar to those of emotional abuse within a non-marital
relationship.Emotional abuse within a marriage may make a person feel as though they are
worthless or do not deserve better. It may also lead them toward other unhealthful
thoughts.

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4. Emotional abuse in the workplace

Emotional abuse at work often goes unnoticed. However, it can occur in several different
forms, from intimidation and deceit to shaming someone or making them feel guilty.

It could also manifest as a person being led to build false hopes and not having a
colleague or manager to listen to their concerns.Being subjected to emotional abuse in
the workplace may result in unfinished tasks. However, more importantly, it can have
deeper emotional effects on a person’s self-esteem and self-worth.Recognizing the signs of
emotional abuse use of weapons as a means of threatening

withholding affection as a punishment name calling, insulting, and continuous criticism

trapping a partner at home or preventing them from leaving threatening to hurt children,
pets, or other members of a partner’s family demanding to know where a partner is every
minute refusing trust, such as by acting jealously or possessively-trying to isolate a partner
from their family or friends

13 destruction of a partner’s property gas lighting, or making a partner believe lies


monitoring where a partner goes, who they call, and who they spend time with-humiliating
a partner making accusations of cheating jealousy of outside relationships serially cheating
on a partner and then blaming them for the behavior attempting to control a partner’s
appearance cheating to “prove” that they are more desirable than a partner

G. STRESS

Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or

psychological strain. Stress is your body response to anything that requires attention or

action. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way you respond to stress,

however, makes a big difference to your overall well-being.Sometimes, the best way to
manage your stress involves changing your situation. At other times, the best strategy
involves changing the way you respond to the situation.

Types of Stress

Not all types of stress are harmful or even negative. Some of the different types of stress
that you might experience include:

Acute stress: Acute stress is a very short-term type of stress that can either be positive or

more distressing; this is the type of stress we most often encounter in day-to-day life.

Chronic stress: Chronic stress is stress that seems never-ending and inescapable, like the

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stress of a bad marriage or an extremely taxing job; chronic stress can also stem from

traumatic experiences and childhood trauma.

Episodic acute stress: Episodic acute stress is acute stress that seems to run rampant and

be a way of life, creating a life of relative chaos.

Eustress: Eustress is fun and exciting. It known as a positive type of stress that can keep

you energized. associated with surges of adrenaline, such as when you are skiing or racing
to meet a deadline

Causes

There are many different things in life that can cause stress. Some of the main sources of

stress include work, finances, relationships, parenting, and day-to-day inconveniences.

Stress can trigger the body’s response to a perceived threat or danger, known as the fight-

or-flight response. During this reaction, certain hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are

released. This speeds the heart rate, slows digestion, shunts blood flow to major muscle

groups, and changes various other autonomic nervous functions, giving the body a burst of

energy and strength.

Stress can also lead to some unhealthy habits that have a negative impact on your health.

For example, many people cope with stress by eating too much or by smoking. These

unhealthy habits damage the body and create bigger problems in the long-term

● Common effects of stress


● On your body On your mood On your behavior
● Headache Anxiety Overeating or
● undereating
● Muscle tension or pain
● Restlessness Angry outbursts
● Chest pain Lack of motivation
● Drug or alcohol misuse
● Fatigue Feeling overwhelmed Tobacco use
● Change in sex drive Irritability or anger Social withdrawal
● Stomach upset Sadness or depression Exercising less often
● Sleep problems

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H. POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that triggered by a

terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks,

nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting
and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get
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last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may
have

PTSD.

Causes

● Stressful experiences, including the amount and severity of trauma you've


gone through inyour life
● Inherited mental health risks, such as a family history of anxiety and depression
● Inherited features of your personality — often called your temperament
● The way your brain regulates the chemicals and hormones your body releases in
response
● to stress

Risk factors

People of all ages can have post-traumatic stress disorder. However, some factors may
make you more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event, such as:

● Experiencing intense or long-lasting trauma


● Having experienced other trauma earlier in life, such as childhood abuse
● Having a job that increases your risk of being exposed to traumatic events, such as
military personnel and first responders
● Having other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression
● Having problems with substance misuse, such as excess drinking or drug use
● Lacking a good support system of family and friends
● Having blood relatives with mental health problems, including anxiety or depression

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Complications

● Post-traumatic stress disorder can disrupt your whole life ― your job, your
relationships,
● your health and your enjoyment of everyday activities.
● Having PTSD may also increase your risk of other mental health problems, such as:
● Depression and anxiety
● Issues with drugs or alcohol use
● Eating disorders
● Suicidal thoughts and actions

Symptoms

● Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start within one month of a traumatic
event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These
symptoms cause
● significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships. They can also
interfere with your ability to go about your normal daily tasks.

PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance,
negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional
reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.

1. Intrusive memories

Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:

● Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event


● Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks
● Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
● Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the
● traumatic event

2. Avoidance

Symptoms of avoidance may include:

● Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event


● Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event

3. Negative changes in thinking and mood

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Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:

● Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world


● Hopelessness about the future
● Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic
event

Difficulty maintaining close relationships

● Feeling detached from family and friends


● Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
● Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
● Feeling emotionally numb

4. Changes in physical and emotional reactions

Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms)
may

include:

● Being easily startled or frightened


● Always being on guard for danger
● Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
● Trouble sleeping

Trouble concentrating

Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior Overwhelming guilt or shame

For children 6 years old and younger, signs and symptoms may also include:

Re-enacting the traumatic event or aspects of the traumatic event through play

Frightening dreams that may or may not include aspects of the traumatic event

COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Community: Defined as the sociological group in a large place sharing one environment. It

includes the individual and family

Community health

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Art and science of maintaining, protecting and improving the health of all the

members in the community through organized and sustained community effort

The term "community health" refers to the health status of a defined group of
people,or community, and the actions and conditions that protect and improve the health
of the community. Those individuals who make up a community live in a somewhat

localized area under the same general regulations, norms, values, and organizations

The WHO defines community health as: environmental, social, and economic

resources to sustain emotional and physical wellbeing among people in ways that

advance their aspirations and satisfy their needs in their unique environment.

Characteristics of a healthy community (According to WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION)

1. The physical environment is clean and safe.

2. The environment meets everyone’s basic needs.

3. The environment promotes social harmony and actively involves everyone.

4. There is an understanding of the local health and environment issues.

5. The community participates in identifying local solutions to local problems.

6. Community members have access to varied experiences, interaction and


communication.

7. The health services are accessible and appropriate.

8. The historical and cultural heritage is promoted and celebrated.

9. There is a diverse and innovative economy.

10. There is a sustainable use of available resources for all.Environmental health:

Comprises those aspect of human health that are determined by physical, chemical,

biological, social and psychosocial factors in the surrounding environment

Why Is Environmental Health Important?

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Maintaining a healthy environment is central to increasing quality of life and years of
healthy life. Globally, 23% of all deaths and 26% of deaths among children under age 5 are
due to preventable environmental factors.Understanding Environmental Health The 6
themes of the Environmental Health topic area draw attention to elements of the
environment and their linkages to health.

Outdoor Air Quality Poor air quality is linked to premature death, cancer, and long-term
damage to respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Decreasing air pollution is an important
step in creating a healthy environment.Surface and Ground Water Surface and ground
water quality concerns apply to both drinking water and recreational

waters. Contamination by infectious agents or chemicals can cause mild to severe illness.

Protecting water sources and minimizing exposure to contaminated water sources are

important parts of environmental health.Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes

The health effects of toxic substances and hazardous wastes are not yet fully understood.

Research to better understand how these exposures may impact health is ongoing.

Meanwhile, efforts to reduce exposures continue. Reducing exposure to toxic substances

and hazardous wastes is fundamental to environmental health.

Homes and Communities People spend most of their time at home, work, or school. Some
of these environments may

expose people to:

● Indoor air pollution


● Inadequate heating and sanitation
● Structural problems
● Electrical and fire hazards
● Lead-based paint hazards

These hazards can impact health and safety. Maintaining healthy homes and communities

is essential to environmental health.Infrastructure and SurveillancePreventing exposure to


environmental hazards relies on many partners, including state and local health
departments. Personnel, surveillance systems, and education are important

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resources for investigating and responding to disease, monitoring for hazards, and

educating the public. Additional methods and greater capacity to measure and respond
to environmental hazards are needed.

Global Environmental Health

Water quality is an important global challenge. Diseases can be reduced by improving


water quality and sanitation and increasing access to adequate water and sanitation
facilities.Perennial Problems in the community:

● Human excreta and sewage


● Disease control
● Peace and order
● Human disposal
● Food sanitation
● Water supply
● Drug abuse: Prevention and control
● Primary Health Care (PHC)

is an essential health care made universally acceptable to individuals and families in the

community by means acceptable to them through their full participation and at a cost
that

the community and country and can afford at every stage of development.

World Health Organization (WHO)

The WHO defines Primary Health Care an essential health care made universally
acceptable to individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to them
through their full

participation and at a cost that the community and country and afford at every stage of

development.

● Health Education
● Treatment of Locally Endemic Diseases
● Expanded Program on Immunization
● Maternal and Child Health
● Provision of Essential Drugs
● Nutrition
● Treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases

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● Safe water and good waste disposal

Goals of primary health care:

● The ultimate goal of primary health care is better health for all. WHO has identified
five key
● elements to achieving that goal:
● Reducing exclusion and social disparities in health (universal coverage reforms);
● Organizing health services around people’s needs and expectations (service
delivery
● reforms);
● Integrating health into all sectors (public policy reforms);
● Pursuing collaborative models of policy dialogue (leadership reforms); and
● Increasing stakeholder participation.

Objectives of primary health care:

● Improvement in the level of health care of the community


● Favorable population growth structure
● Reduction in the prevalence of preventable, communicable and other disease.
● Reduction in morbidity and mortality rates especially among infants and children.
● Extension of essential health services with priority given to the underserved sectors.
● Improvement in basic sanitation
● Development of the capability of the community aimed at self- reliance.

Types of PHC workers

There are two types of primary health care workers in the Philippines:

Barangay Health Worker or Village Health Worker

Intermediate level Primary Health Worker

Major Strategies

1. Elevating health to a comprehensive and sustained national effort

Attaining health for all Filipinos will require expanding participation in health and health-
related programs whether as service provider or beneficiary. Empowerment to parents,
families and communities to make decisions of their health is the desired outcome.
Advocacy must be directed to national and local policy making to elicit support and

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commitment to major health concerns through legislations, budgetary and logistical
considerations.

2. Promoting and supporting community managed health care

The health in the hands of the people brings the government closest to the people. It

necessitates a process of capacity building of communities and organization to plan,


implement and evaluate health programs at their levels.

3. Increasing efficiency in health sector

Using appropriate technology will make services and resources required for their delivery,

effective, affordable, accessible and culturally acceptable. The development of human


resources must correspond to the actual needs of the nation and the policies it upholds
such as PHC.

The Department of Health (DOH) continue to support and assist both public and private
institutions particularly in faculty development, enhancement of relevant curricula and
development of standard teaching materials.

4. Advancing essential national health research

Essential National Health Research (ENHR) is an integrated strategy for organizing and

managing research using inter-sectoral, multi-disciplinary and scientific approach to health


programming and delivery.

Elements

The following are the eight (8) essential elements of primary health care:

1. Education for Health

This is one of the potent methodologies for information dissemination. It promotes the
partnership of both the family members and health workers in the promotion of health as
well as prevention of illness.

2. Locally Endemic Disease Control

The control of endemic disease focuses on the prevention of its occurrence to reduce
morbidity rate. Example Malaria control and Schistosomiasis control

3. Expanded Program on Immunization

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This program exists to control the occurrence of preventable illnesses especially of children
below 6 years old. Immunizations on poliomyelitis, measles, tetanus, diphtheria and other
preventable disease are given for free by the government and ongoing program of the
DOH

4. Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning

The mother and child are the most delicate members of the community. So the protection
of the mother and child to illness and other risks would ensure good health for the
community. The goal of Family Planning includes spacing of children and responsible
parenthood.

5. Environmental Sanitation and Promotion of Safe Water Supply

Environmental Sanitation is defined as the study of all factors in the man’s environment,
which exercise or may exercise deleterious effect on his well-being and survival. Water is a
basic need for life and one factor in man’s environment. Water is necessary for the
maintenance of healthy lifestyle. Safe Water and Sanitation is necessary for basic
promotion of health.

6. Nutrition and Promotion of Adequate Food Supply

One basic need of the family is food. And if food is properly prepared then one may be
assured healthy family. There are many food resources found in the communities but
because of fault preparation and lack of knowledge regarding proper food planning,
Malnutrition is one of the problems that we have in the country.

7. Treatment of Communicable Diseases and Common Illness

The diseases spread through direct contact pose a great risk to those who can be
infected. Tuberculosis is one of the communicable diseases continuously occupies the top
ten causes of death. Most communicable diseases are also preventable. The Government
focuses on the prevention, control and treatment of these illnesses.

8. Supply of Essential Drugs

This focuses on the information campaign on the utilization and acquisition of drugs. In
response to this campaign, the GENERIC ACT of the Philippines is enacted. It includes the
following drugs:

● Cotrimoxazole, Paracetamol, Amoxycillin, Oresol, Nifedipine , Rifampicin, INH


(isoniazid) and Pyrazinamide,Ethambutol, Streptomycin ,Albendazole,Quinine

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TYPES OF POLLUTION

1. Air Pollution

The air we breathe has a very exact chemical composition; 99% of it is made up of
nitrogen,oxygen, water vapor and inert gases. Air pollution occurs when things that t
normally there are added to the air. A common type of air pollution happens when people
release particles into the air from burning fuels. This pollution looks like soot, containing
millions of tiny particles, floating in the air. Another common type of air pollution is
dangerous gases, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide,nitrogen oxides and chemical
vapors. These can take part in further chemical reactions once they are in the atmosphere,
creating acid rain and smog. Other sources of air pollution can come from within buildings,
such as secondhand smoke. Finally, air pollution can take the form of greenhouse gases,
such as carbon dioxide or sulfur

dioxide, which are warming the planet through the greenhouse effect. According to the
EPA, the greenhouse effect is when gases absorb the infrared radiation that is released
from the Earth,preventing the heat from escaping. This is a natural process that keeps our
atmosphere warm. If Too many gases are introduced into the atmosphere, though, more
heat is trapped and this can make the planet artificially warm, according to Columbia
University.

What causes air pollution?

Air pollution is caused by the presence in the atmosphere of toxic substances, mainly
produced by human activities, even though sometimes it can result from natural
phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, dust storms and wildfires, also depleting the air
quality.

Anthropogenic air pollution sources are:

● Combustion of fossil fuels:


● like coal and oil for electricity and road transport, producing air pollutants like
nitrogen and
● sulfur dioxide
● Emissions from industries and factories:
● releasing large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, chemicals and organic
● compounds into the air

Agricultural activities:

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● due to the use of pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers that emit harmful chemicals
● Waste production:
● mostly because of methane generation in landfills

EFFECTS AND IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION

IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Air pollution has a major impact on the process of plant evolution by preventing
photosynthesis in many cases, with serious consequences for the purification of the air we
breathe. It also contributes to the formation of acid rain, atmospheric precipitations in the
form of rain, frost, snow or fog, which are released during the combustion of fossil fuels and
transformed by contact with water steam in the atmosphere.

GLOBAL WARMING

On top of that, air pollution is a major contributor to global warming and climate change.
In fact,the abundance of carbon dioxide in the air is one of the causes of the greenhouse
effect. Normally, the presence of greenhouse gases should be beneficial for the planet
because they absorb the infra-red radiation produced by the surface of the earth. But the
excessive concentration of these gases in the atmosphere is the cause of the recent
climate change.

ON HUMAN HEALTH

Our continual exposure to air pollutants is responsible for the deterioration of human health.

Air pollution is indeed a significant risk factor for human health conditions, causing allergies,

respiratory and cardiovascular diseases as well as lung damage.

LAND POLLUTION:

The basic definition of land pollution is the destruction and contamination of the land
through the

direct and indirect actions of humans. The pollution results in changes to the land, such as
soil erosion. Some of the changes are irreversible, while others are not.

Various Causes of Land Pollution

1. Deforestation and Soil Erosion

Deforestation carried out to create drylands is one of the major concerns. Land that is
once converted into dry or barren land can never be made fertile again, whatever the
magnitude of measures to redeem it is.

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Land conversion, meaning the alteration or modification of the original properties of the
land to make it use-worthy for a specific purpose, is another major cause. It hampers the
land immensely. Also, there is a constant waste of land. Unused available land over the
years turns barren; this land then cannot be used. So in search of more land, potent land is
hunted, and its indigenous state is compromised.

2. Agricultural Activities

With the growing human population, the demand for food has increased considerably.
Farmers often use highly toxic fertilizers and pesticides to get rid of insects, fungi and
bacteria from their crops. However, with the overuse of these chemicals, they result in
contamination and poisoning of soil.

3. Mining Activities

During extraction and mining activities, several land spaces are created beneath the
surface. We constantly hear about land caving in, which is nothing but nature’s way of
filling the spaces left out after mining or extraction activity.

4. Overcrowded Landfills Each household produces tons of garbage each year. Garbage
like aluminum, plastic, paper, cloth, wood is collected and sent to the local recycling unit.
Items that cannot be recycled become a part of the landfills that hamper the beauty of
the city and cause land pollution.

5. Industrialization

Due to an increase in demand for food, shelter, and house, more goods are produced. This
resulted in the creation of more waste that needs to be disposed of To meet the demand
of the growing population, more industries were developed, which led to deforestation.
Research and development paved the way for modern fertilizers and chemicals that were
highly toxic and led to soil contamination.

6. Urbanization

We humans have been making permanent settlements for at least the past 10,000 years.
Most of the cities and towns, and the infrastructure created, will remain with us for
thousands of more years into the future.Many of us may not classify human settlements as
“land pollution;” however, urbanization marks a significant change to the landscape that
can cause land pollution in a variety of subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

7. Construction Activities

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Due to urbanization, a large number of construction activities are taking place, which has
resulted in

huge waste articles like wood, metal, bricks, plastic that can be seen by naked eyes
outside any

building or office which is under construction.

8. Nuclear Waste

Nuclear plants can produce a huge amount of energy through nuclear fission and fusion.
The leftover radioactive material contains harmful and toxic chemicals that can affect
human health.They are dumped beneath the earth to avoid any casualty.

9. Sewage Treatment

A large amount of solid waste is leftover once the sewage has been treated. The leftover
material is

then sent to the landfill site, which ends up polluting the environment.

10. Littering

Littering is a common problem, no matter it is a city or a rural region. People just throw their
garbage on the ground without caring about the adverse effects on the environment.A
common instance is that people just throw their cigarette butt on the ground every time.
Since cigarettes contain elements harmful to the environment, it leads to land
contamination.

Disastrous Effects of Land Pollution

1. Soil Pollution

Soil pollution is another form of land pollution, where the upper layer of the soil or the
topsoil’s

composition is damaged or becomes altered.

2. Groundwater Poisoning

When harmful substances from industrial processes, chemicals are improperly disposed of
on theland or in illegal landfills or storages, the chemicals and other substances could end
up inthe groundwater system. The process is called leaching. It can happen on farms,
industrial sites, and landfills and affect the health of animals, plants and also humans.

3. Drinking-Water Problem

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Drinking water is highly affected by land pollution. Nearly 50% of the world’s population
does not have access to safe drinking water, and each year water-based diseases cause
up to 10 million deaths.

4. Change in Climate Patterns

The effects of land pollution are very hazardous and can lead to the loss of ecosystems.
When land is polluted, it directly or indirectly affects the climate patterns.

5. Environmental Impact

When deforestation is committed, the tree cover is compromised. This leads to a steep
imbalancein the rain cycle. A disturbed rain cycle affects a lot of factors.Most importantly,
the green cover is reduced. Trees and plants help balance the atmosphere;without them,
we are subjected to various concerns like Global warming, the greenhouse effect,irregular
rainfall and flash floods, among other imbalances.

6. Effect on Human Health

The land, when contaminated with toxic chemicals and pesticides, lead to potentially fatal
problemslike skin cancer and the human respiratory ailments in particular. Globally, 9,500
people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. The toxic chemicals can reach our
body through foods and vegetables that we eat as they are grown in polluted soil.Land
pollution also caused developmental deficiency in children. Chemicals, such as lead that
are commonly found in contaminated soil and water, can impact a child’s cognitive
development even when the exposure is very low.The impact of land pollution is not limited
just to the earth and animals. Humans can also experience negative consequences that
can influence quality of life and health.Some of the potential consequences include birth
defects, the development of breathing disorders, skin diseases, and cancer. Most of these
develop after exposure to waste from water poisoning and soil contamination.

Land pollution has also been linked to developmental deficits in children. Chemicals that
are commonly found in contaminated soil and water, such as lead, have an impact a

child’s cognitive development even if the exposure is very low.

7. Effect on Wildlife

The animal kingdom has suffered most in the past decades. They face a serious threat with
regard to the loss of habitat and natural environment.The constant human activity on land
is leaving it polluted, forcing these species to move further away and adapt to new regions

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or die trying to adjust. Several species are also pushed to the verge of extinction, due to no
homeland.

10. Water Nutrient Enrichment

Chemicals that are frequently used on agricultural farms, such as nitrogen, end up
benefitting thecrops only in a small proportion. The rest ends up in water populated by fish,
algae, and otherlifeforms.As the nutrient-heavy water saps up most of the oxygen in the
water, it leaves little oxygen for fish and other marine life. The water in that situation
becomes unable to support most life forms.

11. Wildfires

When land areas are polluted, they usually become quite dry. The dry conditions created
by pollutants in the soil create the perfect environment for wildfires and increases the
probability of wildfires dramatically.

The fires can grow quickly because of the dry conditions and widening area of polluted
land,thereby harming the whole environment and killing plants, animals and even humans.

12. Habitat Shifting When deforestation and soil erosion are in progress, animals are forced
to move from their natural habitat to find shelter and food. The change is too traumatic for
some animals, and this even leads to loss of life. As a consequence, some species are
posed with a greater risk of extinction.

13. Other Issues

Other issues that we face include increased temperature, unseasonal weather activity,
acid rains,etc. The discharge of chemicals on land makes it dangerous for the ecosystem
too.These chemicals are consumed by the animals and plants and thereby making their
way in the ecosystem. This process is called bio magnification and is a serious threat to the
ecology.

Conclusion

The negative consequences of land pollution can be greatly reduced with the
cooperation of everyone. By making a conscious effort to contribute to a safer
environment, the health and well- being of all can be protected

WATER POLLUTION:

Water pollution is degraded water, toxic to humans or the environment. It occurs when
harmful chemicals or microorganisms or sometimes simply garbage or too much sediment

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contaminates a stream, river, lake, wetland, groundwater aquifer, ocean, in short, any
body of water.

IMPACT ON IMPROPER SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

1. Soil contamination

Soil contamination is the No. 1 problem caused by improper waste removal and disposal.
Some wastes that end up in landfills excrete hazardous chemicals that leak into the soil.
Take the case of plastic bottles. When they eventually break down, they release DEHA, a
carcinogen that affects our reproduction systems, causes liver dysfunction, and weight loss.
Soil contamination does not only affect plant growth, it is also unhealthy to humans and
animals feeding on those plants.It is therefore important that every household takes
recycling to heart. Plastics, metals, paper, and electronic wastes can be recycled at your
local recycling centers. If everyone takes time to segregate and sort their recyclable
wastes and bring them to recycling centers, the bulk of waste that will be removed from
the landfills.

2. Air contamination

Waste that contains hazardous chemicals, such as bleach and acids, needs to be
disposed of properly, and only in approved containers with correct labels.Some papers
and plastics are burned in landfills, emitting gas and chemicals that hurt the ozone layer.
Waste that releases dioxins are also dangerous and pose a health risk when they diffuse
into the air that we breathe. Add to that the methane gases that decomposing wastes
release.Finally, landfill gas produced by the decomposing wastes, can be explosive and
can harm nearby communities

3. Water contamination

Hazardous wastes in the environment leech into the ground, and ultimately, into ground
water. This water is used for many things, from watering the local fields to drinking. Toxic
liquid chemicals from waste can also seep into water streams and bodies of water.

Untreated sewage can threaten marine life that comes into contact with the
contaminated water. It can destroy and suffocate marine habitats, such as
corals.Contaminated water is also dangerous and harmful to humans who consume fish
and other marine life.

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4. Bad impact on human health

Improper disposal of waste can greatly affect the health of the population living nearby
the polluted area or landfills. Waste disposal workers and other employees in these landfill
facilities are at a greater risk. Exposure to improperly handled wastes can cause skin
irritations, blood infections, respiratory problems, growth problems, and even reproductive
issues.

5. Impact on animals and marine life

It cannot be stressed enough: our carelessness with our waste and garbage does not just
affect us. Animals likewise suffer the effects of pollution caused by improperly disposed
wastes and rubbish. Styrofoam and cigarette butts have been known to cause deaths in
marine animals who consume them.Animals who consume grasses near contaminated
areas or landfills are also at risk of poisoning due to the toxins that seep into the soil.

6. Disease-carrying pests

Mosquitoes and rats are known to live and breed in sewage areas, and both are known to
carry life-threatening diseases. Mosquitoes breed in cans and tires that collect water, and
can carry diseases such as malaria and dengue. Rats find food and shelter in landfills and
sewage, and they can carry diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonellosis. Moreover,
moisture production from waste is a breeding ground for mold. It’s bacteria that has the
ability to spread and grow given the appropriate conditions, such as moisture production
from appliances and food scraps.

7. Adversely affect the local economy

Everyone wants to stay and live in a healthy, clean, fresh, and sanitary place. A city with
poor waste management will certainly not attract tourists or investors. Landfill facilities that
are mismanaged can cause the local economy to sink, which can then affect the
livelihood of the locals.

8. Missed recycling opportunities

There is revenue in recycling. Cities that do not implement proper removal and recycling of
wastes miss on this. They also miss out on the resources that can be reused and on the
employment opportunities that a recycling center brings.

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9. Causes extreme climate changes

Decomposing waste emits gases that rise to the atmosphere and trap heat. Greenhouse
gases are one of the major culprits behind the extreme weather changes that the world is
experiencing. From extremely strong storms and typhoons to smoldering heat, people are
experiencing and suffering the negative effects of greenhouse gases.

10. It is slowly killing the planet

We only have one planet, and our careless handling of waste is harming it. Taking care of
the environment is everyone’s responsibility, for ourselves, for our planet, and for our
children. Dispose of your rubbish properly in Newcastle with Skip the Tip! Skip the Tip has a
wide variety of affordable skip bins for your waste removal needs. From general waste, to
construction waste and toxic wastes, let our professionals help you dispose of them
properly, with your wellbeing and that of the community in mind.

C. Natural Disaster:

Health Issues Caused by Natural Disasters Health concerns after natural disasters can be
divided in three major groups, based on the factors that cause them and the type of
health problems they lead to:

1. Mental health problems

Many people suffer from grief, shock, anxiety, or depression after a disaster. The loss of
loved ones is especially traumatic, but even if that is not the case, the loss of material
goods and the disrupted daily routine, as well as the ensuing chaos and confusion, also
cause a lot of stress and may result in significant mental health issues.

2. Communicable diseases spread after natural disasters

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, the risk for epidemic outbreaks gets higher:The
shortage of fresh food, typical for post-disaster periods, results in malnutrition that weakens
the immune systems of the people in the affected area;

3. Safety risks after natural disasters

When people return home after a disaster, their health and safety may be compromised
by unsanitary and/or hazardous living conditions in the house. From ruptured gas lines and
stagnant water containing bacteria, to mold growth and vermin infestation, there are
various risk factors that can result in personal injuries and serious diseases unless proper
precautions are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the occupants of the home.

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4. Causes of Health Risks after Natural Disasters

● Disaster-related diseases typically occur in the period shortly after the event when
people return to
● damaged homes and unhealthy living conditions. Some of the dangers are quite
obvious – broken
● glass, hanging wires, etc. – and easier to avoid, but others may remain undetected
(mold growth
● behind the walls, harmful toxins released from damaged structural materials, etc.)
and cause
● significant health problems before the property is fully cleaned and restored.

Impact of climate change on health

What is the impact of climate change on health?

Although global warming may bring some localized benefits, such as fewer winter deaths
in temperate climates and increased food production in certain areas, the overall health
effects of a changing climate are overwhelmingly negative. Climate change affects many
of the social and environmental determinants of health – clean air, safe drinking water,
sufficient food and secure shelter.

Emergence of Water-Related Illnesses

People can become ill if exposed to contaminated drinking or recreational water. Climate

change increases the risk of illness through increasing temperature, more frequent heavy
rains and

runoff, and the effects of storms. Health impacts may include gastrointestinal illness like
diarrhea, effects on the body nervous and respiratory systems, or liver and kidney damage.

Climate impacts can affect exposure to waterborne pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and

parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia); toxins produced by harmful algal and

cyanobacterial blooms in the water; and chemicals that end up in water from human

activities.

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