Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
Common Human Diseases
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Common Human Diseases
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Physical Education Health Elective
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 11
Grade code: 1.1.3.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 1.1.3.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.1.3.LI.2
Theme: Health Education
Subtheme: Common Human Diseases
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This lesson introduces the fundamental concept of classifying human diseases. In our communities across Ghana, we are familiar with illnesses like malaria, cholera, hypertension (often called 'high blood'), and sickle cell disease. But how do we make sense of them all? Why is malaria different from hypertension? Understanding how to group or classify diseases is the first step in preventing, managing, and treating them effectively. This knowledge empowers us to make better health decisions for ourselves, our families, and our communities. By classifying diseases, health professionals can track outbreaks, plan vaccination campaigns, and advise us on the right lifestyle choices.
A. What is a Disease?
A disease is a condition that impairs the normal functioning of the body or a part of the body. It is often associated with specific signs (what a doctor can observe, like a rash or high blood pressure) and symptoms (what a person feels, like a headache or nausea).
Think of your body as a well-tuned engine. A disease is like a fault in that engine that prevents it from running smoothly. B. Why Do We Classify Diseases?
Imagine a library with all the books thrown on the floor in one big pile. It would be impossible to find the book you need. Classifying diseases is like organizing that library. It helps us to: Diagnose: Doctors can narrow down the possibilities and identify an illness faster. Treat: Different types of diseases require different treatments (e.g., antibiotics for bacteria, lifestyle changes for hypertension). Prevent: Understanding if a disease is infectious helps public health officials (like the Ghana Health Service) to stop its spread. Study: Researchers can study groups of similar diseases to find new cures and treatments. C. Major Ways to Classify Human Diseases