Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define physical activity and its importance.
• Identify different types of physical activities and their benefits.
• Explain how physical activity helps prevent lifestyle diseases.
• Create a simple weekly physical activity plan.
• Discuss the role of community resources in staying active.

Lesson summary

This lesson introduces the fundamental ways we classify human diseases. To understand why physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy life, we must first appreciate the different types of health challenges we face. In Ghana, we experience a "double burden" of disease – we still fight infectious diseases like malaria and cholera, while also seeing a rapid increase in lifestyle-related diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Understanding how to group or classify these diseases helps us, our communities, and our healthcare system to develop targeted strategies for prevention and management.

Lesson notes

This section breaks down the essential information you need to understand the classification of diseases. A. What is a Disease?

A disease is any harmful deviation from the normal structural or functional state of an organism. In simpler terms, it's a condition that impairs the normal functioning of the body and is typically shown by specific signs and symptoms. It is not just about feeling unwell; it is a specific medical condition. Sign: An objective indication of a disease that can be observed by a doctor (e.g., a rash, high blood pressure reading, high temperature). Symptom: A subjective experience reported by the patient (e.g., headache, feeling tired, nausea). B. The Primary Classification: Communicable vs. Non-Communicable Diseases

This is the most common and important way to classify diseases, especially from a public health perspective.

| Feature | Communicable Diseases | Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Definition | Diseases that can be transmitted (spread) from one person or organism to another. | Diseases that are not transmitted from person to person. They are often chronic in nature. | | Cause | Caused by infectious agents called pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites). | Caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors. | | Mode of Spread | Through direct contact, air (coughing/sneezing), contaminated water/food, or vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, flies). | They do not spread through contact. Key risk factors include unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol use. | | Ghanaian Examples | - Malaria: Spread by the Anopheles mosquito. - Cholera: Spread through contaminated water and food. - Tuberculosis (TB): Spread through the air when an infected person coughs. - COVID-19: Spread through respiratory droplets. | - Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Linked to diet (e.g., high salt intake in foods like 'koobi'), stress, and lack of exercise. - Type 2 Diabetes: Linked to diet, obesity, and physical inactivity. - Sickle Cell Anaemia: A genetic, inherited condition. You are born with it; you cannot "catch" it. - Stroke: Often a complication of untreated hypertension. | C. Other Important Classifications of Diseases

Evaluation guide

• Discuss the classification of human disease
• Talk for learning: In pairs, learners discuss how to classify human diseases and share their
• understanding
• reasoning