Society and health

Health

Health

Explain factors which cause ill health Understand the causes of major

health problems in the UK Describe diabetes, coeliac disease

and osteoporosis. Describe CHD and risk factors Explain how diet influences health Identify reports and advice relating

to health

What is health?

A state of complete physical, social and mental well-being and not merely the absence of disease. (WHO, 1948)

WHO broadened this definition in 1986 to: ‘Health is seen as a resource for everyday life, not

the objective of living. It is a positive concept emphasising social and personal resources as well as physical capabilities.’

Health promoters have now come to regard health in broader terms- linking in family values, aspirations, housing, employment and self esteem as part of health. To reduce ill health, these factors need to be addressed.

WHY?

Factors affecting health

Individual factors- fixed factors- genetic makeup, gender and age. No control/ can’t do anything about them

Behaviour and lifestyle factors- can be modified- smoking, alcohol, drugs, exercise, diet and sexual activity. (some individuals find it difficult to make healthy choices because of their personal circumstances.)

Social network- friends and family support. Issues in society- societal factors, not much control

over- where we live and work, access to health services, expectations in society.

Incidence and causes of major health problems.

In the 1900’s, 25% of deaths were caused by infectious diseases. This compares to only 1% in 2000. Improvements in housing, health care and sanitation have contributed to a lower incidence of infectious diseases. However, deaths from cancer and CHD have increased. These deaths account for 2/3 of all deaths in the UK.

Diet and lifestyle- balanced diet should encourage good overall health. Poor diet is associated with some cancers, heart disease, stroke and tooth decay.

Research suggests that low income households consume large quantities of foods rich in sugar, salt and fat, and small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. Why do you think this is?

Obesity- the DoH estimates that obesity is responsible for more than 9000 deaths per year in England. Obese people are more likely to suffer from low-self image, social stigma and reduced mobility, as well as being more prone to CHD, type 2 diabetes and cancers.

Continued..

Dental decay; Internationally, tooth decay is a significant health problem. Physical activity; Prevents heart disease, builds healthy bones and helps

maintain good mental health. Physical inactivity is a risk factor for CHD, stroke, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and mental health problems.

Research shows that higher socio-economic groups exercise more than low.

Smoking; Leads to early deaths in England. Greatest number of

deaths occurs in most deprived areas. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer and is linked to CHD, cancer of the mouth, kidney, stomach and pancreas.

What is passive smoking? Activity 8- page 78

Cont….

Alcohol; This has been linked to domestic violence, car accidents,

falls and alcohol poisoning. Alcohol consumption is linked to cancer of the mouth, liver and breast, CHD and stroke.

Follow DoH recommendations. Sexual health- Teenage girls living in deprived areas are four times

more likely to fall pregnant than those from affluent areas.

STI’s are increasing. Drugs- Research has indicated that deprived people are more

likely to take drugs.

ACTIVITY 5/8

Inequalities in health.

There are health inequalities in the UK. Not everyone has the same chance to be healthy.

Poverty- more likely to cause ill health- smoking, drinking and not exercising.

Employment- the employed live longer than the unemployed. Research has suggested that unemployment is associated with smoking.

Housing- overcrowding- stress and spread of infection. Squalor- increase in disease.

Access to health services- deprived areas less likely to receive suitable health care.

How do the above factors affect health?

Diets for different groups- activity sheet- activity 1.

What is diabetes (type 1 and 2), and what diet is needed?

What is coeliac disease? What diet is needed?

What is osteoporosis? What diet is needed?

Pages 80-85 What is CHD? What diet is needed?

Health, social and environmental factors influencing CHD- activity 2 and 3.

Family history Increasing age Ethnic background- Asian or black at higher risk. Gender- men are at greater risk. Socio-economic disadvantage Low birth weight Smoking High blood pressure Obesity Stress Lack of exercise High blood cholesterol Type 2 diabetes

Activity 21- page 89

Diet and lifestyle factors affecting CHD

Type and quantity of fats consumed- trans fats are very bad for you- from processing margarine, saturated fat silts up arteries also. Omega 3 oils are beneficial to health.

Levels of salt- cause High blood pressure. Levels of calcium- high intake reduces CHD Alcohol consumption- increases CHD risk Fruit and vegetables consumption- high intake leads

to a reduction in CHD- fruit and veg contains ANTIOXIDANTS which prevent CHD.

ACTIVITY 22- page 89

Health education policies and advice

Health of the nation, 1991 A report written to establish the health of people in

society, emphasis was on individuals taking responsibility for their own health. Preventative health measures.

Health was measured by life expectancy, current dietary trends- Fat and salt consumption are at present too high in general, and fruit and vegetables intake too low , lifestyle and food choices, The ‘eat well plate’ and physical exercise.

Activity 24

Choosing health

The government has attempted to address ill-health by introducing legislation, strategies and policies to change our behaviour. One of these ways was ‘Choosing health: making healthy choices easier’, 2004.

This outlined the fact that there has been a sharp rise in obesity, slow decline in smoking, growing problems with alcohol, teenage pregnancy and STI’s. it also identified key health priorities: reduce the number of people who smoke, reduce obesity, increase exercise, encourage and support sensible drinking, improve sexual and mental health.

How can the government help?

Give information Help children and young people to be healthy Help local communities- NHS/local

organisations Make health a way of life Help people be healthy in work and help

people get a job.

Emphasis should be on people making informed choices.

Health Strategies.

The 5 a day programme- 5 pieces of fruit and veg a day is recommended.

The school fruits and vegetables scheme- all 4-6 year olds are entitled to a free piece of fruit or vegetable each school day.

Personal advice- NHS train- healthy eating Interventions- government to make unhealthy food less

appealing. Healthy start- replaces welfare food scheme, those who claim

benefits, are pregnant or under 18 can claim free vouchers every week that can be swapped for fresh fruit and vegetables, milk and infant formula.

The School Food Trust- transform school food, promote education. A new set of food based standards is to be introduced in Primary schools by Sept 2008 and in secondary schools by Sept 2009. Looked at preventing Obesity in childhood.

What are they? Page 96

Other initiatives:

The National Healthy Schools Programme- 4 themes- PSHE, Healthy eating, Physical activity, Emotional health and well-being. We have passed the NQA for healthy schools.

The Walk Once a Week Scheme (WoW) Cycling to school. Extended schools- breakfast club Schools own initiative.

Value of health education policies

Improve nations health Put less burden on NHS- reduce

health costs. Logos- eat well plate, 5 a day on

packaging- accessible to all. Activity 31.