Human Health and Disease Overview

Health Definition: A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.
Disease Definition: An abnormal condition affecting the body, characterized by specific symptoms and signs.

Infectious Diseases
- Caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites).
- Transmissible between individuals (e.g., influenza, HIV/AIDS).
Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- Not infectious; often related to lifestyle and genetic factors.
- Examples: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes.
Genetic Diseases
- Caused by abnormalities in genes or chromosomes.
- Examples: cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia.
Autoimmune Diseases
- Immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.
- Examples: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus.

Primary Prevention: Efforts to prevent disease before it occurs (e.g., vaccinations, health education).
Secondary Prevention: Early detection and treatment of disease (e.g., screening tests).
Tertiary Prevention: Reducing impact of ongoing illness (e.g., rehabilitation).

Surveillance: Monitoring health data to detect outbreaks.
Health Promotion: Encouraging healthy behaviors and lifestyle changes.
Policy Making: Implementing laws and regulations for health safety (e.g., smoking bans).

Emerging Infectious Diseases: New pathogens or diseases (e.g., COVID-19).
Antimicrobial Resistance: Increased resistance of bacteria and viruses to treatments.
Chronic Disease Epidemic: Rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases globally.

Healthcare Access: Availability of services and health professionals.
Quality of Care: Effectiveness, safety, and patient-centeredness of health services.
Health Insurance: Financial protection for individuals to cover healthcare costs.

Health is defined as a holistic state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, surpassing simply being disease-free.
Disease refers to an abnormal condition of the body, identifiable by specific symptoms and signs.

Infectious Diseases: Caused by pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites; examples include influenza and HIV/AIDS, and can be transmitted between individuals.
Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs): These diseases are not infectious and are commonly linked to lifestyle choices and genetic predispositions; prevalent examples include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes.
Genetic Diseases: Result from abnormalities in genes or chromosomes; notable examples are cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions in which the immune system erroneously attacks healthy tissues; common examples include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Biological Factors: Influence of genetics, age, and sex on health.
Behavioral Factors: Impact of diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption on health outcomes.
Social Factors: Role of economic status, education level, and social support networks.
Environmental Factors: Influence of pollution, living conditions, and climate on health.

Primary Prevention: Initiatives aimed at preventing diseases before they manifest, such as through vaccinations and health education campaigns.
Secondary Prevention: Focuses on the early detection and treatment of diseases via screening tests.
Tertiary Prevention: Strategies aimed at minimizing the impact and improving the quality of life for those with existing diseases, including rehabilitation efforts.

Surveillance: Continuous monitoring of health data to identify outbreaks and assess health trends.
Health Promotion: Efforts to encourage individuals and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles and behaviors.
Policy Making: Development and enforcement of laws and regulations to ensure health safety, such as smoke-free legislation.

Emerging Infectious Diseases: Newly identified pathogens or diseases that pose significant health threats, such as COVID-19.
Antimicrobial Resistance: Growing challenge of pathogens developing resistance to treatment, complicating the management of infections.
Chronic Disease Epidemic: Increasing global prevalence of non-communicable diseases, reflecting a significant public health concern.

Importance: Mental health is fundamentally linked to overall health and significantly influences physical health.
Common Disorders: Disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia are prevalent in populations worldwide.
Treatment Approaches: Includes a combination of therapy, medication, and community support to address mental health needs.

Healthcare Access: Availability and accessibility of health services and professionals for the population.
Quality of Care: Essential characteristics of healthcare services that ensure effectiveness, safety, and a focus on the patient’s experience.
Health Insurance: Provides financial protection, allowing individuals to afford necessary healthcare services and treatments.