Health Notes PDF

Health and wellness Well Being Definition: A state of health and wellness Examples: Productiveness, they feel good about their current condition, have a positive mindset 6 Components of Wellness List the 6 Components of Wellness 1. Physical 2. Emotional 3. Intellectual 4. Social 5. E...

Health and wellness Well Being Definition: A state of health and wellness Examples: Productiveness, they feel good about their current condition, have a positive mindset 6 Components of Wellness List the 6 Components of Wellness 1. Physical 2. Emotional 3. Intellectual 4. Social 5. Environmental/Occupational 6. Spiritual Health Continuum Definition: the range of a person’s health status People who are intellectually healthy are able to adapt, learn, and grow Health Literacy Definition: the ability to locate, interpret, and apply information pertaining to your health Skills Involved:to locate, interpret, and communicate health-related information Consumer Literacy and Health Define Consumer: someone who purchases and uses goods or services Define Pseudoscience: theories which are described as science based Connect to your own health and wellness: Self-Advocacy and Interpreting Media Connect to your health:enables you to make healthful choices Where can you find information relating to your health and wellness? Websites. Magazines and tv Health Promotion Definition: taking charge of your health and wellness Lifelong Learning Why is this needed? Different wellness issues become important in different stages of life Making Good Decisions What are the steps to making a good decision? 1. Define the problem 2. Explore alternatives 3. Select the best option 4. Act on your decision 5. Evaluate the decision Smart Goals S: Specific M: Measurable A: Action oriented R: Realistic T: Timely Health Care Services Examples: - Diagnosis - Treatment - Rehabilitation - Prevention - Education - Research Physicians and Specialists Physician: provides primary care Specialist: posses extra training and experience with certain types of diseases and disorders Health Care Settings Inpatient: patients reside while they receive comprehensive care Outpatient:treat patients who do not require a hospital stay The D.E.C.I.D.E. Model The D.E.C.I.D.E. Model is an excellent tool for teaching students how to thoughtfully make decisions. The D.E.C.I.D.E. model is to decision making as the S.M.A.R.T. goal acronym is to goal setting. Let's take a look at this simple step-by-step process: D - Define the Decision To Be Made The first thing to do is to define the decision that needs to be made. The Example: Should I stay up and watch another episode of T.V.? E - Explore Your Options Next, you need to explore your different options. The Example: I can stay up and watch another episode. Or I can go to bed and watch the next episode tomorrow. C - Consider the Consequences As you explore options, consider the consequences of each choice. The Example: If I stay up even later, I'll be tired and in a bad mood tomorrow. If I go to bed now, I'll feel rested and have time to eat breakfast with my family before school. I - Identify Your Values Take time to identify what's important and valuable to you so you can make a choice that honors your values and will bring you joy. The Example: I really value time with my family, being a good friend, and doing well in school. If I go to bed now I'll get to spend more time with my family, be in a good mood with my friends, and be able to focus at school. D - Decide and Act After you analyze your options and weigh them against your values it's time to make a decision and act. The Example: I was going to go to bed but then the episode ended with a cliffhanger so I watched another one. I didn't end up going to bed until midnight. E - Evaluate the Results Taking time to reflect on the results is an important final step of the decision-making process. This allows you to evaluate how your choice impacted your health and happiness and to consider what you would do differently in the future. The Example: I missed breakfast in the morning and could only eat an apple on my way to school. I was grumpy all day and kept falling asleep in class. Warm-Up - types od diseases Genetic - Diabetes Nutritional - food poisoning disease Infectious - a scab that gets infected Traumatic - PTSD Environmental - lung cancer Behavioral - ADHD How Scientists Describe Health - Life Expectancy  - Life span - Morbidity - Mortality - Quality of Life Life Expectancy An estimate of how long a person is likely to live Think Further Life span is the actual number of years a person lives, Life expectancy is an estimate Morbidity Morbidity describes the presence of a disease, disorder, or an injury that affects the health of a population Mortality Describes the number of deaths caused by a disease, disorder, or injury in a population Quality of Life A person’s level of satisfaction with various aspects of his or her life What Causes Disease? - Genetic - Nutritional - Infectious - Traumatic - Environmental - Behavior Behavioral Risk Factors *Definition Choices and behaviors that increase a person's chance of developing a disease, unhealthy condition, or an injury Unintended Injuries Accidental deaths and injuries, car crashes Other Risky Behaviors Injuries can also arise from.. Not wearing a helmet in some sports Tobacco, alcohol, and drug use excessive sun exposure Nutrition and Physical Activity Your health is influenced by what you ear, how much you eat and your level of physical activity Obesity is a risk factor for many serious diseases Sleep Lack of Sleep - Is associated with poor health - Lowers your immune system - Impairs driving skills - Increases the risk for mental health problems Genes - Determine the structure and function of your cells - Affects development, personality, and health Genes and Disease *Genes determine how your immune system is built. *Inherited diseases are caused by a single gene. Heart Disease, Cancer and Genes *Causes of Heart disease include cancer *Cancers Associated with Genetic Factors: Breast, Colon, and skin cancer. Mental Illness, Obesity, and Genes *Genes Involvement: Genes cannot be changed Hazards 1. Loud noise 2. debris Environmental Risk Factors *Environment: Environmental, socioeconomic risk *Climate and Geography present different kinds of risk for the disease Socioeconomic Risk Factors 1. Level of education 2. Income 3. Status in society Education May Affect a person’s risk for developing diseases, disorder, or Health problems Economic Factors Buy healthy groceries, Get preventive treatment, Be physically active 6 Components of Health Occupational, Social, Emotional, Physical, Spiritual, Intellectual Optimal Health dynamic balance of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health Acute Diseases In medicine, describing a disease as acute denotes that it is of recent onset; it occasionally denotes a short duration. Chronic Diseases A disease or condition that usually lasts for 3 months or longer and may get worse over time. Health/wellness continuum Sliding scale between two extremes Health Literacy the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others. Locate,interpret, apply Immune System A complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and the substances they make that helps the body fight infections and other diseases. Environmental Risk Factors The environmental risk factors include pollution, radiation, noise, land use patterns, work environment, and climate change. Nutrition Nutrients Definition: CHemical Substances that give your body what it needs to grow and function properly *6 Main Nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water Carbohydrates What do they provide and how? - Energy through breaking carbs down Found in: 3 types: Sugars, Starch, Fiber Sugars (Glucose): simple carbs --- Table sugar Starch: complex carbs ---- Bread, beans Fiber: Lowers cholesterol, balances glucose, prevents overeating Glucose: It helps your brain and central nervous system -- preferred source of energy for the brain Protein Function/Purpose: Provides energy Amino Acids: Makes up proteins Nonessential AA: You HAVE to get this from your diet Essential AA: Your body makes them Complete Protein: Contains all 9 essential amino acids - meat, fish Incomplete Protein: lacks one or more amino acids - -What is Glycogen? - a stored version of glucose located in the muscles and liver; supplies energy between meals Fats Function/Purpose: Provides energy, regulates body functions Saturated: found in animal products Unsaturated: found in plant based foods Trans: not safe (FDA) Cholesterol: produced by the body and other foods Vitamins Function/Purpose: necessary for growth and development Minerals Definition: inorganic elements Water Function/Purpose: is necessary for almost all bodily function How much? 8 glasses one day Water Soluble vs. Fat Soluble A Fat soluble vitamin is a type of vitamin that dissolves in the body's fat, where it is stored for later use, a water soluble vitamin is a vitamin that dissolves in water. Minerals -inorganic elements on the earth and in foods that our bodies need to develop and function normally Dietary Guidelines: discuss establishing eating patterns Calorie Definition: a unit of measurement for energy provided by food Metabolism Definition: the rate at which your body uses energy Nutrient Dense Foods Definition: requirement for a healthy diet. Provide vitamins, minerals, and other substances that contribute to adequate nutrient intake MyPlate Food Groups Fruits Vegetables Grains Proteins dairy Undernutrition Definition: when people do not receive the needed nutrients from the food they eat; this can lead to growth problems in children. Overnutrition Definition people eating TOO much foods which contain high amounts of added sugar, solid fat, and refined carbs Nutrition Facts Labels Who requires them? FDA What information do they provide? Ingredients in Food What do they include: All ingredients that were used to make the food How are they listed: By weight Claims on Labels “Low fat” “Less sodium” Think Further Organic Food: grown in a certain environment without pesticides and other unnatural factors Foodborne Illnesses What are they? Illnesses that are transmitted by foods Preventing Foodborne Illnesses Safe food handling procedures Washing hands with hot, soapy water Cooking and keeping foods at appropriate temperatures Food Intolerance Definition:a person cannot properly digest Examples: lactose and gluten intolerance Food Allergy Definition: an immune response to a certain food that the body reacts to as if it was harmful Common Reactions: hives, rash Stress and Mental Health Stress Definition: the body’s physical and psychological response to traumatic or challenging experiences Stressor Definition: any factor that causes stress Acute vs. Chronic Stress Acute: across a short period of time Chronic: lasts over a long period of time Major Events vs. Daily Hassles Major Events: moving, divorce, death Daily Hassles: being late, losing keys Think Further Why do people respond to stress differently? They have different perceptions and experiences Critical Thinking Different countries can have different levels of stress Different age groups have to worry about different things Stages of Stress Alarm: fight or flight response Resistance: body continues to devote energy to maintain physiological response to the threat Exhaustion: the body's responses are depleted The Body’s Response to Stress Fight or Flight Response: heart rate, blood flow, breathing, and sweat production increase Stress and Body Systems Nervous System: sends signals to mobilize the body Endocrine System: produces stress hormones Cardiovascular System: pumps blood at a high rate Immune System: lower resources to produce lymphocytes Reproductive System: reduces fertility Lymphocytes Definition White blood cells that play a key role in the immune response by identifying and destroying pathogens. Stress and Cognitive Problems Stress affects Cognitive Abilities -- disrupts the hippocampus Stress and Emotional Problems Can cause many emotions - fear, anxiety, helplessness, anger, shock or numbness Think Further PTSD: feeling detached, lack or interest in daily activities, flashbacks to the event Stress and Behavioral Problems Can cause conflicts (arguments and domestic violence), unhealthy lifestyle choices (drugs, drinking, smoking), bad eating habits Stress can reduce dopamine and seratonin levels in your body Tips for Reducing or Avoiding Stress Manage time, set limits, stay positive, distract yourself, LAUGH, Staying Positive Use positive motivation to focus on the positives of an event Relaxation Techniques: Yoga, breathing exercises Decreases heart rate and blood pressure When to Seek Professional Help: After experiencing something major, when you have experienced stress for a while Benefiting from Stress Positive stress can make you focus, pushes you to do more Causes of Mental Illness Most causes are unknown and a combination of factors.  1. Biological 2. Environmental 3. psychological Biological Factors Genetic Predisposition: hereditary vulnerability to various diseases and illnesses Genes influence the levels of chemicals in the brain Biological Factors: Brain Injury TBI: can lead to temporary or permanent changes in brain development Biological Factors: Environment During Pregnancy Mental illness risk if - Alcohol and drugs - Does not get proper nutrition Environmental Factors Mental disorders can be triggered by stressful events (Family conflict) Psychological Factors Cognitive Distortions: Unhealthy thinking patterns/ catastrophizing *Suicide: One of the leading causes of death among teenagers and young adults in the United States Defining Mental Illness A medical condition in which a person’s mental problems are so severe or persistent enough that they interfere with daily living Anxiety symptoms - increased heart rate - Rapid breathing - Sweaty palms - Upset stomach Anxiety Disorders Panic Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Phobias Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Depression A feeling of hopelessness, loneliness, and inability to care about anything Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia BPD - Recurring depression alternating with mania, little need for sleep Schizophrenia - Delusions, hallucinations, irregular thoughts Personality Disorders Consistent pattern of inappropriate behavior - Antisocial personality disorder - Borderline Personality disorder Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) - Problems with social interactions - Delayed language development - Needing a familiar routine Attention Deficit Disorders ADHD is the most common mental disorder with children and young adults Growth and Development Healthy Family Relationship - Provide for physical needs - Meet emotional and mental needs - Educate and Socialize children Effective communications  - Effective communication is important in a healthy relationship - The communication process - Feedback Types of Communication - Oral (Verbal) - Facial expressions - Volume and tone of voice - Eye contact - Body Language Communication Strategies - Active listening - Clearly express needs and preferences - Watch Nonverbal Communication Conflicts with Parents - Conflicting goals - Teens might find their parents’ rules restrictive Conflicts with siblings - Different personalities, interests, or activities - Competition for parents’ attention or material items - Sibling rivalry may encourage negative feelings Changes in Family Relationships - Can create stress - Positive and negative Friendships allow you to - Learn more about yourself - Receive and provide emotional support - Gain skills for communicating and resolving conflict Common problems - Cliques - Small groups of friends that exclude other people - Jealousy - Changes over time - Can grow apart or get closer as time goes on Peer pressure - Positive Peer pressure - encourage good activities  - Negative Peer pressure - can negatively affect your life Standing up to peer pressure - Make sure your actions match your words - Have the strength to walk away from peer pressure Characteristics of Healthy Dating relationships - Attraction, closeness, and commitment - Maintained Individuality - Maintained balance - Open Communication - Support - Love - Physical Intimacy - Safety Individuality - Stay true to yourself - Make time to see friends and family members - Feel comfortable discussing thoughts and feelings openly Physical Intimacy - Know how you feel about being physically intimate - You should be comfortable telling your partner about your limits - You should not feel pressured Signs of an Unhealthy relationship - Feeling used, ignored or unappreciated - Feeling like you are constantly fighting - Having to endure verbal or physical abuse Sexual Reproduction Sexual Reproduction: Process by which the genetic material of two organisms combine to create offspring Male Sex Cell: sperm Female Sex Cell: egg Cell Division and Fertilization Fertilization: Fertilization - when a sperm goes up the fallopian tube and ends up fertilizing the cell to create a zygote The Female Reproductive System (Internal) Ovaries: Contains immature eggs; Make estrogen and progesterone Fallopian Tube: Connect the ovaries to the uterus: guide the ova out of the ovaries Uterus: Hollow organ that can house and nurture a developing fetus Vagina: Connects to the uterus via the cervix (External) Mons Pubis: Above the labia and vaginal opening Labia Majora: outer folds of skin Labia Minora: inner folds of skin Clitoris: above the vaginal opening Ovulation and Menstruation Menstruation: the sloughing off of the endometrial lining of the uterus Ovulation: when an egg is released from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes occurs around day 14 Male Reproductive System Testes: produces sperm and testosterone Vas Deferens: Carries sperm from the penis Seminal Vesicles: Prostate: Secrete fluid Penis: The organ used for sexual intercourse Flagella:without a flagella a sperm would have almost no chance of reaching an ovum Pregnancy: Ovulation must occur Fertilization Implantation into the endometrial lining of the uterus Implantation: The process by which an embryo burrows the endometrial lining of the uterus Embryonic development: Organogenesis Birth Control - If a couple wants to be sexually active, but don’t want children, Birth Control is an option Contraception : A method or substance used to help prevent pregnancy Abstinence- only 100% method of preventing birth; The decision to and practice of not engaging in sexual activity Birth Control Methods - Only reduce the risk of prevention Factors to Consider- Cost, availability, Reversible, versus permanent, Ease of use Barrier Methods - Physically block fertilization by preventing sperm from reaching the ovum Condoms - Male condoms are worn on the penis during sexual intercourse --- Do not need prescriptions Female Condoms are similar to a pouch Spermicide - a substance that makes sperm inactive Contraceptive Sponge - A barrier method that blocks sperm from entering the uterus Not as effective as the Male Condom Does not prevent STIs Diaphragm and Cervical Cap Diaphragm - Flexible, cup shaped disk that covers the cervix, requires a doctor’s exam and a prescription Cervical cap - flexible cup that covers the cervix, also requires a doctor’s exam and prescription The Birth Control Pill - Also known as oral contraceptives; Prevents ovulation - All hormonal methods require a doctor The Birth Control Shot- A shot of hormones - lasts for 3 months The Ring - sits in between the vagina and the cervix, has hormones The Birth Control Patch - A plastic patch applied to the skin like a bandage, controls estrogen and progesterone IUD - Lasts 10 years, small, T-shaped device that contains hormones in the uterus, has to be inserted and removed by a doctor Implant - goes into your arm, and lasts for 3 years, can be expensive Emergency Contraceptive - Contraceptive Method that can be used to prevent pregnancy if other birth control fails Plan B - Pill that contains female hormones to prevent ovulation; Available at drugstores with/without a prescription Fertility Awareness Method - A natural birth control method in which couples plan sexual intercourse for times when a woman is least fertile The Cycle of Fertility - Generally, sexual intercourse on only 7 of those days cann result in fertilization and pregnancy Withdrawal: Natural birth control - ejaciulation outside of the vagina Sterilization: A surgical contraceptive method in which a person is rendered permanently unable to conceive children STI’s: are caused by infectious diseases caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses or protozoa that live in and on reproductive orgnas Transmission: - Casual Contact: holding hands or casual contact does not lead to an STI Asymptomatic: showing no recognizable signs or symptoms of disease Health Problems: can damage the reproductive organs, brain, heart, liver Treatment: All STI’s can be treated, but not all can be cured 3 Critical Components of Treatment: - Treatment from a doctor must begin as soon as possible - All sexual partners must be notified, tested and treated - No sexual activity until a doctor determines that the disease is cured PREVENTION: Abstinence - best method Barrier methods: male condom, female condom Chlamydia: cause pelvic inflammatory disease; can be treated and cured with antibiotic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: results from chlamydia not being treated; An infection of the fallopian tubes and pelvic cavity Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that primarily affects the reproductive tract, rectum and throat Syphilis: bacterial infection that causes serious health problems and disability *Stages Antibiotics can cure the early stages The organ damage caused by late stage syphilis cannot be reversed 1. Primary - a chancre develops at the site of the infection  2. Secondary - a red color rash appears on the palms and soles 3. Late-stage - There is damage to the brain, paralysis and fatal to the heart liver and blood vessels Trichomoniasis: Caused by a single celled microorganism Genital Herpes: cold sores in the mouth and lips; include small blisters near/around infection area No cure exists Human Papillomavirus: - genital warts, cervical cancer, and throat cancer HIV and AIDS Defined Human immunodeficciency virus, killls cells, weakening the body’s immune system Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome can be fatal to the body What Fluids is HIV found in? Blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk Transmission: Through sexual activity Mother to child Signs and Symptoms: Early symptoms resemble a flu- like illness with fatigue and swollen lymph nodes Develops differently for different people Diagnosis Examines a blood sample for the presence of antibodies to the virus Sexually active people should get tested every year HIV Test Results If you are unsure if you have it, get tested every 3 months, Discrimination High level of discrimination against the people who have HIV/AIDS, but laws are now set in place to protect people with HIV/AIDS Treatment Best treatment is anti-retroviral therapy, reduces the number of viruses in the body so the immune system is in good shape Hormonal methods of treatment: Pill Ring Patch Shot Implant IUD - into the uterus Plan B HIV can be transmitted through these substances: Semen Vaginal secretions Blood Breast milk Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse Uses for Medication Medication: a substance used to treat disease or relieve pain Reasons: treat symptoms of an illness, Cure a disease, Manage a disease, Prevent pain Food and Drug Administration - After a company tests a new medication, the FDA must then approve it - The FDA also decides whether a medication should be sold with or without a doctor’s prescription Over The Counter Medications (OTC) - Sold to people without a prescription - Purchased at local stores and pharmacies  - Used to treat the symptoms of many relatively minor conditions Prescription Medications - Can only be sold to a person with a prescription from a doctor or other licensed healthcare professional - Different types of prescriptions have different functions - Antibiotics, Anesthetics, Vaccines Health Risks of Taking Medications - All medications can have side effects - Some medications cause health risks by interacting with other medications, foods or drinks - People can experience an adverse or allergic reaction to medication - OTC medications may relieve symptoms but not treat the underlying cause of the symptoms - Adverse effects may result from medication misuse Medication Misuse and Abuse Misuse: Any use of the medicine that does not follow the instructions Abuse: The intentional use of medications for purposes other than those intended by the prescribing physician Opioids: Substances that come from the poppy plant Euphoria: A feeling of intense happiness caused by high levels of Dopamine Depressants - slows down the brain function Stimulants - Speeds up the brain function: Crystal Meth and Cocaine Drugs: substances that cause a physical or psychological change in the body - “Street” drugs are very dangerous Marijuana: Drugs made up of a dried part of the Cannabis plant - Smoked as a cigarette or pipe - Adults with a doctor’s prescription to legally buy and use marijuana Side Effects: - Distorted perception, poor coordination, difficulty thinking and solving problems Cocaine - stimulant  - A white powder that comes from the leaves of the coca plant - Can be snorted, injected or smoked - Side effects include: increased heart rate, high blood pressure, paranoia, stroke, Abdominal pain Crystal Meth - stimulant - A manufactured form of methamphetamine - Can be smoked, snorted, injected or swallowed - Can cause erratic and violent behavior, homicidal and suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety and paranoia Bath Salts: Manufactured drugs that contain a stimulant called MDPV Hallucinogens - Drugs that change the perception of a persons reality - LSD - Mescaline - Psilocybin - PCP - MDMA - Hypoxia: low levels of oxygen in your body tissues. It causes symptoms like confusion, restlessness, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, and bluish skin. Heroin - Heroin is an opiate derived from morphine - Can be injected, smoked or snorted - People who use heroin often develop a dependency on the drug - Heroin can have dangerous side effects Anabolic Steroids and PEDs - Illegal performance enhancing drugs to increase muscle mass and strength, reduce muscle fatigue or increase energy - Can stunt adolescent development Inhalants - Chemical people breathe in to experience some kind of high  - Can cause hypoxia: conditions in which cells and tissue are deprived of oxygen, and other serious side effects The Impact of Drugs on the Brain Drug Abuse: The act of using drugs excessively without medical reason Overdosing: The ingestion of more of a drug the body can successfully process at one time Drugs contain chemicals that change the way nerve cells send, receive, and process information Drug Addiction - Definition: A chronic disease that involves ongoing use of a drug regardless of the harmful effects - Physical: The body requires them to function normally - Psychological: feeling an intense need for the drug Risk Factors for Drug Abuse - A Person’s genetic makeup is related to drug addiction (50%) - Self-medicating: the use of drugs to treat symptoms that have not been diagnosed by a medical profession. Puts people at risk of developing drug addictions - Drug use at an early age makes a person more likely to become addicted - A person’s environment has an impact on his or her attitude towards drugs Strategies for Refusing Drugs - Knowing how to respond and what to say if someone offers you drugs can help you avoid them - Let others know that you expect them to respect your decision to not try drugs The Broader Impact of Drugs - The problems of drug abuse negatively impacts friends and family - Drug abuse is costly for society - Healthcare costs - Criminal system costs  - Unemployment - Homelessness Prevention of Drug Abuse - Drug addiction is a preventable disease - People who never try drugs cannot abuse them - Educating people about the hazards of the drug use can help prevent drug abuse Helping Those Addicted to Drugs - Residential treatment programs - Outpatient treatment programs - Skills-training programs - Support groups - Sober living communities - Express your concern - Offer to help the person find help - Attend a meeting of a group that provides support to relatives and friends - Give the person the number of a health hotline Factors Influencing BAC - The amount of alcohol consumed - Rate of consumption - Body weight - Gender - Food Consumed - Ethnicity The Physiology of a Hangover - The negative symptoms caused by excessive alcohol use are called a hangover - Tired or dizziness - Headaches and muscle aches - Nausea and Vomiting  - Thirst - Depression or Anxiety Alcohol Use, Accidents, and Violence - Alcohol causes - A decrease in reaction time - Difficulty coordinating movements - A decreased ability to plan and use good judgment - These impairments lead to accidents and unsafe behavor Motor Vehicle Accidents - Driving after or while drinking alcohol leads to many accidents and deaths in the United States - There are also legal consequences for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs Other Accidents - Alcohol use is associated with - Falls and burns - Homicide - Suicide - Firearm injuries - Electrical shocks - Near drowning - Violent actions Binge Drinking and Alcohol Poisoning - Binge Drinking is the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time - Alcohol poisoning occurs when a high BAC suppresses the central nervous system - Extreme cases can lead to permanent brain damage or death Health Consequences Excessive alcohol use over time can lead to several chronic diseases - Liver Damage (Cirrhosis): a buildup of scar tissue in the liver; often leads to death - Heart attacks, High blood pressure - Gastrointestinal problems - Some types of cancer - Neurological problems Alcohol and Pregnancy - When a pregnant woman drinks, the alcohol passes to the baby - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a group of serious birth defects caused by a woman’s consumption of alcohol while pregnant Underage Drinking - It is illegal in all states for people younger than 21 years of age to drink - Underage drinkers account for 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States - Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States Alcohol Use versus Abuse Alcohol use - Moderate (social) drinking - One drink per day or less on average for women - Two drinks per day or less on average for men - Does not cause problems that interfere with health or daily life Problem Drinking - Problem drinking results in negative consequences - Problem drinkers are psychologically dependent on alcohol - Problem drinkers are not physically addicted to alcohol Alcoholism  - A disease in which a person is completely dependent on alcohol Alcoholics are both physically and psychologically addicted to alcohol Symptoms - Very high tolerance for alcohol - Periods of memory loss after drinking alcohol - Withdrawal symptoms Stages of Substance Abuse Stage 1: experimentation Stage 2: regular use Stage 3: tolerance Stage 4: dependence and addiction The Role of Genetics - Research has shown that biological factors contribute to alcohol abuse - Some research suggests that people with specific genes have a greater risk of developing problems with alcohol use The Role of Environment - People’s beliefs of alcohol use are influenced by their - Culture, community, Social Relationships, and Family and Friends - Media may also contribute to alcohol abuse Preventing Alcohol Abuse - High School and colleges have developed many education programs to decrease risky drinking Government Approaches - Programs focus on short and long term consequences of alcohol use - Setting the minimum legal drinking age to 21 - Limiting the purchase of alcohol - Raising the sales tax on alcohol - Conducting prevention programs - Placing limits on alcohol advertisements Strategies for Treating Alcoholism - There are a number of strategies that can help people quit drinking - One of the first steps in recovery for alcoholics is detoxification: complete withdrawal from a substance, many cause anxiety, tremors and hallucinations Community Support Groups - Groups of people with a common problem - Group members share struggles and examples of getting through their common problem - Alcoholics-Anonymous (AA) is a well known self help program for alcoholics Self-Management Techniques - People can develop skills for managing the situations that lead them to want to drink - Avoid situations where alcohol is present - Respond to new ways to these situations - Learn new strategies for handling stress What You Can Do - It can be very difficult to love and care about someone who has a drinking problem - The first step for alcohol recovery is for the addicted person to want to change