HEALTH IS IMPORTANT FOR US

Health and Disease 

Health, as defined by the World Health Organisation, is a state of mental, social as well as physical being. Disease being the opposite, is a hindrance in the well being of our body that affects the functioning of organs and organ systems. Thus, the relationship between health and disease can be thought of as the state of entire well being and not just the absence of disease. Human health and diseases is an important topic that needs to study for better understanding of our body.

Types of Diseases

The human body suffers from many diseases, it can be due to genetic defects, infections or an unhealthy lifestyle.

Diseases can be classified into two types

1. Congenital Diseases: Genetic defects present by birth. This may be due to gene mutation, chromosomal aberration or environmental effects. Chromosomal and gene defects are transmitted to the next generation. E.g. Haemophilia, colour blindness, Down syndrome, Turner’s syndrome, etc.
2. Acquired Diseases: Diseases acquired during a lifetime.
   1. Infectious or communicable disease: transmitted from one person to another
   2. Non-communicable disease: doesn’t spread by infection
   3. Deficiency disease: caused due to deficiency of an important nutrient, enzyme or hormones, e.g. anaemia, kwashiorkor, beriberi, diabetes, etc.
   4. Allergies: hypersensitivity to foreign substances, e.g. pollen, dust, mites, etc.