Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
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 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 14
Grade code: 3.1.3.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 3.1.3.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.1.3.LI.2
Theme: Health Education
Subtheme: Common Human Diseases
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In Ghana, whether we are playing football on the school park, helping with chores at home, or even just walking to the market, injuries can happen. They can stop us from enjoying our daily activities, affect our studies, and sometimes lead to serious health problems. Understanding how to prevent these injuries and what to do when they occur is a vital life skill. This lesson will equip you with the practical knowledge to keep yourself and others safe, both on the sports field and in everyday life. We will move beyond just knowing the names of injuries and learn the practical steps to prevent and manage them effectively.
A. Defining Key Terms Injury: Any harm, damage, or hurt done to the body, usually as a result of an accident, fall, or impact. Injuries can be classified in many ways, but a simple way is: Acute Injury: Happens suddenly. For example, spraining your ankle when you land awkwardly after jumping for a ball in a volleyball match. Chronic Injury: Develops slowly over time from repetitive motion or overuse. For example, a "kayayo" (head porter) developing persistent lower back pain from carrying heavy loads daily. Prevention: Taking specific actions *beforehand* to stop an injury from happening. It is always better to prevent an injury than to treat one. Management: The process of caring for an injury *after* it has occurred. This includes first aid and seeking professional medical help when necessary. Good management helps the injury heal faster and prevents it from getting worse. B. Methods of Injury Prevention
To avoid getting hurt, especially in sports and physical activities, we must be proactive. Here are some of the most effective prevention strategies: Proper Warm-up and Cool-down: Warm-up: These are light exercises done *before* the main activity. They gradually increase your heart rate and blood flow to the muscles, making them more flexible and ready for action. *Why it works:* Warm muscles are less likely to tear. *Ghanaian Example:* Before an inter-schools football match ('Inter-Co'), players jog around the pitch, do leg swings, arm circles, and light stretches. This is a warm-up. Cool-down: These are slow, gentle exercises and stretches done *after* the main activity. They help the body gradually return to its resting state. *Why it works:* It helps prevent muscle soreness and stiffness by removing waste products like lactic acid from the muscles. *Example:* After a vigorous game of ampe, you slowly walk around and perform static stretches, holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds. Use of Appropriate Protective Gear: This involves wearing equipment designed to protect specific body parts from impact. *Examples relevant to Ghana:* Shin guards: For football, to protect the lower leg from kicks. Helmets: Essential for "okada" riders and passengers to prevent head injuries. Also used in cycling and cricket. Padded gloves/Mouthguards: For boxers to protect hands and teeth. Proper Footwear: Wearing "chaley wote" to play football is dangerous. Proper football boots provide grip and ankle support. Correct Technique and Form: Learning and using the correct way to perform a skill or movement is crucial. *Example:* When lifting a heavy bucket of water, you should bend your knees and use your strong leg muscles to lift, keeping your back straight. Lifting with your back can cause serious injury. In sports, learning how to tackle in football or land in basketball correctly reduces the risk of injury. Ensuring a Safe Environment: The place where you play or work should be free from hazards. *Examples:* On the school park: Before playing, check the field for stones, holes, or broken glass and remove them. At home: Wipe up any water spilled on the floor immediately to prevent someone from slipping. Ensure there is good lighting in rooms and on staircases. Adequate Rest and Nutrition: Your body needs time to recover and repair itself, especially after strenuous activity. Overtraining without enough rest leads to chronic injuries. A balanced diet gives your body the fuel it needs. Foods available in Ghana like beans, eggs, groundnuts (protein), plantain, yam (carbohydrates), and kontomire (vitamins/minerals) help build strong muscles and bones. Drinking plenty of water is also essential to prevent dehydration and muscle cramps. C. Methods of Injury Management (First Aid)
When an injury does occur, knowing what to do immediately can make a huge difference. For common injuries like sprains, strains, and bruises (soft tissue injuries), the most recommended first aid procedure is PRICE.
The PRICE Principle: P - Protection: What it is: Stop the activity immediately. Protect the injured area from any further harm. Example: If a player twists their ankle, they must be removed from the game. They should not try to "walk it off," as this can make the injury much worse. R - Rest: What it is: Avoid using the injured body part. Rest allows the body's natural healing process to begin. Example: The player with the sprained ankle should sit or lie down and avoid putting any weight on that foot. I - Ice: What it is: Apply a cold pack to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first 48 hours. Important: Never place ice directly on the skin. Wrap it in a thin towel or cloth. Why it works: The cold constricts the blood vessels, which helps to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. *Ghanaian context:* If you don't have a medical ice pack, a sachet of frozen "pure water" wrapped in a handkerchief works perfectly. C - Compression: What it is: Apply a firm, elastic bandage around the injured area. It should be snug but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. Why it works: Compression helps to limit swelling and provides light support to the injured area. Example: Wrap a crepe bandage around the sprained ankle, starting from the toes and moving upwards towards the leg. E - Elevation: What it is: Raise the injured limb so that it is higher than the level of the heart. Why it works: Gravity helps to drain excess fluid away from the site of the injury, which further reduces swelling. Example: The player with the sprained ankle should lie down and rest their foot on a pile of pillows or a chair.