Health and Hygiene

Types of Diseases

Diseases can be broadly categorized into:

• Communicable Diseases: Diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another, or from animals to humans. They are caused by pathogens (germs) like bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and worms.
  • Bacterial Diseases: Caused by bacteria (e.g., Tuberculosis, Typhoid, Cholera).
  • Viral Diseases: Caused by viruses (e.g., Common Cold, Flu, Measles, Chickenpox).
  • Protozoal Diseases: Caused by protozoa (e.g., Malaria, Amoebic Dysentery).
  • Diseases Caused by Worms: Caused by parasitic worms (e.g., Ascariasis, Filariasis).

Modes of Transmission of Diseases

Communicable diseases can spread through various ways:

• Direct Contact: Touching an infected person, kissing, sexual contact.
• Indirect Contact: Touching contaminated objects (doorknobs, toys, clothes).
• Droplet Transmission: Through coughs or sneezes (e.g., cold, flu).
• Airborne Transmission: Pathogens remain suspended in the air for longer periods (e.g., Tuberculosis).
• Vector-borne Transmission: Transmitted by living organisms (vectors) like mosquitoes (Malaria, Dengue), flies (Typhoid), or ticks.
• Water-borne Transmission: Through contaminated water (e.g., Cholera, Typhoid).
• Food-borne Transmission: Through contaminated food (e.g., Food poisoning).

Ways to Prevent Communicable Diseases

• Personal Hygiene: Regular hand washing, bathing, brushing teeth.
• Public Hygiene: Proper disposal of waste, sanitation, clean drinking water supply.
• Vaccination: Immunization against specific diseases.
• Isolation: Separating infected individuals to prevent spread.
• Vector Control: Controlling populations of disease-carrying vectors (e.g., mosquito control).
• Safe Food and Water: Ensuring food is cooked properly and water is clean.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest to boost immunity.

Hygiene

Hygiene: Practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness.

Examples of Hygiene Practices

• Washing hands with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet.
• Bathing daily.
• Brushing teeth twice a day.
• Keeping nails short and clean.
• Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Ways to Keep the Surroundings Clean

• Safe Disposal of Garbage: Proper segregation of waste (biodegradable and non-biodegradable) and disposing of it in designated bins.
• Regular Cleaning: Sweeping, mopping, and dusting homes and public places regularly.
• Drainage Systems: Ensuring proper functioning of drainage and sewage systems to prevent water stagnation.
• Pest Control: Controlling pests like mosquitoes, flies, and rodents.
• Clean Public Spaces: Avoiding littering in public areas.

Healthy Practices for Hygiene

• Using clean utensils for cooking and eating.
• Storing food properly to prevent contamination.
• Drinking boiled or filtered water.
• Avoiding open defecation.
• Maintaining cleanliness in schools and workplaces.