Chapter 13. Why Do We Fall ill

Internal Questions :

1. State any two conditions essential for good health.

Answer: Two essential conditions for good health are a balanced and nutritious diet and regular physical exercise. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support bodily functions, while regular exercise helps maintain cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and overall well-being.
2. State any two conditions essential for being free of disease.

Answer: Two conditions essential for being free of disease are a strong immune system and effective hygiene practices. A strong immune system helps the body fight off infections and diseases, while effective hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and proper sanitation, minimize the risk of spreading or contracting diseases.
3. Are the answers to the above questions necessarily the same or different? Why?

Answer: The answers to the above questions are similar but not necessarily the same. Good health and being free of disease are related concepts, but they are not identical. While proper nutrition and regular physical activity contribute to good health, they may not guarantee freedom from all diseases. On the other hand, a strong immune system and effective hygiene practices play a crucial role in preventing diseases but may not encompass all aspects of overall good health. Therefore, while there is overlap between the two conditions, they are not entirely synonymous.

Internal Questions :

1. List any three reasons why you would think that you are sick and ought to see a doctor. If only one of these symptoms were present, would you still go to the doctor? Why or why not?

Answer: Three reasons to consider seeing a doctor when feeling sick are persistent or worsening symptoms, severe pain or discomfort, and the presence of alarming or unusual symptoms. If only one symptom is present, the decision to see a doctor would depend on the severity and nature of the symptom. Severe or concerning symptoms should prompt a visit to ensure timely medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.
2. In which of the following case do you think the long-term effects on your health are likely to be most unpleasant?
• if you get jaundice,
• if you get lice,
• if you get acne. Why?

Answer: The long-term effects on health are likely to be most unpleasant if an individual develops jaundice. Jaundice can be a symptom of underlying liver dysfunction or other serious health conditions. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or liver cancer, which can have severe and potentially life-threatening consequences for long-term health.

Internal Questions :

1. Why are we normally advised to take bland and nourishing food when we are sick ?

Answer: When we are sick, we are often advised to consume bland and nourishing food for a few reasons. Bland food is easier to digest and less likely to irritate the stomach. Nourishing food provides essential nutrients to support the immune system and aid in the recovery process.
2. What are the different means by which infectious diseases are spread ?

Answer: Infectious diseases can be spread through various means, including direct contact with infected individuals (such as through touch or sexual contact), airborne transmission (through respiratory droplets), ingestion of contaminated food or water, vector-borne transmission (via insects or animals), and through contaminated surfaces or objects (fomites).
3. What precautions can you take in your school to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases?

Answer: To reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in a school, several precautions can be taken. These include promoting regular handwashing, providing hand sanitizers, encouraging vaccinations, implementing proper sanitation practices, promoting respiratory hygiene (covering mouth when coughing or sneezing), maintaining clean and well-ventilated classrooms, and educating students about disease prevention and hygiene practices.
4. What is immunisation?

Answer: Immunisation is a preventive measure that involves the administration of vaccines to stimulate the immune system and provide protection against infectious diseases. It helps the body develop immunity to specific pathogens, reducing the risk of getting sick or experiencing severe complications from those diseases.
5. What are the immunisation programmes available at the nearest health centre in your locality? Which of these diseases are the major health problems in your area?

Answer: Immunization programs can vary from one location to another, but some common vaccinations typically available at health centers are :

(i) Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine

(ii) Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap) vaccine

(iii) Polio vaccine               

(iv) Hepatitis B vaccine

(v) Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine

(vi) Pneumococcal vaccine

(vii) Rotavirus vaccine

(viii) Influenza (flu) vaccine

(ix) Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

(x) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

(xi) Meningococcal vaccine

The major health problems in a specific area can depend on several factors, including geographical location, population demographics, and socioeconomic conditions. Common health problems are :

(i) Respiratory infections: Such as influenza, pneumonia, or tuberculosis.

(ii) Chronic diseases: Including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension.

(iii) Gastrointestinal issues: Such as diarrheal diseases caused by contaminated water or food.

(iv) Vector-borne diseases: Such as malaria, dengue fever, or Lyme disease.

(v) Malnutrition: Especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

(vi) HIV/AIDS: Depending on the prevalence of the disease in the region.

(vii) Maternal and child health issues: Including maternal mortality, neonatal deaths, and low birth weight.

Class 9 Why Do We Fall ill Exersices :

1. How many times did you fall ill in the last one year? What were the illnesses?
(a) Think of one change you could make in your habits in order to avoid any of/most of the above illnesses.

(b) Think of one change you would wish for in your surroundings in order to avoid any of/most of the above illnesses.

Answer: I fell ill twice in the last year . I suffered from fever first and gastric problem .

(a) Change in habits: One change that can help avoid many illnesses is maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands with soap and water, especially before eating or touching the face. This simple habit can significantly reduce the risk of contracting various infections.

(b) Change in surroundings: One change that can contribute to avoiding illnesses is ensuring clean and well-ventilated surroundings. This includes proper waste management, regular cleaning of living spaces, and adequate ventilation to minimize the accumulation of pathogens and promote a healthy environment

2. A doctor/nurse/health-worker is exposed to more sick people than others in the community. Find out how she/he avoids getting sick herself/himself.

Answer: Doctors, nurses, and health workers take several precautions to avoid getting sick themselves despite being exposed to sick individuals. These precautions include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and gowns, practicing proper hand hygiene, maintaining distance from contagious patients, getting vaccinated, and following strict infection control protocols in healthcare settings.
3. Conduct a survey in your neighbourhood to find out what the three most common diseases are. Suggest three steps that could be taken by your local authorities to bring down the incidence of these diseases.

Answer: The three most common diseases are :

 Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections, such as acute respiratory infections, pneumonia, and tuberculosis, have been a major health concern in rural areas of India. Factors like indoor air pollution, lack of access to healthcare, and malnutrition contribute to the prevalence of these infections.

Gastrointestinal Infections: Gastrointestinal infections, including diarrhea and gastroenteritis, are prevalent in rural areas due to poor sanitation, contaminated water sources, and inadequate hygiene practices. Lack of access to clean drinking water and proper waste disposal facilities are significant contributing factors.

Vector-Borne Diseases: Vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya are common in rural India, particularly during the monsoon season when mosquito populations thrive. Factors such as stagnant water, inadequate mosquito control measures, and limited access to healthcare exacerbate the impact of these diseases .

There are three suggestions given below :

Public awareness campaigns: Local authorities can conduct health education campaigns to raise awareness about the three most common diseases, their prevention, and early detection. This can be done through posters, brochures, community meetings, and social media platforms.

Improved sanitation and hygiene infrastructure: Authorities can invest in upgrading sanitation facilities, ensuring clean water supply, proper waste management, and promoting hygiene practices like handwashing. This can help prevent the spread of diseases transmitted through contaminated water or poor sanitation.

Enhanced healthcare access: Local authorities can work towards improving healthcare infrastructure, ensuring easy access to healthcare facilities, and promoting regular check-ups. This can facilitate early diagnosis, timely treatment, and management of common diseases, reducing their impact on the community.

4. A baby is not able to tell her/his caretakers that she/he is sick. What would help us to find out
(a) that the baby is sick?
(b) what is the sickness?

Answer: When a baby is unable to communicate that they are sick, caretakers can look for certain signs and symptoms to identify if the baby is unwell. Here are some general indicators:

(a) Signs that the baby is sick:

(i) Changes in behavior: Increased fussiness, irritability, excessive crying, or unusual quietness.

(ii)  Changes in appetite: Refusing to eat, decreased appetite, or difficulty feeding.

(iii) Changes in sleep patterns: Trouble sleeping, frequent waking, or excessive sleepiness.

(iv) Changes in body temperature: Feeling hot or cold to the touch, sweating, or shivering.

(b) Determining the sickness:

Identifying the specific sickness or ailment requires careful observation and, if necessary, consulting a healthcare professional. While caretakers can make educated guesses based on observed symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis. A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination, ask relevant questions, and, if needed, order diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the baby's illness. This helps in providing appropriate treatment and care .

5. Under which of the following conditions is a person most likely to fall sick?
(a) when she is recovering from malaria.
(b) when she has recovered from malaria and is taking care of someone suffering from chicken-pox.
(c) when she is on a four-day fast after recovering from malaria and is taking care of someone suffering from chicken-pox. Why?

Answer: A person is most likely to fall sick under condition (c) when they are on a four-day fast after recovering from malaria and are taking care of someone suffering from chickenpox. This is because fasting can weaken the immune system, and close contact with someone with chickenpox increases the risk of contracting the infection, especially with a compromised immune system.
6. Under which of the following conditions are you most likely to fall sick?
(a) when you are taking examinations.
(b) when you have travelled by bus and train for two days.
(c) when your friend is suffering from measles. Why?

Answer: Under condition (c), when a friend is suffering from measles, there is a higher likelihood of falling sick. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets. Close contact with an infected individual increases the risk of transmission, making it more likely to contract the disease.