The Digital Age and Human Health - STI Handout PDF

GE2410 THE DIGITAL AGE AND HUMAN HEALTH The digital age has reshaped how we live, work, and connect. While technology and the internet bring both advantages and challenges, medical advancements continue to improve human health. This module focuses on their impact on modern...

GE2410 THE DIGITAL AGE AND HUMAN HEALTH The digital age has reshaped how we live, work, and connect. While technology and the internet bring both advantages and challenges, medical advancements continue to improve human health. This module focuses on their impact on modern life and well-being. The Digital Age: The Internet and Cybersecurity The Digital Age is characterized by the rapid growth of digital technologies, particularly the Internet, which connects billions of devices worldwide. Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting devices, systems, networks, and data from cyber threats such as hacking, data breaches, and malware. Cyber Threats and Risks The internet has several risks that users must be aware of, including: Cyberbullying involves using digital platforms to harass or intimidate others. This can occur through inappropriate messages, spreading rumors, or exclusion in online platforms such as social media, messaging apps, and gaming platforms. Example: A student spreading false rumors or posting hateful comments on Facebook. Identity Theft occurs when someone steals your personal or financial information and uses it without permission. This can lead to fraud, such as unauthorized purchases or fake accounts in your name. Example: A hacker accessing credit card details to make fraudulent purchases. Online scams trick people into stealing money or personal information using fake websites, emails, or messages. Scammers often pretend to be trustworthy businesses or individuals. Example: A “phishing” email pretending to be from a bank asking for login credentials. Viruses and Malware are programs that can harm devices by stealing personal data. They often spread through downloads, emails, or unsafe websites. Example: A computer virus that corrupts files on your laptop or a Trojan horse that lets hackers steal your passwords. Hacking occurs when someone obtains unauthorized access to a system or device, often stealing, altering, or misusing data. It can lead to privacy breaches and security concerns. Example: Hackers breach a company’s database and steal customer information. How to Stay Safe Online Protecting yourself online requires simple but effective cybersecurity practices: 1. Use Strong Passwords – Create unique passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols. Example: Instead of "password123," use "C0mpl3x@123!" 05 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 1 of 4  GE2410 2. Install Antivirus Software – Antivirus software helps protect your devices from viruses and malware by scanning files for threats. Example: Use software like Windows Defender or Norton to block viruses. 3. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links – Be cautious of unknown links, especially in unsolicited emails or messages. Example: Ignore an email claiming you won a prize when you never entered a contest. 05 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 2 of 4  GE2410 HUMAN HEALTH Human health refers to physical, mental, and social well-being. It is not just the absence of disease but a state of complete wellness. Advancements in medicine and public health contribute to improving healthcare, preventing diseases, and ensuring longer, healthier lives. Medical Advancements Medical advancements are improvements in healthcare that make it easier to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. These advancements are often driven by technology, research, and innovation. Surgical Innovations enable less invasive procedures, faster recovery, and improved success rates. Example: 3D bioprinting uses a patient’s cells to create tissues and organs, reducing rejection and aiding recovery. It has already been used for skin grafts, cartilage, and drug testing, with plans to print kidneys, livers, and hearts. Telemedicine allows remote healthcare access using digital tools like video calls. Example: AI chatbots or virtual health assistants help doctors diagnose conditions faster. Wearable Health Technology like smartwatches and fitness trackers monitor health metrics. Example: Smart patches measure blood sugar levels without needles and improve diabetes management. Medical Imaging – Techniques like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans help doctors see inside the body, improving diagnosis. Example: PillCam, a swallowable camera, captures images inside the digestive tract and makes diagnosis easier without invasive procedures. Restorative Medical Devices help regain lost functions through advanced prosthetics and implants. Example: Bionic eyes allow blind individuals to perceive light and shapes, with future potential for detailed vision. Public Health Public health improves community well-being through education, policies, and programs. Health Equity ensures everyone has access to quality healthcare for all. Example: Free clinics provide medical care to vulnerable communities. Disease Prevention reduces the spread of illnesses through vaccines and sanitation. Example: Free vaccination programs prevent outbreaks of diseases like polio and measles. Health Education promotes healthy habits and awareness. Example: Campaigns on exercise, nutrition, and smoking cessation can reduce chronic diseases. 05 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 3 of 4  GE2410 Pandemic vs. Epidemic A pandemic is when a disease spreads across many countries and affects many people. While, an epidemic is a disease that spreads in one community or country. Major Pandemics in the Philippines The Spanish Flu (1918-1920) likely began in Kansas, USA. It spread among soldiers, reached Europe during World War I, and rapidly became a global pandemic. Though called the "Spanish Flu," Spain was not the source; it was simply the first to report on it. In the Philippines, returning soldiers and ships brought the virus that caused a rapid spread. Many deaths were caused by limited healthcare, which resulted in the death of thousands. The outbreak drew many individuals and exposed the challenges of handling a pandemic with minimal medical assistance. The Corona Virus Disease 2019 pandemic (2019-2023), also known as the COVID-19 pandemic, is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It impacted the Philippines, with the first confirmed case in January 2020. The government implemented strict lockdowns, closing businesses, schools, and public spaces to reduce the spread. Online classes and Work-from-Home (WFH) setups were introduced. To support those in need, the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act was passed to assist in combating COVID-19 and provide financial support. As the crisis progressed, millions were vaccinated, the virus was controlled, restrictions were eased, and the country began to recover. References Brown, W. (2025, March 7). AI in telemedicine outsourcing. Healthcare Outsourcing Services (BPO). https://staffingly.com/ai-in-telemedicine-outsourcing/. Becher, B. (2024, August 28). 3D-Printed Organs: Are we close? Built In. https://builtin.com/articles/3d-printed- organs. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (n.d.). Know the types of cyber threats. Mass.gov. https://www.mass.gov/info- details/know-the-types-of-cyber-threats. Medtronic. (n.d.). PillCam SB 3 Capsule Endoscopy System. https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/healthcare- professionals/products/digestive-gastrointestinal/capsule-endoscopy/endoscopy-systems/pillcam-sb-3-capsule- endoscopy-system.html. Human health. (2024, October 8). https://www.nrdc.org/issues/human-health#solutions. Prey Project. (n.d.). What are cyber threats: how to protect your devices. https://preyproject.com/blog/cyber- threats. Senate of the Philippines. (2020). Bayanihan to Heal as One Act R.A. 11469. https://web.senate.gov.ph/Bayanihan- to-Heal-as-One-Act-RA-11469.pdf. UPM Biomedicals. (n.d.). What is 3D Bioprinting? https://www.upmbiomedicals.com/solutions/life-science/what- is-3d-bioprinting/. World Health Organization: WHO. (2020, January 10). Coronavirus. https://www.who.int/health- topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1. 05 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 4 of 4  GE2410 THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS The Industrial Revolution was a period of major technological, economic, and social revolution that transformed industries and daily life. This module examines the two main phases of industrialization: the First Industrial Revolution (1750–1850) and the Second Industrial Revolution (1870–1914). The Industrial Revolution The Industrial Revolution is regarded as one of the most transformative events in human history due to its profound impact on daily life. It marked a period of rapid technological innovation, bringing new tools, machines, and improved labor, production, and resource utilization. This revolution merged technology with industry, influencing existing sectors and establishing new industries. The technological changes from this period have continued to shape society up to today. First Industrial Revolution Innovations The First Industrial Revolution introduced innovative inventions that changed manufacturing, transportation, and production efficiency. Spinning Jenny (1764) – Invented by James Hargreaves, this multi-spindle spinning frame allowed workers to produce multiple threads at once, which significantly increased textile production and reduced costs. Puddling Furnace (1784) – Developed by Henry Cort, this pioneering iron refining process removed impurities from pig iron, which produced higher-quality wrought iron suitable for industrial machinery, railways, and construction. Cotton Gin (1793) – Developed by Eli Whitney, this machine quickly separated cotton fibers from seeds, which greatly increased cotton production and fueled the textile industry’s expansion. Macadamized Roads (1810s) – Created by John Loudon McAdam, this road construction method used compacted stone layers for better drainage and durability, which improved transportation networks. Second Industrial Revolution Innovations The Second Industrial Revolution brought significant advancements in communication, transportation, and energy. Telephone (1876) – Alexander Graham Bell patented the first practical telephone in 1876 and successfully demonstrated voice transmission. This innovation facilitated real-time conversations over long distances and transformed business and personal interactions. Internal Combustion Engine (1876) – Nikolaus Otto developed the four-stroke internal combustion engine in 1876, which enabled a more efficient alternative to steam power. Karl Benz built and patented the first gasoline-powered automobile in 1886. This marked a shift in the development of motor vehicles that transformed urban planning and mobility. 06 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 1 of 2  GE2410 Electricity and the Light Bulb (1879) – Thomas Edison developed the first long-lasting and commercially viable incandescent light bulb in 1879, improving earlier designs by Joseph Swan. This breakthrough made electric lighting accessible for homes, factories, and streets. Radio (1895) – Guglielmo Marconi pioneered the development of wireless telegraphy and conducted the first successful radio transmission tests in 1895. His work laid the foundation for modern broadcasting and long-distance wireless communication. Impacts of the Industrial Revolutions Industrialization has not only increased production but also contributed to social and environmental changes that still matter today. Economic Growth – Industrialization boosted production, trade, and economic expansion, creating new industries and job opportunities. Urbanization – Mass migration to cities for factory jobs caused rapid urban growth, overpopulation, and shifts in living conditions. Labor Changes – The demand for factory workers increased, leading to the rise of labor unions and movements advocating for workers' rights, fair wages, and better working conditions. Environmental Effects – Increased pollution, deforestation, and resource consumption contributed to concerns about sustainability and industrial waste management. Technological Advancements – Innovations in communication, medicine, and transportation create the modern technological world we live in today. References Arwvisions. (2024, February 6). The second industrial revolution: the technological revolution. Richmond Vale Academy. https://richmondvale.org/second-industrial-revolution/. Atteberry, J., McManus, M. R., & Antonio, N. (2023, July 18). 28 Industrial Revolution Inventions that shaped our world. HowStuffWorks. https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/inventions/5-industrial-revolution- inventions.htm. Beck, E. (2022, March 24). First Industrial Revolution vs. Second Industrial Revolution. History Crunch. https://www.historycrunch.com/first-industrial-revolution-vs-second-industrial-revolution.html#/google_vignette. BBC. (2024, June 25). When was the industrial revolution? https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z6kg3j6#zpj9cmn. Libretexts. (2024, August 23). 5.1: The First and second industrial Revolutions. Humanities LibreTexts. https://human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/History/World_History/Modern_World_History%3A_New_Perspectives _(OERI)/05%3A_Economic_Transformation_and_Nation-Building_-_1800- 1900/5.01%3A_The_First_and_Second_Industrial_Revolutions. Wilkinson, F. (2024, November 16). Industrial Revolution and Technology. National Geographic. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/industrial-revolution-and-technology/. 06 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 2 of 2