Healthy Feeding and Eating Practices II – JSS1 Home Economics Lesson Note (First Term)

Harmful substances are contaminated drinks, foods and drugs that are unfit for human consumption.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. State the meaning of harmful substances.
2. List examples of harmful substances.
3. State the effects of harmful substances in the body.
4. Explain the meaning of drug abuse.
5. List the effects of drug abuse on human beings.
6. State ways of avoiding harmful substances and drug abuse.

What are harmful substances?

Harmful substances are contaminated drinks, foods and drugs that are unfit for human consumption.

• Contaminated: made dirty or unsafe by germs, chemicals or other unwanted materials.
• Unfit for consumption: not safe to eat, drink or take into the body.

What are examples of harmful substances?

There are nine common examples of harmful substances in foods, drinks and drugs.

• Fake products: copies of real foods, drinks or drugs that do not meet safety standards.
• Expired products: items used after the expiry date on the label.
• Exposed and uncovered products: food or drink left open, where flies, dust and germs can reach it.
• Impure water: water from unsafe sources that has not been boiled or treated.
• Poorly cooked foods: undercooked food, such as half-cooked beans or meat, that may still carry germs.
• Burnt food: food cooked until it is black, which is unhealthy to eat.
• Stale food: cooked food kept too long, such as soup or rice left unrefrigerated for days.
• Rotten food: food that has decayed, with a bad smell, bad taste or mould.
• Unripe fruits: fruits eaten before they are ready, which can upset the stomach.

What are the effects of harmful substances in the body?

Harmful substances can poison the body, cause serious sickness and lead to death.

• Poisoning: they can become poison in the body.
• Serious sickness: they may cause stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Water-borne diseases: impure water may spread diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
• Death: severe poisoning that is not treated in time may lead to death.

How can we avoid harmful substances?

We avoid harmful substances by choosing, storing and preparing food, water and drugs carefully.

1. Check the expiry date and the NAFDAC number on packaged foods, drinks and drugs.
2. Buy from clean shops and trusted sellers.
3. Cover food and drinks to keep away flies and dust.
4. Boil or treat drinking water before use.
5. Cook food properly and do not burn it.
6. Throw away stale and rotten food.
7. Wash fruits and eat them only when they are ripe.

What is drug abuse?

Drug abuse is the abnormal intake of drugs or any other substances, which is also the illegal or wrong use of them.

• Drug: a substance that changes how the body works and is used to treat or prevent sickness.
• Drug use: taking a drug the right way, as directed by a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
• Drug abuse: taking a drug the wrong way or for the wrong reason.

What is the difference between drug use and drug abuse?

What are examples of drug abuse?

• Overdose: taking more than the dose a doctor or pharmacist directs.
• Self-medication: taking drugs without advice from a health worker.
• Illegal drugs: using substances such as Indian hemp (cannabis), cocaine and heroin.
• Wrong use of medicines: taking drugs such as tramadol or codeine syrup for pleasure, not for treatment.
• Alcohol and cigarettes: taking them too much, or by children who are too young.

What are the effects of drug abuse on human beings?

Drug abuse harms the body and mind, and it also damages family and working life.

• Mental disorder: the person may lose control of the mind and become mentally ill.
• Death: an overdose or long-term damage to organs can kill.
• Broken home: quarrels and lack of care can break up the family.
• Loss of jobs: an abuser may work badly or turn up late, and lose the job.
• Abnormal behaviour: the person may become violent, restless or confused.
• Poor school performance: a student who abuses drugs may fail or drop out of school.

How can drug abuse be prevented?

Drug abuse is prevented by taking drugs only as directed and by staying away from bad habits and bad company.

1. Take drugs only when a doctor, nurse or pharmacist prescribes them.
2. Read the label and follow the dose.
3. Keep drugs out of the reach of children.
4. Say no to friends who offer harmful substances.
5. Talk to parents, teachers or a counsellor when you need help.
6. Learn about the dangers of drugs in school and at home.

Evaluation

1. What are harmful substances?
2. List five examples of harmful substances.
3. State three effects of harmful substances in the body.
4. What is drug abuse?
5. State four effects of drug abuse on human beings.

Assignment

List four examples of harmful substances and state two effects of drug abuse on human beings.