Salud y enfermedad - Biología - 3eso

Health and Disease: Understanding Key Concepts

Defining Health

• The World Health Organization defines health as a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.

• Health encompasses the proper functioning of cells, tissues, organs, and the entire organism on physical, psychological, and emotional levels.

Understanding Disease

• Disease is characterized by a failure in homeostatic mechanisms that maintain equilibrium within the body due to alterations at physical, mental, or social levels.

• Factors influencing health include genetic predispositions (age and genetic information) as well as environmental influences such as hygiene and access to necessities like food and water.

Genetic Factors in Health

• Genetic disorders arise from alterations in the genome affecting cellular function; genes provide instructions for creating organisms and their cellular operations.

• Chromosomal anomalies can occur due to mutations or changes in chromosome number/structure (e.g., Down syndrome involves three copies of chromosome 21).

Environmental Influences on Well-being

• Good health requires a suitable environment—clean air, adequate space for personal needs—and managing stress is crucial to prevent diseases like heart attacks.

• Mental well-being necessitates personal space for work-life balance; chronic stress can weaken immune defenses against infections.

Healthy Habits: Importance of Lifestyle Choices

Establishing Good Habits

• A habit is an automatic behavior learned over time; beneficial habits include regular exercise, balanced nutrition, personal hygiene, good posture, and avoiding toxic substances.

• Societal pressures regarding body image can lead to unhealthy behaviors; media often promotes unrealistic standards that may harm self-esteem and health.

Nutrition Fundamentals

• Nutrition begins with food consumption—cooking or preparing food leads to nutrient absorption necessary for bodily functions. Understanding nutrient requirements is vital for maintaining health.

• Rapid weight loss diets often result in nutritional imbalances; healthy weight management should be gradual under professional guidance rather than influenced by trends or societal expectations.

The Role of Cholesterol in Health

Cholesterol: Friend or Foe?

• Cholesterol is essential for cell membrane fluidity and hormone production; however, excessive intake can lead to arterial blockages (atherosclerosis), increasing heart attack risk.

• Certain vegetable oils (e.g., palm oil) can elevate cholesterol levels; processed foods high in these oils pose additional risks due to chemical alterations during production (hydrogenation).

Health Impacts of Diet and Addiction

The Role of Diet in Health

• Current consumption of pastries is linked to elevated cholesterol levels even in children.

• Pre-cooked foods are high in salt, added sugars, hydrogenated fats, and numerous additives, contributing to excessive calorie intake.

• Such dietary habits are associated with the development of serious health issues like cancer and atherosclerosis.

Physical Activity and Mental Health

• Incorporating physical activity into daily routines can significantly improve both physical and mental health.

• Engaging in sports enhances memory and study capabilities.

Understanding Drug Addiction

Mechanisms of Addiction

• Prolonged drug use alters brain physiology, leading to permanent behavioral disorders characterized by addiction.

• Addiction is described as a psychophysical state affecting both body and mind, driven by an uncontrollable impulse to consume addictive substances.

Types of Addictions

• Discussion includes not only illegal drugs but also alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and excessive social media use.

Factors Influencing Vulnerability

• Biological, environmental, social, and psychological factors intertwine; addicts are fundamentally viewed as individuals suffering from illness.

• Individual vulnerability to addiction varies based on genetic predispositions and external influences such as peer pressure or family environment.

Consequences of Drug Use

Mental Health Correlation

• Many mental illnesses stem from dysfunction within the same brain systems affected by drugs.

• The unknown nature of individual susceptibility makes it crucial to avoid drug use altogether; patterns may lead to addiction without prior warning.

Behavioral Symptoms

• A common behavioral symptom among addicts is denial regarding their problem; they often believe they have control over their substance use.