Non Communicable Diseases and its Prevention – JSS2 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

A non-communicable disease is a disease that cannot be transmitted through contact from one person to another or from animal to man. It is a medical condition that is not infectious and is caused by something other than a pathogen. It may result from genetic or lifestyle factors.

Behavioural objectives

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

• define a non-communicable disease;
• list examples of non-communicable diseases;
• describe kwashiorkor, anaemia, obesity, boil, rickets and marasmus;
• state ways of preventing non-communicable diseases.

What are some examples of non-communicable diseases?

1. Cancer
2. Stroke
3. Sickle cell anaemia
4. Obesity
5. Snakebite
6. Marasmus
7. Rickets
8. Ulcer
9. Asthma
10. Dental caries
11. Boil
12. Injury
13. Mental disorders
14. Anaemia
15. Diabetes
16. Ache
17. Arthritis
18. Leukaemia
19. Cardiovascular diseases
20. Wound

What is the nature of non-communicable diseases?

Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a form of early childhood malnutrition caused by severe protein deficiency. However, if starchy food is available, the child may not lose weight. The following symptoms may occur:

1. Retarded growth
2. Diarrhoea
3. Loss of appetite
4. Liver failure

Anaemia

Anaemia is a decrease in the haemoglobin content of the red blood cells, so that the blood’s ability to carry oxygen is reduced.

Obesity

Obesity is an abnormal increase in the amount of body fat, mainly in the stomach, intestine and tissues beneath the skin.

Boil

A boil is a skin infection of the hair gland. It is marked by pain, redness, swelling and so on. Boils are caused by staphylococci bacteria that are present on the skin.

Rickets

Rickets is a condition caused by lack of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus. It is marked by abnormal body growth.

Symptoms include soft bones causing defects such as bow legs, swollen skull, chest defects, swollen liver, heavy sweating and general tenderness of the body when touched.

Marasmus

Marasmus is a type of severe malnutrition that mostly affects young children. It is marked by gradual wasting of body tissues and muscles. It results from severe deficiency of nearly all food nutrients, especially carbohydrates and proteins.

How can non-communicable diseases be prevented?

1. Good feeding habits prevent non-communicable diseases. Increase your daily intake of foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
2. Avoid things that increase your chances of getting the disease. Such things include cigarettes, excess alcohol and so on.
3. Maintain normal body weight by engaging in regular exercise.
4. Go for regular medical check-ups.
5. Be familiar with your medical history, as some non-communicable diseases are hereditary, such as sickle cell disease.

Evaluation

1. What is a non-communicable disease?
2. List five examples of non-communicable diseases.
3. State two symptoms of kwashiorkor.
4. What is anaemia?
5. Mention three ways of preventing non-communicable diseases.

Assignment

1. Describe rickets and state its causes.
2. Explain marasmus and name the group of people it mostly affects.