MODULE 7 (HEALTH CONCEPTS)
vaccines and antibiotics added more
HEALTH CONCEPTS
-Prior to the 1800s, if you weren't sick,
you were not only regarded as lucky,
but also regarded as healthy. When
deadly epidemics such as bubonic
plague, pneumonic plague, influenza,
tuberculosis, and cholera killed millions
of people, survivors were believed to be
of hearty, healthy stock, and
congratulated themselves on their
good fortune. These diseases affected
people of all ages. It is not surprising
then that the emphasis of health in the
past was freedom from illness.
-Poor health was often associated with
poor hygiene and unsanitary conditions,
and certain stigmas were attached to
households that harbored any of these
illnesses. It wasn't until early 1900s that
researchers slowly began to discover that
victims of these epidemics were not
simply unhealthy or dirty people. Rather,
they were victims of environmental
factors that made them sick and over
which they often had little control
(microorganisms found in contaminated
water, air, and human waste). Public
health officials moved swiftly to address
these problems, and as a result, the term
health became synonymous with good
hygiene (13).
-Researches into the environment as the
primary cause of diseases continued well
into the early 1900s. Continued
improvements in sanitation brought
about dramatic changes in life
expectancy, and the development of
years to the average life span.
-By the 1940s, progressive thinkers in
public health began to note that there
was more to health than the early
associations with hygiene or the focus on
disease had indicated. At an
international conference in 1947 focusing
on global health issues, the World Health
Organization (WHO) took the landmark
step of trying to clarify what health truly
meant:
-Health is the state of complete physical,
mental, and social well-being, not just the
absence of disease or infirmity.
-For the first time, health came to mean
more than ―the absence of disease.‖ This
definition set forth a goal toward which
public health leaders and individuals
aimed (24).
 Physical well-being. We can
keep our bodies healthy by
exercising regularly. The human
body is designed for movement
and it needs exercise in order to
function properly. Different kinds
of exercise enable us to build up
strength, suppleness, and
stamina the three main elements
of physical fitness (24).
 Mental well-being. Mental
health, like physical health, is
more than just the absence of
illness. People in good mental
health feel comfortable with
themselves and with others. They
are able to love and be loved.
They can work well and play
health is well. And they can
cope successfully with the
 normal problems and stresses of
life.
Beyond this, people in good
mental health are energetic and
enthusiastic about life. They are
relaxed, confident, and usually
optimistic. They do not avoid life's
problems. Rather, they see that
coping with problems provides
an opportunity for personal
development. They welcome
new experiences and are not
afraid to ask for help when they
need it.
 Social well-being. Social health is
concerned with the people with
whom we come into contact.
Our relationships with our parents,
friends, neighbors, and
acquaintances all have a bearing
on our health. Conflicts with
parents or friends are stressful, and
stress can have adverse effects
on our bodies and our minds
People who enjoy close,
supportive relationships and who
get along well with others are
likely to be healthier than those
who don't.
-At a higher level, social health is
concerned with our roles within
society as a whole. For a society
to function well, its members need
to recognize certain basic needs.
Each one of us can contribute to
the well-being of our own society
in a variety of ways.
-Taking responsibility for your
personal health also contributes to
social health. If you look after
yourself, you are less likely to
become a burden to others
because of illness. Ideally, people
with higher levels of social health
give more to the world than they
take from it.
DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH
-I wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that
critics successfully argued that health
included much more than physical,
social or mental elements of life, and
that other elements such as
environmental, spiritual, emotional
aspects, helped define whether a
person was truly healthy. Hence, it
wasn't just how long a person lived or
the number of years he was disease-free
that really mattered, but whether he
was able to live life to the fullest and
reach his optimum potential for a
happy, healthy and productive life (13).
-Today, health is defined as ―the
dynamic, ever-changing process of
trying to achieve one’s individual
potential in each of the following
interrelated dimensions— physical,
mental, social, environmental,
emotional and spiritual health.‖
-The physical, mental and social
aspects have been fully explained in
the preceding discussions.
 Environmental Health. This refers to
an appreciation of the external
environment and the role
individuals play in preserving,
protecting, and improving
environmental conditions.
 Emotional Health. It refers to the
feeling component; to express
emotions when appropriate and
to control expressing emotions
either when it is inappropriate to
do so or in an inappropriate
 manner. Feelings of self-esteem,
self-confidence, self-efficacy,
trust, love, and many other
emotional reactions and
responses are all part of
emotional health.
 Spiritual Health. This may involve a
belief in a supreme being or a
specified way of living prescribed
by a particular religion. Spiritual
health also includes the feeling of
unity with the environment—a
feeling of oneness with others and
with nature—and a guiding sense
of meaning or value in life. It also
may include the ability to
understand and express one's
purpose in life; to feel a part of a
greater spectrum of existence; to
experience love, joy, pain, sorrow,
peace, contentment, and wonder
over life's experiences; and to
care about and respect all living
things.
DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
-The four major factors that determine
health are: personal health behavior,
biological influences such as heredity,
the physical environment, and health
services (24).
Personal Health Behavior
-Although mounting evidence indicates
that there are significant benefits to
being healthy, many people find it
difficult to become and remain healthy.
Most experts believe that there are
several key behaviors that will help
people live longer, such as:
 getting a good night's sleep
(minimum of seven hours)
 maintaining healthy eating habits
 weight management
 physical recreational activities
 avoiding tobacco products
 practicing safe sex
 limiting intake of alcohol
 scheduling regular self-exams and
medical check-ups
-Although health professionals can
statistically assess the health benefits of
these behaviors, there are several other
actions that may significantly result in
―years added to life,‖ such as (22):
 controlling the real imaginary
stressors in life
 forming and maintaining
meaningful relationships with family
and friends
 making time for oneself
 participating in at least one fun
activity each day
 respecting the environment and
the people in it
 considering alternatives when
making decisions and assessing
how actions affect others
 valuing each day and making the
best of opportunities
 viewing mistakes as opportunities
to learn and grow being as kind
to oneself as to others
 understanding the health-care
system and using it wisely
-Those who practice most or all of these
behaviors tend to be in better physical
and mental health than those who
follow a few or none. People who are
in good physical shape are better to
handle the pressures in their lives. Health Services
People who have a good mental
-The quality of the health care available
health have a good self-concept (18).
to a person helps determine the quality
of his general health. If he can get
Biological Influence—Heredity regular medical and dental care, he
may be able to prevent many health
-Sometimes your ability to prevent
problems. Preventing an illness is almost
diseases is limited by heredity and by
always easier than curing one.
other personal factors. Heredity is the
passing of traits biologically from
parents to child. If many members of HEALTH PROMOTION
the family have died of heart disease, -The term health promotion is used to
then a person may be less able to refer to the educational, environmental,
prevent heart disease than someone and social organizations that help
whose family members have been free people reduce negative health
of heart disease. Sometimes disability behaviors and promote positive
can keep an individual from being change (13).
able to exercise regularly. Whatever
-The government emphasizes the need
his heredity or physical condition,
for action by people in all walks of life. In
though, he can improve his chance of
particular, it calls upon industry, labor,
having a lifetime of good health by
schools, churches, and consumer groups
choosing responsible health behaviors.
to play an active role in promoting
health. Among the areas on which the
Physical Environment government chooses to focus its efforts
are the following:
-The physical environment is the physical
 smoking
surroundings—any place in which one
lives, work or play. Health threats in the  alcohol and drugs
physical environment may affect  nutrition
people's personal health. Air pollution  family planning
may increase their chance of
 pregnancy and infant health
developing lung disorders, or worsen a
 immunization
condition such as asthma, and may
even cause some diseases like cancer.  sexually transmitted diseases
Other factors in the environment that  toxic substances
may affect people's health are too  accident prevention
much noise, very crowded living places,  dental health
and infected food or water.
 control of infectious diseases
 pollution
-Health professionals can do only so
much. They need the voluntary
cooperation of community organizations if
they are to carry out their functions. Let us nutrition plays in attaining and
consider the government's immunization maintaining good health.
programs. Health professionals have the
-Nutrition is the science of food as it
capability and equipment to immunize
relates to optimal health and
but they can't visit every home to
performance.
provide immunizations. They have to rely
on individuals coming to them. Schools
and employers can help inform people of -Nutrition is the science that investigates
the value of immunizations and the relationship between physiological
encourage individuals to take advantage function and the essential elements of
of them. foods we eat.

-Nutrition is the process by which the

body takes in and uses food.
NUTRITION AND EXERCISES
FOR BETTER HEALTH

-Nutrition became a controversial issue THE BASICS OF GOOD

only during the 1970s when reports
began circulating about harmful
substances in food: pesticides and
fertilizers from the farm, cancer-
producing hormones in cattle feed, and
fish polluted by industrial waste.
-Interest in good nutrition has grown
rapidly since then. In reaction to these
issues, people began to turn away from
processed foods. Some resorted to
health food stores and ―organic‖ foods.
Others became vegetarians in the belief
that lifestyles (or) such a diet posed less
of a threat of consuming quantities of
toxic pollutants. But many still suffer from
malnutrition—faulty or poor nutrition.
NUTRITION
-Good nutrition is fundamental to the
idea that health is not simply the
absence of disease but a continual
process of attaining greater personal
well-being. It is important, therefore, that
each individual understands the basic
concepts of good nutrition and the role
NUTRITION
In the past, nutritionists confined
themselves to studying the kinds and
amounts of food people eat.
Nowadays, the greatest need in
nutrition, in addition to ongoing
research, are education and
communication (33). A solid background
in the basics of good nutrition is essential
for understanding the functioning of the
human body.
-Your body cannot synthesize or produce
certain essential nutrients. You must
obtain them through the foods we eat.
Nutrients in food perform life-sustaining
functions in the body. During digestion,
food is broken down into simpler forms of
nutrients that are released and absorbed
(29). Through the blood, nutrients are
taken to body cells where nourishment
takes place. Nutrients nourish the body in
three main ways:
 They provide materials to build,
repair, and maintain body tissues.
 They supply substances that help
 regulate body processes.
 They furnish food needed for
energy.
-It is important that you consume a
variety of foods to ensure that you obtain
the nutrients that perform each of those
three basic functions. Scientists have
identified more than 40 different nutrients
for good health.
-These basic nutrients contained in
foods can be grouped into four main
categories: carbohydrates, proteins, fats,
vitamins and minerals. In addition, water
and fiber although do not have
nutritional values are essential in our
diet. Each nutrient hass all the function
in the normal growth and functioning
of the body. No one food provides all
the nutrients your body needs.
Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the
body's preferred source of energy and
are necessary for cell metabolism. The
two main groups of carbohydrates are:
 Starches which are found in
large amounts in foods such as
flour, potatoes, whole grains,
cereals, bread, pasta, seeds and
nuts;
 Sugars which occur in large
amounts in fruits and some
vegetables, milk, and in foods
such as jams, cakes, sweet
drinks.
-Nutritionist recommend that it would be
better to reduce refined and processed
sugar intake found in sugar-laden food
by fifty percent while doubling intake of
natural sugars which are found in fruits
and their juices. This change would
tend to increase intake of both dietary
fiber and many vitamins and minerals
and would help attain a better
nutritional status.
-Frequent high intake of carbohydrates
especially in the form of refined sugar,
contributes to obesity and dental
decay, obesity in turn can contribute to
heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis
(46).
-When your body uses carbohydrates,
fats, and proteins, energy is released.
This energy is measured in calories. A
calorie is a unit of heat energy Using
calories as a way of measuring is useful
in comparing the energy available
from different foods. Make your diet
healthier by avoiding high-sugar
products. As much as possible, obtain
your dietary carbohydrates from
relatively low-calorie, high-fiber foods
such as potatoes (not fried), and
whole-grain bread and cereals.
Proteins. Proteins are major components
of nearly every body cell and have been
called the ―body builders‖ because of
their role in developing bone, muscle,
skin, teeth, and blood (13). Proteins are
made up of amino acids. It takes 23
different amino acids to make up human
protein. Your body can manufacture only
15, and the other 8 called essential
amino acids, must come to you ready-
made in the food you eat. Meat, fish,
eggs, milk, and other foods from animals
have all 8 of the essential amino acids
and are therefore said to contain
complete protein. Grains and
vegetables do not have all 8 amino
acids. They contain incomplete protein
and need to be combined with other
foods to form complete protein. Such
combinations include cereal with milk,
rice with beans and macaroni with
cheese. Eating less protein than you
need can have serious effects as well.
Even slight protein shortages can affect
the body’s function. Tiredness and
irritability can occur. The body may form
fewer antibodies, catch diseases more
easily, and get well more slowly than it
should.
Fat or Lipids (Scientific Name of Fat).
Fat is an essential component in a
balanced diet but most individuals
consume far too much fat in their diets.
Fat is concentrated high-energy
nutrient that contains more than twice
as many calories than either
carbohydrates or proteins. Fats serve a
number of vital purposes in the body:
 Fats are a source of your energy;
provides you with twice as much
energy as any other food.
 They help your body absorb
vitamins—A,D,E and K and carry
these vitamins throughout the
blood stream.
 Fats help form hormones and help
make blood clot.
 Fats add flavor, help satisfy
hunger and because they move
slowly through the digestive tract
and are no: digested quickly, they
help you feel full and satisfied
when you have eaten.
 Fatty tissue surrounds and cushions
your body's bones and vital organs
protecting them from injury.
There are two main kinds of fats:
 Saturated fats. These fats are hard
at room temperature. These fats
are undesirable; are oily or greasy
materials found in abundance in
meats, animal and dairy products
including eggs, cheese, milk, and
lard and in two plant oils, coconut
and palm oil. A high intake of
saturated fats is believed to
increase the amount of cholesterol
in the body which in turn can
increase the risk of atherosclerosis
and heart disease. Some fats are
―friendly‖ to the heart and blood.
These are called high density
lipoproteins (HDL). They actually
remove cholesterol from the
various places where it has been
deposited and take it back to the
liver for disposal. Other ―good fats‖
called the ―omega 3 acids‖ are
thought to help in reducing breast
cancer and colon cancer. These
fats are found in soybeans,
spinach, nuts.
 Unsaturated fats are liquid at room
temperature. Examples of
unsaturated fats are olive oil,
peanut oil, avocado oil, corn oil
and soybean oil. These fats do not
have adverse effects on blood
cholesterol
Vitamins. These are nutritional catalysts
that facilitate metabolic processes in the
body. They are organic compound
needed in small amounts to assist in
processing other nutrients and to
participate in the formation of blood
cells, homones, genetic material and
nervous system chemicals. Often they
work with enzymes to carry out their
functions and are called coenzymes—
substances that work with enzymes to
carry out their functions. For example:
calcium cannot become part of the
bone structure without the presence of
vitamin D. Vitamins are classified into
two groups:
 Water-soluble vitamins. These are
vitamins that dissolves in water.
Vitamins B complex and C are
water soluble. These vitamins pass
easily into the blood in the process
of digestion. However, water-
soluble vitamins are not stored to
any extent in the body tissue.
Instead, any excess is excreted in
urine.
 Fat-soluble vitamins. These are
vitamins that are absorbed and
transported by fat. Vitamins A, D, E,
and K are fat-soluble vitamin. The
body stores fat- soluble vitamins in
fatty tissues. Excess buildup of
these vitamins can have a
dangerous toxic effect. People
who take nutrient supplements of
very large doses of fat-soluble
vitamins are vulnerable to the
toxic effects. Toxic means
poisonous.
Minerals. These are inorganic elements
needed for basic body metabolism. At
least 20 minerals are needed by your
body in small amounts every day to
help it form tissues and vital chemical
substances. These minerals also help
regulate your body's fluid levels. Some
of the necessary minerals are: calcium,
chloride, copper, iodine, iron,
potassium, phosphorous, and sodium.
 Calcium is an important mineral
that keeps bones and teeth
hard and performs other vital
functions. People who do not
get enough calcium suffer
from calcium deficiency which
causes osteoporosis, a
condition in which bones do
not develop properly and
become brittle and
susceptible to breaking.
 Iron and salt (sodium chloride)
are necessary minerals. Iron
helps red blood cells carry
oxygen. No one should take
iron supplement, however,
before consulting a doctor.
Although salt is a necessary
mineral, excess salt has been
linked to congestive heart
failure, kidney disorders and
toxemia (blood poisoning and
increased blood pressure).
Water. Water, in itself, has no nutritional
value. However, it is perhaps the most
important component in the diet. Your
body can go without food for long
periods. However, without water, your
body can survive no longer than four
days. You will suffer from dehydration—
loss of liquids from body tissues. Although
most foods contain substantial amounts
of water, it is sensible also to drink several
glasses of pure water each day. Water is
essential to sustain life. Water plays many
roles:
 It is the solvent that transports
nutrients to and carries wastes
away from your cells.
  It is needed for the many chemical
reactions that occur during
digestion.
 It enables you to swallow foods,
absorb nutrients and eliminate
wastes.
 Through perspiration, water
helps your body cool down and
prevents the buildup of internal
heat.
 Water in the body tissues also
cushions vital organs and lubricate
the joints and central nervous
system.
Fiber. Fiber is an indigestible substance
found in plants. It is also known as
roughage or bulk. It is the tough, stringy
part of vegetables, fruits, and grains.
Foods that are particularly high in fiber
include: wholegrain/wheat breads and
cereals, nuts, oatmeal corn, fruits and
vegetables. Although it does not
provide the body with any nutrients,
fiber is essential in so many ways:
 It helps move waste through your
digestive system.
 It provides dietary bulk without
excess calories and offer a feeling
of fullness.
 It is a necessary aid to digestion.
 It helps prevent constipation,
appendicitis, hemorrhoids and
gallbladder disease and other
intestinal problems.
 It helps in watching your weight as
it is low in fat and calories.
EXERCISE
-Good health requires lifelong
maintenance of the body. A healthy-
promoting lifestyle—eating balanced
diet and exercising regularly—not only
reduces the chances of premature
death from heart disease or cancer but
also slows down the natural process of
aging.
-Exercise is the performance of any
physical activity that improves health or
that is used for recreation or the
correction of physical injury or
deforming as in physiotherapy.
—The British Medical Association, 1990
419.
-Physical activity is any force exerted
by skeletal muscles that results in energy
usage above the level used when the
body's system are at rest.
—Caspersen, Powell, and Christianson,
2000386.
-The terms, exercise and physical activity
will be used synonymously in the
following discussions.
FITNESS FOR YOUNG AND
OLD
-Exercise is necessary for fitness at any
age, but it is especially important for
young people. In the development
years from birth to age 20, the body is
constantly changing and growing. It
needs exercise to ensure that the
muscles, bones, heart, lungs and other
organs develop properly. Children who
don't get any exercise may develop
permanent physical handicaps. The
handicap may not show up until middle
age. Middle- aged men and women
who did not exercise when they were
children may suffer from a variety of
disorders, such as those mentioned
earlier. Medical treatment can
sometimes bring relief when those
disorders strike. But it is sad to realize
that many people suffer years of pain
and discomfort simply because they did
not get adequate exercise during their
childhood (24).
-People even in their 70's should get
regular exercise. It is suggested that, after
clearance from a physician, older
people walk fast enough to increase their
heart rate to about 125 beats per minute
for 35-45 minutes, three days per week.
Five or six days a week of this type of
exercise is even better. Such exercise is
excellent for the heart and also increases
the ability of older folks to do other
normal activities with less stress (32).
TYPES OF EXERCISE
-There are many different types of
exercise, which can be performed to
fulfill different functions. Some exercises
improve flexibility, some improve
muscular strength, some improve
physical endurance, and some
improve the efficiency of the
cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
A well-balanced exercise program will
contain activities that provide a
combination of benefits.
-The Complete Family Health
Encyclopedia (1990) enumerates the
following types of exercise.
1. Aerobic exercise. It is an activity
that requires the lungs to take in
additional oxygen to meet the
requirements of the muscles-the
kind of exercise that makes you
breathless. It is the best kind of
exercise for improving
cardiovascular fitness, and also
improves the strength and
flexibility of certain muscles and
joints. Activities such as jogging,
rowing, cycling, swimming,
dancing, and walking with a
rapid stride fall into this category.
2. Isometric exercise. It is an exercise
without movement, in which one
group of musles exerts pressure
against an immovable object (a
wall, for example) or against an
opposing group of muscles.
Isometric exercises improve
muscle strength, but they do not
have any effect on
cardiovascular fitness or on
flexibility.
3. Isotonic exercise. It is a form of
exercise in which the body work
against its own weight or against
an external weight. Weight-lifting
calisthenics (repetitive exercises
that have been designed to
stretch and strengthen particular
muscle groups) are examples of
isotonic exercises.
4. Isokinetic exercise. This type
combines elements of isometric
and isotonic exercise. It is usually
performed on the sophisticated
fitness training equipment found in
sports centers and gymnasiums.
-Exercises that improve the condition of
the heart and lungs have three essential
characteristics (29):
 They must be brisk. They should
 raise the heart rate and breathing
rate.
 They must be continuous. They
should be done for 20 to 30
minutes without stopping.
 They must be regular. They should
be repeated at least three times a
week to maintain one's fitness
level.
BENEFITS OF REGULAR
EXERCISE
-Regular physical activity or exercise is an
important means of improving health. It
improves different physiological, and
psychological and social aspects of
human life.
Physiological Benefits of Exercise
-Regular physical activity or exercise
results in benefits for your entire body
(13).
1. Regular exercise enhances
cardiorespiratory efficiency.
Regular exercise strengthens the
heart, enabling it to pump more
blood with each beat. It aids
therefore in the better circulation
of blood to the heart thereby
reducing the risk of heart disease.
2. Exercise improves oxygen uptake.
Regular participation in vigorous
exercise increase the body's
capacity to metabolize oxygen
by expanding the lungs and
strengthening the muscles
responsible for respiration.
3. Exercise prevents hypertension.
Regular physical activity can
reduce both systolic and diastolic
blood pressure in people with
normal and high blood pressures.
It reduces the ―bad cholesterol‖
while increasing the ―good
cholesterol‖ in the blood.
4. Exercise improves body functions,
such as, it (18):
a. strengthens bones and
ligaments;
b. provides strength and
muscular endurance;
c. keeps muscles and joints
flexible;
d. improves digestive and
excretory functions; and
e. provides greater energy.
5. Exercise improves appearance,
such as, it:
a. maintains good muscle tone;
b. keeps off excess fat; and
c. maintains posture.
Psychological Benefits of Exercise
-The psychological benefits that we
derive from exercising regularly are (13):
1. Exercise increases ability to cope
with stress. It ―burns off‖ the
chemical byproducts released
by the nervous system during our
normal response to stress.
2. It increases self-esteem. Because
regular exercise improves our
physical appearance by
reshaping muscles and eliminating
fat deposits, you feel good about
personal appearance which
tremendously booster your self-
esteem.
3. It relieves chronic depression.
 Regular exercise releases
chemicals called
endorphins into the bloodstream
which help alleviate depression.
4. It enhances quality of sleep.
5. It improves alertness.
Social Benefits of Exercise
-As your physical fitness and positive
attitude increase, your social relationships
also tends to improve (33):
 People who exercise regularly tend
to be physically active and
become more confident and
outgoing, do better work, and get
greater pleasure from associations
with other people.
 When exercise activities is
performed in groups or with
partners, this can strengthen old
social ties and help form new
outlets for social activities.
EXERCISE WARNING
-Stop exercising and seek medical advice if
you suffer from any of the following
symptoms:
 Chest pain
 Pain in neck
 Pain in arm
 Palpitations
 Severe breathlessness
 Feeling faint
PROPER HYGIENE AND
SANITATION
-Hygiene is a set of healthful practices
that help prevent diseases. Hygiene
includes good health and grooming
habits, and cleanliness. Proper hygiene
is essential to optimum health as diet
and exercise. There is a direct
relationship between good hygiene and
good health. The better is your hygiene,
the better is your overall health profile.
Proper Personal Hygiene
-Personal hygiene involves those
practices that promote not only your
physical health but also your mental,
emotional, as well as social well-being.
Hereunder are some helpful tips on
how to maintain and improve your
personal hygiene. Every external part
of the body demands a basic amount
of attention on regular basis.
Hands
-Wash your hands properly. Washing
hands correctly is an important
personal hygiene practice to prevent
spread of communicable diseases. If
hands are not properly washed,
communicable diseases can be
spread easily. Washing with soap and
water helps get rid of disease-causing
germs that collect under the
fingernails Soaping and rinsing should
cover the areas between fingers nails,
and back of the hand. Dry with clean
towel after wash. When do we wash our
hands? Wash your hands:
 after using the toilet
 handling food or eating
 before touching the eyes, nose,
and mouth because germs and
bacteria can enter the body
easily through them.
  after handling articles soiled by
faeces, respiratory or other bodily
secretions
 after touching public installations
or equipment, such as door
knobs, handrails, etc. which can
easily gather germs.
-When hand washing facilities are not
available, use 65-95% alcohol solution to
disinfect your hands.
-Knowing how to care properly for your
skin, hair, nails, teeth and feet is an
important part of developing and
maintaining a healthy look.
1. Hands
 Wash your hair every day. Unusually
oily hair and air pollution may make
more frequent shampooing
necessary.
 You may use conditioners after
shampooing to avoid dryness,
dullness or tangling.
 Be sure to rinse hair thoroughly after
shampooing and conditioning. Keep
3. Teeth
your hair clean, brushed, and free of
tangles.
 Brush your hair regularly to stimulate
the circulation of blood to your scalp.
Excessive brushing, however,
damages the hair and scalp.
2. Skin
 To keep the skin clean, soap and
water are essential.
 Bath or shower once or twice a day.
For those who are involved in active
sports or workout to a sweat, take a
bath after the activity.
 You may use a bath sponge for
scrubbing. An abrasive material for
brushing is not advisable.
 Wash off well after soaping. Dry with
a clean towel Avoid sharing soaps
and towels.
 Use deodorants and antiperspirants
to fight body odor.
 If daily cleanliness routines do not
reduce body odor, consult the
doctor. Clean the genitals and the
anus well because of the natural
secretions of these areas. Unhygienic
conditions of these areas can cause
irritation and infection.
 Avoid soaking in a bath for long
periods of time. Your skin will lose
moisture.
 Change into clean underwear after
bath. Do not wear tight fitting
synthetic underwear.
 Apply a moisturizer to skin after
washing to help retain moisture. Use
skin care products in moderation.
 Drink plenty of water and eat a
balanced diet. Get enough sleep.

 Eat a balanced diet or meal every
day to prevent dental decay.
 Healthy oral hygiene should include
regular brushing and flossing. Brush
your teeth at least twice or thrice a
day after every meal.
 Use a flat, soft toothbrush that can
reach all of your teeth. Use a circular
motion in brushing your teeth.
 Pay attention to your tongue by
brushing it as well. You may also use
a mouthwash to freshen your breath.
 If you regularly brush and floss your
teeth and bad breath persists, you
 should see your dentist/doctor.
 A regular dental check-up is vital for
prevention of tooth and gum
disease: Regular visits to the dentists
make it possible to discover and treat
problems early.
4. Nails
 Washing with soap helps get rid of
disease-caring germs that collect
under the fingernails.
 Grow nails only if you can keep them
clean.
 Clip nails short along their shape.
Don't cut them so close that it
pinches the skin.
 Do not keep you nails painted
continuously. It causes the keratin, of
which nails are made to split. Brittle or
discolored nails show up deficiencies
or disease conditions.
5. Feet
 Wash and scrub your feet regularly
because they pick up dirt and dust.
Dry your feet every after bath
between toes.
 For males, if you wear shoes every
day, wear cotton socks and wear a
clean pair every day. Powder your
feet before wearing socks to avoid
odorous smell.
 If possible do not wear the same pair
of shoes everyday Keep at least one
more pair and use it alternatively.
 When buying shoes, you should pay
more attention to fit and comfort
than to fashionable appearance.
 Choose shoes to match the activities
in which you participate.
SANITATION
-Sanitation refers to the development
and practical application of sanitary
measures for the sake of cleanliness and
protecting health.
-Community hygiene is mostly concerned
with the prevention of the transmission of
communicable diseases. Several of the
most important means by which a
community's health is protected are
often grouped together under sanitation.
By sanitation is meant care of the home,
care of food and drink, disposal of
excreta, and regulation of environment—
all focused on preservation of health and
prevention of diseases (35).
HOME SANITATION
-An ideal house is always orderly and
clean. Cleanliness and orderliness are
two different things. A place can be
clean but disorderly, orderly yet really
dirty. The ideal one is to have one's
home both reasonably clean and
orderly
-The two most important places in the
house which need special attention in
the preservation of health and
prevention of diseases are the washroom
and the kitchen. Hereunder are some tips
on washroom and kitchen sanitation.
Washroom. Washroom maintenance
should be scheduled in off-hours or as
needed (40).
 Clean urinals/bowl thoroughly with
bowl cleaner. Be sure to get the
cleaner up under the rim and around
the water outlets. Clean down all
sides and into the lower level. Flush
 and swab, rinse, making certain Rinse with clean water and wipe
nothing is left out uncleaned. water spots off with a clean cloth.
 Disinfect the toilet bowls after
 Defrost your refrigerator regularly.
cleaning.
Sanitize shelves and doors of
 Empty all waste receptacles regularly
refrigerator weekly.
or as needed.
 Sponge floor area in the toilet  Sweep all loose dirt by using the push
regularly. broom. Empty all waste receptacles
 Have soap and a clean towel always regularly.
hanged in the washroom.
 Pour water into drain outlets regularly
to prevent foul air and insects in the FLOOD SANITATION (Home
sewage pipe from entering the Clean-Up)
premises.
-Flood water carries disease producing
 Make sure drains and pipes do not
bacteria. These bacteria can remain on
leak or aren't blocked.
items covered or exposed to flood water
 Periodically, clean walls and ceiling
if things are not clean-up The Bureau of
thoroughly with a disinfectant
Public Health in West Virginia shares the
cleaner to remove marks and
following instructions for flood sanitation
smudges.
(home clean-up).

Kitchen -To protect your health while working in

 Keep the kitchen surfaces and flood clean-up:
counters and appliances
refrigerators, stoves, oven toaster,  Keep hands away from mouth and
etc.—free of food particles. face while working.
 Clean spills in the kitchen and  If you have wounds, disinfect and
appliances immediately. dress them properly before
 Wash cutting boards after each use. cleaning.
Let the board’s air dry.  Wear protective clothing like
 Always have soap for hand washing rubber boots, gloves and eye
and towels for drying hands available protection.
at the sink area.  Wash your
 Replace dishcloths and dish towels hands often
daily. using clean
 Replace plate/utensil sponges at water and
least weekly or as needed. soap.
 Clean sinks with a disinfectant After the flood waters
cleaner. Remove food particles and have receded:
wash it every after use.
 Be sure to clean fixtures as well as  Drain and pump water out of
hardware and pipes under the sink. flooded area. Before the surfaces
dry, hose down all floors, walls and
 ceilings with clean water.
 Scrub all surfaces using soap or
detergent and clean water.
 Disinfect surfaces.
 Wooden, metal or plastic furnitures
can be salvaged for use. Brush off
all dirt and loose material. Wash
all surfaces with soap or
detergent clean water
(preferably hot). Dry thoroughly,
preferably in open air and sun.
 Mattresses and stuffed furnitures
when soaked in flood waters
cannot be readily cleaned or
disinfected. They should be
thrown away or destroyed.
 For clothings, curtains and
draperies, wash them with hot
water and soap or detergent. Dry
thoroughly in open air and
sunshine where possible.
 Wash and sanitize all cooking
and eating utensils. Discard
those which are cracked and
chipped.
 Appliances should be checked
by service before being put back
into use.
FOOD SANITATION
-Nowadays, the incidence of food
poisoning-particularly involving bacterial
contamination—has risen substantially. You
can minimize the risk by following the simple
guidelines set out below:
1. Unpackaged foods should be
protected against flies while being
transported and marketed. Bruised
spots on fruits cause them to decay
rapidly. They are easily contaminated
by germs carried by flies.
2. No diseased animal should be
slaughtered for food.
3. Flesh foods—meats be—refrigerated
immediately because they can easily
become contaminated and be a
medium in which germs multiply
rapidly.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly before
handling food, immediately after
handling raw meat, and between
preparing meat and preparing other
foods.
5. All vegetables to be cooked should
be clean, but if they are to be eaten
raw, they must be more than merely
clean. Vegetable foods are easily
contaminated by contact with soil
fertilizers, especially animal or human
excreta. This kind of contamination
carries germs that can cause serious
bowel infections and diarrhea.
6. Kitchen surfaces, cutting boards and
cooking utensils should be thoroughly
clean before use.
7. Keep pets away from all food, kitchen
surfaces and utensils.
8. Buy the freshest produce you can. If
the food smells bad, throw it away
immediately.
9. Fridge foods properly. All foods should
be covered, wrapped, or put in a
clean container.
10. To avoid cross contamination, store
cooked food in the upper
compartment of the refrigerator and
raw food in the lower compartment.
11. Prepare raw food and cooked food
separately using knives and chopping
boards for each to avoid cross
contamination.
12. Cook meat thoroughly before eating.
A high temperature can kill germs.
 13. Cooked foods should be served
promptly before there is a possibility of
contamination.
14. Leftovers should be stored properly in
refrigerators and thoroughly heated to
75°C or above before being served
again.
15. Do not consume any canned foods
with bulging lids, broken seals or any
food that has a bad odor or unusual
characteristic after opening.
16. Check expiration dates. Do not use
foods past the expiration dates.
17. Throw away entire food packages or
containers with any mold present.
18. Food storage areas must remain
clean. Make sure the refrigerator is
cleaned once a week.
19. Do not store food supplies under
the sink. Do not store chemicals
and cleaning solutions near or over
food supplies.
WATER SANITATION
-Seventy-five percent of the earth is
covered with water in the form of
oceans, seas lakes, rivers, streams and
wetlands. Beneath the landmass are
reservoirs of groundwater. We draw our
drinking water from either this
underground source or from surface
freshwater sources (13). The status of our
water supply reflects the pollution level of
our communities and, ultimately, of the
whole earth.
-Any substance that gets into the soil has
the potential to get into the water supply
Contaminants from industrial air pollution
and acid rain eventually work their way
into the soil and then into the
groundwater. Spills of oil and other
hazardous wastes flow into local rivers
and streams. Underground storage tanks
from gasoline may develop leaks (13).
Pollutants can enter water ways by a
number of different routes.
-Water coming from doubtful sources
such as open dugs wells, unimproved
springs, wells that needs priming and
the like is unsafe for drinking unless
treated through proper container
disinfection. The sources of safe water
are: deep well, improved dug wells,
improved springs, rain water in close
container and piped water.
-Some diseases that can be transmitted
by drinking water from unsafe sources
are: diarrhea, amoebiasis, cholera,
hepatitis, and typhoid fever.
-You can avoid the waterborne illnesses
cited above by following these
guidelines:
 Drink bottled water but be careful
of locally bottled water; it can also
be unsafe.
 Boil water for 2-5 minutes.
 Use a water container with cover.
 Clean the water container as
often as every refilling.
 You may use water-purification
tablets.
 Use your own glass for drinking.
 Wash glass with soap and water.
CONTROL OF DISEASE
CARRIERS
-Mosquitoes, flies, rats, and cockroaches
are disease carriers. In controlling these
pests, it is important to kill those that
already exist but it is even more
important to prevent the propagation of
the young. Let us consider these tips on
how to control mosquitoes and flies at
home and keep rats and cockroaches
away.
How to control mosquitoes at home.
Here are some tips to control mosquitoes
at home:
1. Check regularly property for
mosquitoe-breeding places. The
water in flower vases and other
plant holders are potential
breeding places. Change water
for flowers and plants at least
How to control flies at home. To control
once a week. Fill up ground
flies at home, here are some tips to follow:
surface to prevent accumulation
of stagnant water.
2. Clean up surroundings. Remove
breeding places. Get rid of
empty tin cans where dirty rain
water accumulates which can
house hundreds of mosquito
larvae.
3. Trim shrubs and keep flowerbeds
clean and tidy to prevent rodent
infestation.
4. Periodic oiling of standing water
will poison the immature
mosquitoes.
5. Clear clogged canals.
6. Smudge the area. The emitted
smoke generated by burning
leaves, especially when neem
leaves are used will help control
mosquitoes.
7. Adequate screens on windows
and doors, as well as the use of
bed nets, will protect against
mosquitoes.
8. To prevent mosquito bites, apply
insect repellent on exposed part
of the body
e.g. limbs, arms—if you stay
outdoors for a long period of
time in sites where controlling
mosquitoes with insecticide is
impractical.
9. Chemical Control. This is the last
resort in pest management
(spraying, misting, or fogging).
However, in some places,
community-wide application of
fog using kerosene and pesticides
are active ingredients.
1. Maintain sanitary conditions
where animals are kept and
where refuse of any kind is
deposited. All refuse, as well as
fertilizer should be kept in tightly
covered containers.
2. Garbage containers should be
tightly covered. Empty them often
so they don't spill and attract flies.
3. Bury or burn garbage if there is no
regular garbage collection in your
area.
4. Since flies are hard to chase and
swat, indoor spraying of flies with
insecticides is very effective.
Aerosol insectisides are
recommended because of the
fine mist they emit. You can also
use traps like sticky paper to
catch flies.
Keeping rats and cockroaches away.
You can keep rats and cockroaches
away by following these tips.

1. Keep foods in closed containers.

2. Tightly close garbage and refuse
cans.
3. Keep doors closed when not in
use.
4. Close holes around pipes or drains
with concrete or sheet metal.
5. Store things 10 to 12 inches above
the floor so you can regularly clean
the place.
6. Outside the home, don't pile wood
against the side of the house.
7. Lumbers should be stored off the
ground, with space underneath for
cleaning.
MATERIAL 8 (ILL EFFECTS AND
VICES)
DRUG ABUSE AND PREVENTION
- A drug is any chemical substance
which, when taken into the body,
produces a physical, mental,
emotional, or behavioral change in
the user.
- Drugs are so important for human
welfare. They are prescribed by a
physician for health purposes. They
can prevent, shorten, and cure
illnesses. They can save and prolong
millions of lives.
- Drugs, however can be harmful. There
is a tendency for their misuse in our
drug- oriented society. Practically for
example, we do use any of these
psychoactive drugs- -aspirins,
tranquilizers, anti-depressants, caffine
(in coffee and tea), and nicotine (in
tobacco). Any of these drugs is
subject to misuse and abuse.
- Taking prescribed or over-the-counter
(OTC) drugs for a reason for which the
drug was medically intended and
according to the directions is termed
drug use. The use of a drug for a
reason other than that for which it was
intended is called drug misuse.
- Drug abuse is the use of a drug for
other than medicinal purposes which
results in the impaired, physical
mental, emotional or social well-being
of the user.
- Tolerance is a physical adaptation
that causes certain drugs to become
less effective. It involves taking larger
and larger doses to obtain a desired
effect. Physical dependence involves
drug tolerance and the appearance
of withdrawal symptoms if drug use is
suddenly stopped. Psychological
dependence is the emotional
attachment to the drugs' effects and
even to the process of administering
or taking a substance.
COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS
- Many different drugs are abused. The
main classification of abused drugs
are: hallucinogens, stimulants,
depressants, and inhalants. All of
these drugs have one thing in
common. To one degree or another,
they affect the user's feelings,
perceptions and behavior. Most of
these drugs affect the user in physical
ways as well, but they are abused
because of their psychoactive (mind-
altering) properties
1. Hallucinogens or psychedelics are
drugs which distort a person's concept of
reality and thinking as well as his
perceptions of time, sound, space, and
sensation Hallucinogens produce
hallucinations (false perceptions). They
alter the perception of objective reality
by allowing the user to see what she or
he is feeling. They produce exhilaration or
depression, and can lead to serious
mental changes, psychotic
manifestations, suicidal or homocidal
tendencies. The effects of hallucinogens
or psychedelics, however, vary greatly
from user to user depending on the
amount of the dose, the user's
personality, mood, expectations; and the
conditions under which the drug is used.
Hallucinogens come in powder, tablet,
capsule, ampule forms or in saturated
sugar cubes. They are taken orally, can
 be sniffed or injected. Drugs that are drugs, which may be over-the-counter or
considered hallucinogens include the prescription drugs such as anesthetics-
following: Marijuana, Lysergic Acid nitrous oxide (a painkiller used by dentists),
Diethylamide (LSD), Mescaline, ether, and chloroform; aerosols (which are
Psilocybin, Phencyclidine (PCP) and household products) such as shoeshine
Morning glory seeds. compounds, insecticides, spray paints, and
hair spray, and solvents (which are
2. Stimulants or “Uppers‖ are drugs that
commercially items such as gasoline
produce physiological and mental
transmission fluid, paint thinner and rugby
arousal. Specifically, they can decrease
fatigue, increase talkativeness and TABLE OF ABUSED DRUGS
physical activity, enhance endurance,
DRUG ILLICIT(PRO LEGITIT
diminish appetite, produce a state of
CLASSIFICATION HIBITED) AE(PER
alertness and for a time elevate mood,
MISSIV
often to the point of euphoria. The
E)
stimulant drugs are generally swallowed
1. Hallucinogen
(as pills or liquid). They can be injected
s
into a vein at regular time intervals.
Amphetamine, cocaine,
methamphetanines (shabu), caffeine (in LSD
coffee, tea and colas) and nicotine (in (Lysergic
tobacco) are stimulants. Acid
Diethylamid
3. Depressants or “downers‖ are drugs e)
that act on the central nervous system to Mescaline
reduce pain, tension, and anxiety, to Psilocybin
relax and disinhibit, and to slow down PCP
intellectual and motor activity. The major (Phencyclid
depressants are sedatives such as ine)
babituates, tranquilizers such as librium Morning
and valuim; narcotics such as opium, Glory Seeds
morphine, codeine, heroin and alcohol. Marijuana
2. Stimulants Methamph Amphe
4. Inhalants are drugs inhaled through the
etamines tamine
nose. Inhaled drugs quickly pass through the
(or Shabu) Cocain
mucous membrane into the blood stream.
e
People inhale drugs to get a quick lift. This
Caffein
method of taking drugs is sometimes called
e
"snorting". Strictly speaking, tobacco,
Nicotin
cocaine, and marijuana could be
e
considered inhalants. But the term inhalant
3. Depressants Sedativ
more commonly refers to three categories
es
of products: solvents, aerosols, and
(Barbit
anesthetics. Inhalants are sometimes legal
urates)
 Tranqui
lizers
Alcoho
l • To establish their identity as members
Narcoti
cs
Opium
Morphi
ne
Codein
e 5. School factors
Heroin
4. Inhalants Solvents Anesth
Aerosols etics
WHY DO PEOPLE TURN TO DRUGS
Several factors may cause an individual to
continuously and persistently resort to drug
use. These factors which propel a person to
using drugs are cited below.
1. The Precipitating Factor. Precipitating
factors are the situations or conditions
in the individual's conscious world that
initially draw him to try drugs.
• Curiosity
• Boredom-pleasure. Individuals take
drugs to have fun, to escape from
boredom.
• To establish their identity as members
of a peer group
• To express dissatisfaction
2. Family Factors
• Authoritarian upbringing. Strict and
domineering parents are contributory
factors to drug abuse.
• Overprotective parents
• Reduced child-parent contact
• Separation of wife and husband
• Permissive atmosphere in the home
• Desire for social acceptance
3. Peer Group Factors
• To get the attention and approval of
his ―barkadas‖
of a peer group
4. Neighborhood or Community Factors
• Hostility of community members
• Unemployment
• Anomie or normless social
environment
• Authoritative and unreasonable
teachers
• Unavailability of recreational facilities
in which the students could release
their energies. • Poor concept of
drugs and their effects
6. The Economic Establishment Factor
• Easy access of the drug because of
the uncontrollable number of
drugstores and sari-sari stores selling
drugs without prescriptions.
7. The Recreational Center Factor
• Unsupervised sports centers which
become places where players or
athletes indulge in drugs to improve
athletic performance. 8. The Filipino
Values Factors
• Pakikisama or concession
• Gaya-gaya
• Utang na loob (gratitude)
• ―Bahala na‖ attitude
• Machochismo
ILL EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE ON THE
INDIVIDUAL (Source Pre-Service Teacher
Education Model: A Strategy for Drug Abuse
Prevention, 1990)
Physical Effects
❖ Malnutrition. The life of a drug dependent
revolves around drugs such that he neglects
food and develops anorexia (loss of
appetite), and eventually malnutrition. If he
tries to withdraw from the drug, he may
suffer from diarrhea that may cause
dehydration.
❖ Dependency. Almost all drugs can be
habit-forming while others lead to
dependency. The abuser may manifest
inability to reduce or stop using the drug in
large doses. There might be persistence of
drug abuse despite the occurrence of an
illness or disease as a result of its continued
abuse; and the need to use drugs in
increasing amounts in order to function
adequately in social situations.
❖ Skin infections and rashes. More often, the
misusers utilize unsterilized needles and
syringes, which may cause skin infections like
rashes, abscesses, ulcers, or even allergic
reactions to drugs. These conditions are
common among drug dependents.
❖ Damage to vital organs. In addition to
disease associated with unsterile needles
and syringes and contaminated drugs,
excessive amount of medicine may lead to
liver and kidney damage. Neglect of
personal hygiene due to drugs might
eventually end up in kidney failure, hepatitis,
drastic weight loss, and physical
complications affecting vital body organs.
❖ Sensory distortion. Drugs disrupt normal
sensory perception. Some constrict or dilate
the pupils thereby leading to failure of the
eye to respond to light properly. Hearing
and the sense of touch may be impaired.
Social Effects
❖ Community hazard. People who have
―good‖ or ―bad‖ trips become social
hazards because their behavior is
unpredictable. In a state of euphoria or
exhiliration, they may display impulsive and
unacceptable behavior. Others may exhibit
aggressive feelings and use inappropriate
language, thus, terrifying those around
them. Some may become violent,
predisposing them to commit murder, rape,
or robbery. ❖ Criminal involvement.
Experimentation with dangerous drugs could
lead to a life of crime. Since these drugs are
unprescribed they can be obtained only
through illegitimate sources. The cost these
drugs is so prohibitive that a drug
dependent may resort to crime to support
his habit.
❖ Inadequacy of communication with
others. Intoxicated and cranky, the drug
abuser finds it difficult to communicate with
other people. Gradually, he severes his
relationship with non-users and depends
more on other drug abusers. Insecure about
the future, he loses trust in himself and those
around him.
Mental Effects
❖ Adverse effects on the central nervous
system. Regular use or ingestion of large
doses of a substance reduces the activity of
the brain and depresses the central nervous
system. The drug dependent then manifest
changes in his mood and behavior that are
considered undesirable by people in his
environment. ❖ Deterioration of the mind.
The dependent is a ―mental invalid‖ in the
sense that drugs can manipulate him, make
him lose his power, and prod him to behave
contrary to what he usually thinks is right.
Drugs can reduce or accelerate activity to
create indifference, depressive mood, or
carelessness. As a result, the abuser's mind
deteriorates gradually.
Economic Effects
❖ Inability to hold a stable job. It is
impossible for a drug abuser to hold a
steady job since he spends all his time and
money on drugs the does not have a
regular job, he and his friends steal to raise
money. If he has one, he would be unable
to concentrate on it since he would be
either over-stimulated (in speeds) or lazy
and drowsy (in downers).
❖ Dependence on family resources. Instead
of contributing to the economic stability of
the family, a dependent becomes an
economic burden. This is because he needs
money for treatment and rehabilitation and
for court litigations if he has committed a
crime. Besides depending on the family for
his basic necessities, he also has to rely on
the family resources to provide him money
for the support of his "expensive habit
Eventually, he is forced to sell some family
possessions in order to raise money for drugs.
❖ Accidents in industry. Some factory
workers meet accidents in their work
because of their dependence on drugs. In a
state of agitation or dullness of the mind as
a result of the drug he has taken, the
dependent becomes careless and loses
concentration on his job Consequently, an
accident may while he may adversely
affect both drug abuser and his co-workers.
The aggravating circumstances could be
the destruction of industrial equipment
which could cause a number of people to
lose their jobs.
DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION
- Drug problem is serious nowadays. It
continues to cause tragic
consequences to our citizens. The cost
in loss of life, personal tragedies,
wasted opportunities and emotional
energy is beyond human calculation.
Let us join forces to make the problem
significantly smaller.
- What can the person, the parents, the
teachers and the school, the
community and the church do to
prevent Drug Abuse?
- The Dangerous Drug Board (Ideas for
Action, 1974) and Lefton and
Valvatne (1985) suggest the following:
The Person
1. Understand, accept and respect
himself;
2. Develop his potentials and engage in
wholesome, productive, and satisfying
activities;
3. Learn to relate effectively with others
and have a confidant to whom he can
communicate personal problems freely;
4. Learn to cope with personal problems
and other stresses without the use of
drugs;
5. Seek professional help for problems he
cannot cope with;
6. Develop strong moral and spiritual
values;
7. Learn about the effects of drug use,
the reasons drugs are harmful, and ways
to resist pressures to try drugs; and
8. Use an understanding of the danger
posed by drugs to help other students
avoid them.
The Parents
1. Create a warm and friendly
atmosphere at home; 2. Develop
effective means of communication with
children;
3. Take time to be with the children no
matter how busy they are;
4. Strengthen moral and spiritual values—
the foundation of a strong and stable
personality;
5. Help children to resist peer pressure to
use drugs by supervising their activities;
and
6. Be knowledgeable about drugs and
signs of drug use. When symptoms are
observed, respond promptly.
The Teachers/The Schools
1. The teachers can help prevent drug
abuse of they:
1.1 Know their student's strengths,
weaknesses, needs and abilities;
1.2 Are sensitive to their students' needs
and problems;
1.3 Establish rapport with their students to
gain their confidence,
1.4 Encourage their students to
participate in co-curricular activities
which will further enhance their mental
health and strengthen their moral and
spiritual values;
1.5 Use teaching approaches and
strategies that are effective and
stimulating to the students;
1.6 Show models of good behavior; and
2. The schools can help prevent drug
abuse, if they: 2.1 Determine the extent
and character of drug use and establish
a means of monitoring that use regularly;
2.2 Establish clear and specific rules
regarding drug use that include strong,
corrective actions;
2.3 Enforce established policies against
drug use fairly and consistently, and
implement security measures to eliminate
drugs on school premises. 2.4 Implement
a comprehensive drug prevention
curriculum; and
2.5 Reach out to the community for
support and assistance in making the
school's anti-drug policy and program
work by developing collaborative
arrangements.
The Community
The community leaders have the
following responsibilities:
1. Help schools fight drugs by providing
them with expertise and financial
resources of community groups and
agencies;
2. Plan and implement social action
programs involving young people, civic
groups, religious organizations, other
professionals to improve community life;
3. Encourage and support the
establishment of preventive centers such
as community guidance clinics;
4. Help in the after-care and follow-up of
discharged clients from residential
rehabilitation centers;
5. Strengthen moral and spiritual values;
and
6. Coordinate with public and private
agencies that could lend assistance to
the drug abuse prevention and control
program.
The Church
- As a social institution, the church is
entrusted with the humanitarian tasks
of moral guidance of the youth and its
attending social problems. In this
connection, the church leaders, aside
from preaching the word of God,
need to get involved in contemporary
issues like drug abuse that beset
society. The church is also committed
to the fight against drug abuse. The
church leaders should:
1. Help in the campaign against drug
abuse;
2. Organize programs on the prevention
of drug abuse in the form of lectures,
forums, value clarification exercises and
other related activities;
3. Help in the establishment of drug
rehabilitation centers;
4. Enjoin young people to become
members of religious organizations which
provide civic and recreational activities;
and
5. Serve as models of exemplary
character for the youth.
ALCOHOLISM AND ITS PREVENTION
(Source: Coordinating Office for Drug
and Alcohol Abuse Programs,
Philadelphia 1982)
- Alcohol is a psychoactive drug that
depresses the central nervous system,
dulls the mind, impairs thinking and
judgment, lessens coordination, and
interferes with the ability to respond
quickly to dangerous situations. —
Meeks, Heit and Page, 1996.6
- Alcohol is absorbed into the
bloodstream by passing through the
stomach and intestinal walls. Since
alcohol need not be digested, it's on
its way to all parts the body in almost
no time. It travels to the brain, where it
interferes with activities people usually
take for granted-seeing, thinking,
talking, walking and, of course,
driving.
- Alcohol reaches the liver where it is
oxidized (changed into water, carbon
dioxide energy). This process takes at
least one hour per drink, and nothing
can be done to speed it up. The drug
continues to affect the drinker until
the liver oxidizes all of the alcohol
circulating through the body.
Intoxication
- Alcohol is toxic. Toxic means
poisonous. Intoxication is the set of
bad effects that alcohol has on the
body and mind. Intoxication begins
with one drink. It affects the drinker's
personality, mind and body.
Intoxication develops in stages:
1. Happy. Some drinkers become
sociable, relaxed, and talkative.
2. Excited. Behavior may become
uncontrolled; reactions are slowed.
3. Confused. Poor coordination,
disorientation, slurred speech is evident.
4. In a stupor. Drinker may vomit,
become semi-conscious, etc.
5. In a coma. Unconsciousness occurs,
with possible respiratory paralysis and
death.
Alcoholism is a chronic disease, or
disorder of behavior, characterized by
the repeated drinking of alcoholic
beverages to an extent that exceeds
customary dietory use or ordinary
compliance with the social drinking
customs of the community and which
interferes with the drinker's health,
interpersonal relations or economic
functioning. Alcoholism refers to the
pattern of alcohol use characterized by
emotional and physical dependence, as
well as general loss of control over the
use of alcohol.
TYPES OF DRINKERS
There are basically three kinds of
drinkers—social drinkers, problem
drinkers, and alcoholics. Most social and
even many problem drinkers never
become alcoholics. On the other hand,
changing from one type of drinker to the
next is the route by which some people
do become alcoholics. Some people
may become addicted after only a few
drinks.
▪ Social drinkers are people who have
certain times when alcohol fits into their
social life and who can stop drinking
without any trouble. They connect
drinking with pleasant occasions.
Generally, they drink only at meals and
special events.
▪ Problem drinkers are heavy, regular
drinkers who are psychologically
dependent on alcohol. They use alcohol
as a social crutch. They drink to handle
stress, worry, and unhappiness. They are
able to stop drinking if they have a very
strong reason. For example, they may
stop if they wish to improve their health,
get a job, or please someone important
to them.
▪ Alcoholics are psychologically and
physically dependent on alcohol and
cannot control their drinking. Drinking is
the most important part of their life. It is
more important than family, friends, job
or health. Alcoholics go through
withdrawal when they cannot get
alcohol.
ILL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE
The effects of alcohol abuse are
influenced by blood alcohol level. In
small amounts, alcohol has a tranquilizing
effect on most people, although it
appears to stimulate others because it
relaxes inhibitions due to the depression
of certain parts of the brain.
Heavy drinking (frequent drinking to
intoxication over an extended period)
can have serious physical and mental
effects
Physiological Effects. As a person
consumes more alcohol, a steady
deterioration of all body functions results,
such as:
1. increased heart rate and skin
temperature
2. perception is distorted (double vision,
blurred vision)
3. poor coordination (loss of muscle
control)
4. slurred speech
5. malnutrition (if the drinker doesn't eat
a balanced diet)
6. hangover miseries: fatigue, nausea,
headache, etc.
7. increased risk of cirrhosis, ulcers, heart
disease, heart attack and cancers of
liver, mouth, throat and stomach, larynx,
esophagus, pancreas and rectum
8. impaired hearing, resulting in loud
talking
9. loss of equilibrium, causing dizziness
and staggling
Psychological Effects. When blood
alcohol reaches a level of 0.3 or 0.4
percent, it severely disrupts activity in the
brain, such as:
1. impaired judgment and self-control
2. altered or impaired thinking and
reasoning processes
3. poor concentration or diminished
alertness
4. blackouts, memory loss
5. hallucinations
6. loss of inhibitions: exaggerated feelings
of anger, fear, anxiety, etc.
7. subject to alcoholic psychoses (an
acute form of mental illness)
8. damage to brain cells, and
9. at a blood-alcohol level of about 0.5
percent, heartbeat and breathing stop,
and DEATH occurs. The effects of alcohol
have especially dangerous implications
for young people— the smaller their
body, the more quickly their judgment
and motor coordination will be affected.
WHY DO SOME PEOPLE DRINK
People drink for a variety of reasons:
1. because of curiosity
2. because of social pressure
3. to feel good and have fun
4. to relieve stress or fatigue
5. to escape some problems
6. to enjoy the taste of alcoholic
beverages
7. to be more at ease at get-togethers
8. to be one of the crowd (status symbol)
9. to get high and feel the tranquilizing
effect, providing a release and escape
from tension
10.to enhance the pleasure of
relationships
PROBLEMS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE
Persons who abuse alcohol face the
same problems as other alcohol abusers
do.
1. Drinking and Driving. The combination
kills or seriously injures thousands of drivers
each year. Solution: Don't drive drunk or
ride with a drunk driver. Ride with a sober
friend, take a public transportation, or
stay where you are.
2. Drinking and Drugs. This combination
can have unexpected, dangerous
 results: the two together can produce a
totally different effect than either alone.
Solution: Avoid drinking while taking
drugs. Ask your physician for any special
instructions when you're given a
prescription. If someone has a bad
reaction from mixing alcohol and drugs,
get medical help right away. Bring a
sample of the drug(s).
3. Family Problems. Alcohol abuse can
be a cause of, or a reaction to, family
stress. Poor academic performance and
trouble with the law can strain family
unity and stability. Family pressures that
give rise to feelings of guilt or moral
conflict can lead to alcohol abuse.
Solution: Try discussing feelings honestly.
Listen to other people's viewpoints and
look for compromises. Seek counseling if
you're troubled by problems at home.
4. Trouble with the Law. Heavy alcohol
abuse can release anger and frustration
and impair judgment. The result may be
vandalism, violence, or serious crime
such as robberies, murder and гаре. That
can mean arrest, a police record and
possibly prison for offenders. Solution:
Drink sensibly or not at all, and avoid
situations and places where violence
seems likely. Don't get involved in
destructive behavior. Obey state rules on
alcohol.
ALCOHOL AND DRIVING
- Drinking and driving is a dangerous
combination.
Effects of Drinking to Driving Skills
- Because alcohol affects the body's
control—the brain—it weakens the
very skills that drivers need to be safe.
Alcohol causes:
1. Poor Judgment. The ability to make quick,
sound decisions is the first skill that alcohol
affects. Drivers who've been drinking are
more likely to take chances, such as driving
too fast or following other vehicles too
closely.
2. Slowed Reaction Time. A drinker needs
more time to move his or her foot from the
gas pedal to the brake pedal. Even a
fraction of a second can mean the
difference between life and death.
3. Loss of Concentration. Alcohol reduces
alertness and causes the mind to wonder.
Drivers who can't concentrate are less likely
to spot potential hazards, and less able to
avoid hazards when they do see them.
4. Visual Problems. Alcohol relaxes eye
muscles and interferes with the amount of
light entering the eyes. This may cause
blurring and double vision. Alcohol can also
affect ability to judge distance, reduce side
and night vision, and create other visual
difficulties.
Alternatives to Drinking and Driving
There are many alternatives to drinking and
driving. The safest alternative is to abstain
from drinking. But people who plan to drink
can arrange to:
1. Give their keys to a nondrinker before
they start drinking, with the understanding
that the keys will be returned only if they are
sober.
2. Have a sober friend drive, and pick up
their own car the next day.
3. Stay overnight, so there will be no need to
drive under the influence.
4. Stay until you're—sober no matter how
long it takes.
5. Call a friend and ask him or her for a ride
home.
6. Use public transportation.
Prevention...
WHAT TO DO WHEN HOSTING A RESPONSIBLE
PARTY
- For whatever reasons, hosting
responsible parties at which alcohol is
served is becoming a trend.
Hereunder is a list of guidelines for
hosting a social event that includes
the use of alcoholic beverages (20):
1. Provide other social activities as a
primary focus when alcohol is served.
2. Respect an individual's decision about
alcohol if that decision is either to abstain
or to drink responsibly.
3. Provide food when alcohol is served.
4. Serve diluted drinks and do not urge
that glasses constantly be full.
5. Keep the cocktail hour before dinner
to a reasonable time and consumption
limit.
6. Recognize a responsibility for the
health, safety, and pleasure of both the
drinker and the nondrinker by avoiding
intoxication and helping others to do the
same
7. Serve or use alcohol only in
environments conducive to pleasant and
relaxing behavior.
WHAT TO DO WHEN DRINKING
When on certain occasions drinking
could not be avoided, you should:
1. Set a limit in advance, on the number
of drinks you'll have and stick to your plan
2. Know how much you're drinking, by
keeping track of how many drinks you've
had, and by asking that a shot glass be
used when making mixed drinks.
3. Sip—don't gulp your drinks to give the
liver more time to process the alcohol.
4. Space drinks. Try alternating food and
drinks.
5. Eat a meal. Eat starchy foods, such as
cheese and crackers, before and while
you drink. Food slows alcohol's effects.
6. Participate in activities that take the
drink out of your hands for a while --
helping food preparation, dancing, etc.
7. Watch for signs that you’ve had too
much—talking loudly, walking unsteadily,
feeling tired or overly relaxed.
WHAT TO DO TO SAY “NO” TO ALCOHOL
It's okay to say ―NO‖ to alcohol. Even if
you're of legal drinking age, you should
never be afraid to refuse a drink.
Learn to refuse alcohol politely--but
firmly. Here are some general guidelines
to help you:
 o Decline drinks politely but firmly. Say
―NO THANK YOU.‖ At first your friends may
try to pressure you into drinking, but soon
they'll become accustomed to your
decision.
o Explain your decision. Sometimes a
simple explanation can help others to
understand and accept your reason for
not drinking.
o Insist on your right to abstain. Stick by
your decision.
o Ask for other drinks like coffee, tea or
juice.
WHERE TO GET HELP
Help for alcohol problems may involve
short-term, intensive care or long-term
counseling.
On Campus
On campus check with—
1. Health center which can provide
counseling, medical care and/or referral
to other agencies.
2. School/Guidance Counseling centers
which are staffed by trained
psychologists and counselors.
3. Peer counseling centers which are
staffed by qualified students who offer
confidential advice and information in
an informal atmosphere.
4. Student advisors who can offer
personal support for people who want
help in solving problems.
In the Community
In the community, check with—
1. Private physicians, who can give
medical care or make referrals to other
sources of help, if necessary.
2. The National Council on Alcoholism
which through local affiliates can provide
information and referral services to
alcoholics, family, friends and
employees.
3. Other Sources of help include the local
medical society, Department of Health,
social service agencies, etc.
SMOKING AND ITS PREVENTION
Worldwide…
▪ The World Health Organization (WHO)
estimated that there are 1.1 billion
smokers in the word at the beginning of
this decade. That’s about one-third of
the world’s adult population!
▪ Four million people died yearly from
tobacco-related disease throughout the
world. That’s one death every eight
seconds! If current trends continue, WHO
estimates that the toll will rise to 10 million
by the year 2030. That’s one death every
three seconds. —Lemuel Ll. Niere.
―Choosing not to Smoke‖ Health and
Home (September-October 1999).
In the Philippines...
▪ Every day, 16 million Filipinos, one third
of the population, light up a total of 162
million cigarettes.
▪ Studies show that for cigarettes alone,
consumers spend P 20 million every day.
▪ It has been estimated that tobacco is
responsible for at least one million
premature deaths annually throughout
the world.
▪ The World Health Organization (WHO)
estimates that worldwide, one person
dies every 13 seconds from tobacco-
related diseases.
▪ The Philippine Tumor Registry from 60
hospitals shows that lung cancer is No. 1
among males affected with cancer and
is emerging as No. 3 among females.
▪ It has been estimated that there are 26
million smokers, of which one third or 8.8
million is the total predicted death.
▪ At least 2 million Filipinos aged under 20
now living in the Philippines will eventually
be killed prematurely by cigarettes
SMOKING
Cigarettes
- For hundreds of years, people did not
agree about the harm of tobacco.
But in the last 40 years, medical
research has proved that tobacco
has many harmful effects. It is harmful
to the human body both immediately
and in the long run (18).
- With each puff of a cigarette, a
smoker comes in contact with more
than 3,000 chemicals. About 1,200 of
them are poisonous. The chemicals in
tobacco can cause ailments as well
(29) The poisonous chemicals are
different in cigarette, pipe, and cigar
smoke. The differences depend on
the mix of tobacco, the chemicals
used by farmers on the plants, and
the amount of heat generated. But no
matter what form tobacco is in, or
whether it is smoked or used as
smokeless tobacco, tobacco is
harmful to the body (18). Health risks
begin from the moment the cigarette
smoke enters the body.
- There are about one billion particles in
a cubic centimeter of cigarette
smoke. Very tiny and easily inhaled,
these particles enter the deepest
recesses of the lungs. If a smoker
inhales, about 70% of the particulate
matter is retained in the lungs (33). The
tar and nicotine in these particles
have powerful effects on the body.
- Tar is a gummy mixture of hundreds of
chemicals which contains most of the
cancer-causing substances called
carcinogens in cigarette smoke.
Nicotine is a chemical substance
found in tobacco. It affects the heart,
blood vessels, digestive tract, kidneys,
and nervous system. Although
nicotine alone does not cause
cancer, it seems to interact with other
substances in the tar to produce
cancerous tumor. Carbon monoxide is
a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas in
cigarette smoke that passes through
the lungs into the blood. This is the
same gas in automobile fumes that, if
inhaled, could prove fatal (29). It
unites with the body’s hemoglobins,
preventing them from carrying the
oxygen needed for energy to the
body’s cells..
Why do People Start Smoking
People often start to smoke because they
believe:
1. that smoking can remove their fears or
insecurities;
2. that they can be someone like the
people they admire;
3. that it is a good way to start a
conversation;
4. that smoking is a good way to eat less or
to stop biting their nails;
5. that smoking is just a passing habit and
that they can drop the habit at anytime.
However, what people do not realize is that
smoking is not a habit; it is an addiction and
it is difficult to stop.
ILL EFFECTS OF SMOKING
(Dr. Alan Blum, Associate Professor,
Department of Family Medicine, Baylor
College of Medicine Houston TX)
- The effects of tobacco use or smoking
worsen and multiply overtime. These
effects are dangerous to hundreds of
smokers. Hereunder is a list of several
diseases and health risks that have
been linked to smoking or tobacco
use.
Back Pain. Smoking is probably a major risk
factor in recovery from back pain because
poor oxygen levels of those who smoke
prevent lumbar disks from being adequately
oxygenated.
Bladder cancer. Smoking causes cases of
bladder cancer.
Breast cancer. Women who smoke are 75%
more likely to develop breast cancer than
are nonsmoking women.
Cervical cancer. Women who smoke are
four times more likely to develop the disease
than are nonsmoking women.
Childhood respiratory ailments. Youngsters
exposed to parents' tobacco smoke have
six times as many respiratory infections as
kids of nonsmoking parents. Smokers'
children also face an increased risk of
cough, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia.
Diabetes. Smoking decreases the body's
absorption of insulin.
Drug interaction. Smokers need higher than
normal dosages of certain drugs prescribed
by a doctor for recovery.
Ear infections. Children of smokers face an
increased risk of otitis media (middle ear
infection).
Emphysema. Smoking accounts for deaths
attributable to emphysema (chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease.)
Esophageal cancer. Smoking accounts
cases of esophageal cancer.
Gastrointestinal cancer. Preliminary research
indicates that smoking at least doubles the
risk of cancer of the stomach and
duodenum-the portion of the small intestine
just downstream from the stomach.
Heart disease. Smokers are up to four times
more likely to develop cardiovascular
disease than non-smoker Mechanism:
Carbon monoxide and other poison gases in
tobacco smoke replace oxygen on the
blood cells, promote coronary spasm and
cause accumulation of clot-producing
platelets.
Infertility. Couples in which at least one
member smokes are more than three times
more likely to have trouble conceiving than
nonsmoking couples.
Kidney cancer. Smoking causes cases of
kidney cancer.
Laryngeal cancer. Smoker who smokes
more than 25 cigarettes a day are 25 to 30
times more likely to develop cancer of the
larynx than non-smokers.
Leukemia. In addition to tobacco smoke
condensate, better known as tar, tobacco
smoke contains several powerful
carcinogens, including the organic
chemical benzene and a radioactive form
of the element polonium both which are
known to cause leukemia.
Low birth rate. Women who smoke as few as
five cigarettes daily during pregnancy face
a significantly greater risk of giving birth to
an unnaturally small lightweight infant.
Mouth cancer. Tobacco causes the vast
majority of all cancers of the mouth, lips,
cheek, tongue, salivary glands and even
tonsils. Men who smoke, dip snuff or chew
tobacco face a 27-fold risk of these
cancers. Women smokers— because they
have tended to use less tobacco—face a
six-fold risk.
Nutrition. People who smoke tend to have
poorer nutrition than do nonsmokers. People
who smoke also have lower level of HDL
(good cholesterol).
Osteoporosis. Women who smoke
experience menopause on an average of
five to 10 years earlier than nonsmokers,
causing a decline in estrogen production—
and thinning bones—at an earlier age.
Pharyngeal (throat) cancer. The vast
majority of pharyngeal cancer death
resulted directly from smoking.
Premature aging. Constant exposure to
tobacco smoke prematurely wrinkles the
facial skin and yellows the teeth and
fingernails.
Delayed recovery from injury or surgery.
Smokers have delayed wound and bone
healing. They also have a greater risk of
complications from surgery, including
pneumonia (due to weaker lungs) as well as
a longer hospital stay.
Stroke. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke
among men and women. Special danger: In
women who smoke the risk of stroke is ten-
fold.
Tooth loss. Use of snuff or chewing tobacco
causes tooth abrasion, two frequent
contributors to tooth loss.
TIPS FOR QUITTING
- Giving up smoking can be tough, but
there are many ways to stop and
many places that offer support and
help with the process. A smoker who
wants to quit smoking should
remember that he will go through a
period of withdrawal-feeling nervous,
moody, or having difficulty sleeping.
However, these symptoms of
withdrawal do not last long.
1. Cut down on the number of cigarettes
gradually.
2. Decide once and for all that you want
to quit, set a target date for quitting and
stick to it.
3. Avoid people who smoke, situations
that trigger smoking and smoking
reminders such as ashtrays, matches and
lighters.
4. When you feel like smoking, chew
sugarless gum, suck on sugarless candy,
or eat other healthy snacks.
5. Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins.

6. Begin an exercise program.

7. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, and colas

for a while because these substances
often stimulate the craving for tobacco.

8. Brush your teeth often to remove

tobacco residue.

9. Tell friends and relatives that you have

quit smoking.

10.Think about all the benefits of being

smoke-free.

11.Make a list of what smoking is costing

you, in terms of money, health,
appearance, and social acceptance.

12.If you do smoke again, don't give up.

Many people have relapses. Start again
on the smoke free trial. It's worth it.
MODULE 9: HIV/AIDS PREVENTION
AND EDUCATION
AIDS
-AIDS...or Acquired Immunity Syndrome is a
severe disease caused by the Human
immunodeficiency Virus or HIV (the AIDS
virus), that permanently disables the body's
immune system. It weakens the body's ability
to fight off life-threatening diseases. Each of
the letters in AIDS stands for a word.
Acquired. This means the disease is
passed from one person to another. It is
not hereditary in nature.
Immune. The body's defense system,
which normally protects us from disease.
Deficiency. This means the defense
system is not working.
Syndrome. A group of symptoms which,
when they occur together, means a per-
son has a particular disease or condition.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS...
The HIV virus appears to be present to some
extent in every country. In the Philippines,
cases have been found. This can grow into
alarming proportions within a short period of
time as has been experienced in other
countries.
Anybody who has the virus is a carrier and
can infect others. Very often the person who
may look and behave as normal as anyone,
does not know that she/he is a carrier
because signs and symptoms of AIDS are
not manifested until the terminal stage of
the disease.
The books on ―AIDS: A Guide for Survival‖
gives some symptoms which are common in
most people who become ill as a result of
HIV. These people may experience some or
all of the following:
• Unexplained, persistent fatigue
• Unexplained fever, night sweats or
shaking chills that last for several weeks or
more
• Sudden and unexplained weight loss of
more than 10 pounds
• Diarrhea that continues for several
weeks
• A dry cough that will not go away
• Abnormal drowsiness
• Swollen glands or enlarged lymph
nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Bruising and bleeding that do not heal
TRANSMISSION...HIV/AIDS transmission occurs
in a few very particular ways. HIV can
spread by having direct contact with body
fluids like semen, vaginal secretions, blood
and breast milk.
▪ Sexual Contact. This means having
sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal) with
an infected person. Transmission through
intercourse can take place between a
man and a woman or between a man
and another man. Anal intercourse is the
most dangerous behavior.
HIV can be passed during oral/genital
sex and possibly through oral/ anal sex.
Transmission between women is
extremely rare but possible. Although
there are no known cases of HIV spread
through saliva, it is wise to avoid ―French
kissing‖ or deep kissing since other
diseases are spread in this way.
▪ Blood Contamination. This happens
when HIV (AIDS Virus) gets directly into
the bloodstream. Transfusion of
contaminated blood or blood products
can transmit HIV. If all donated blood is
screened, transfusion-related infections
would become extremely rare. Giving
blood poses no risk to the donor as long
as a sterile needle is used.
The most common method of infection
by blood is by the sharing of needles
during intravenous drug. It is also possible
to pass on the virus /with shared tattoo
needles, unsterile acupuncture needles,
sharing razors or even toothbrushes. The
common element in all these is getting
the blood of an infected person directly
into the bloodstream of another person.
▪ Mother To Child. A woman who is
infected by HIV may spread the disease
to her baby during pregnancy or during
birth. It is also possible for an infected
mother to pass the virus during
breastfeeding.
There is no risk in the following activities:
- Touching. AIDS virus cannot be
transmitted by social contact such as
shaking hands.
- ―Dry‖ kissing. Kissing without exchange
of saliva possess no risk of virus
transmission.
- Embrassing. There is no risk of
transmitting the virus by embracing or
cuddling.
- Giving blood. Only sterile needles are
used for taking blood from donors
(who are not HIV infected).
- Other Contact. The virus cannot be
caught from toilet seats or objects.
TREATMENT... Increasingly, medical
authorities view the AIDS as a disease with
which victims may live for years. But AIDS is
incurable. No treatment has successfully
restored the immune system of an AIDS
patient to normal functioning. Making the
task of reaching AIDS more difficult, the virus
can lie inactive in the human body for as
long as 10 years without causing any
symptoms. When this occurs, a ―carrier‖ of
AIDS can infect others with the disease
(Medical and Health Encyclopedia, 1990).
PREVENTION... There is no effective cure for
AIDS. No one who has developed AIDS has
recovered from it. Until a cure or vaccine is
found, prevention is the most important
measure against AIDS.
• Practice safer sex. Safer sex is any kind
of sexual activity that prevents an
exchange body fluids such as blood,
semen and vagina secretions. Safer sex
practices include hugging kissing and
correct consistent use of condom. Using
condom would help in preventing the
spread of the virus. However, using other
birth control methods like pills or intra-
uterine devices will not protect you from
HIV. They cannot keep body fluids like
blood, semen and vaginal secretions out
of the body. Avoid sexual contact that
could cause cuts or tears in the skin or
tissue.
• Avoid Drugs. Any drug abuse can lower
the capacity of the body's immune
system. Intravenous drug users should not
share hypodermic needles.
• Get periodic screening tests for HIV and
other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
 • Do not donate blood or body organs if
you are HIV positive, or you are at high
risk for AIDS.
• Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, or
other items that might cause cuts or carry
contaminated blood.
• Health-care workers should follow
proper procedures in caring for patients.
TESTING, SCREENING AND COUNSELING
We know how to prevent AIDS, or at least
to prevent infection with HIV. Whether
people follow the various preventive
methods is another matter. For the next
several years people who are currently
infected with HIV become ill. Most will
die.
The only real hope for controlling AIDS
now is EDUCATION that would change
people's behavior. Basic messages are
simple but they must be heard and
heeded.
REPUBLIC ACT 8504 Republic Act 8504...
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome) has become a growing concern
of the Philippine government. In response to
the problem, Republic Act 8504 otherwise
known as the ―Philippine AIDS Prevention
and Control Act of 1998‖ was signed into
law. This act aims to promote public
awareness about AIDS. Republic Act 8504 is
the law concerned with:
✓ disseminating policies and prescribing
measures for the prevention and control
of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines;
✓ instituting a nationwide HIV/AIDS
information and educational program;
✓ establishing a comprehensive
HIV/AIDS monitoring system;
✓ guiding concerned sectors in caring
for infected people;
✓ strengthening the Philippine National
AIDS Council; and
✓ other provisions... (Testing, screening
and counseling and the Human Rights of
persons with HIV/AIDS)
❖ HIV Antibody Test is a blood test that
determines if a person is infected or not
with HIV, HIV testing determines the
presence of antibodies. negative result
would mean there are no HIV antibodies.
A positive result would mean the
opposite.
❖ The HIV Antibody Test is anonymous
and confidential. This means that you
may not use your identity/name.
❖ HIV Antibody Testing may be done at
the Department of Health (DOH)—
accredited hospitals, clinics or
laboratories. These health institutions offer
free pre- and post-test counseling for
those who will undergo HIV Antibody
Testing.
❖ All HIV Tests are confirmed by the
Bureau of Research Laboratory (BRL) and
the Research Institute for Tropical
Medicine (RITM).
❖ Pretest counseling provides the person
with an introduction to the procedure, a
guarantee of confidentiality, and basic
information about HIV/AIDS. Post-test
counseling includes the release of results,
discussion of results, and arrangement for
a community referral, if necessary.
 ❖ Generally, HIV testing is voluntary and
can't be done without a written informed
consent. If you're under 18, a parent or a
legal guardian will make the consent
except for cases of anonymous testing.
❖ HIV testing cannot be required unless
you want to be a blood or an organ
donor, in which case, your blood will be
tested.
❖ There are existing health and support
services for people with HIV/AIDS. The
PNAC (Philippine National AIDS Council)
has established hospitals and
community-based services for people
with HIV/AIDS. They have established
policies, which ensure that HIV infected
people live a normal life and are
protected from discrimination.
HUMAN RIGHTS... confidentiality,
discriminatory acts and policies
▪ Confidentiality... The rules and
regulations of RA 8504 (Philippine AIDS
Prevention and Control Act) requires that
results of an HIV Antibody Test be treated
with confidentiality. Results of the HIV test
will only be released to:
o the person who was tested
o the parent of a minor who was tested
o the legal guardian of an insane person
or an orphan who was tested. Anyone
who violates this may be imprisoned and
fined.
▪ Discriminatory acts and policies... It is
important to remember that this fight is
against a disease and not against the
persons who have it. Thus, RA 8504 has
provisions against discriminatory acts.
o In the workplace... A person with
HIV/AIDS can continue working and can
enjoy the same employment rights,
benefits and opportunities as other
employees. It is against the law to fire
someone because of actual, perceived
or suspected HIV status. Acts of
discrimination in the workplace should be
reported to the Department of Labor
and Employment in the case of
nongovernment employees, and to the
Civil Service Commission in the case of
government employees.
▪ In Educational Institution... An
educational institution cannot:
o Refuse admission to any prospective
student
o Expel a student based on his/her
perceived HIV status
o Deny him/her the benefits and services
that they give to other
People who may have been infected
with AIDS pose no threat to other people.
They shall be free to participate fully in all
school activities. Remember, HIV does
not spread easily.
▪ In Travel and Residence... It is illegal to
deny travel, lodging or establishment of a
home to any person with AIDS. The law
says that no person can be quarantined,
placed in isolation or refused lawful entry
into or deported from the Philippines
because of his/her perceived HIV status.
▪ In Public Service... A person with HIV
can run for an elective position or be
appointed to public office.
▪ In Credit and Insurance Services... A
person who actually has or is perceived
to have HIV/AIDS cannot be denied
credit and loan services and/or health,
accident and life insurance on that basis.
However, the person living with HIV/AIDS
should be honest about his/her condition
and should not lie about his/her status
upon application.

▪ In Health Institutions... A person living

with HIV/AIDS cannot be denied by a
hospital or other health institution access
to health services. He/She should not be
charged higher fees and must be given
equal access to health services.

▪ In Availing of Decent Burial Services… A

person who was known, suspected or
perceived to be HIV positive should be
given the same kind of decent burial
services, provided that universal
precautions for infection control are
observed in the process.

Anyone found guilty of violating these

policies on discriminatory acts may be
imprisoned for 6 months to 4 years and
fined with not more than P10,000. If found
guilty, schools, hospitals, and other
institutions shall have their licenses or
permits revoked.