Non-Infectious Diseases and Global Health Challenges

Immune Responses and Global Pandemics

One person or one pet that has reacted against an infection or a subtoxic dose develops antibodies against it. If these are injected into another person, they do not necessarily protect the vaccinated individual against a certain microorganism. Interferon makes the entry of the virus into other cells difficult. Pandemics are diseases that affect a very large territory, such as pneumonia and avian flu.

Understanding Non-Infectious Diseases

Cancer: Causes, Types, and Prevention

Cancer is a disease where a transformation occurs in a body tissue cell, causing them to reproduce in an uncontrolled and abnormal way. It is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Major types include lung, colon, breast, prostate, and pancreas cancer.

Causes: Genetic, chemical, physical (ionizing radiation), viruses, environment, and diet.

Prevention:

• Healthy eating
• Avoiding tobacco
• Regular physical exercise
• Avoiding excessive exposure to the sun
• Complying with legislation on carcinogens in the workplace

Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Health

Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and blood vessels. They are the primary cause of death in Western societies. Some have a genetic origin, but the most common known cardiovascular risk factors are inadequate diets, lack of physical activity, and tobacco consumption.

Individual and Collective Prevention

Individual Preventive Measures: Taking care of food, reducing salt consumption, controlling hypertension, doing moderate exercise regularly, avoiding protracted anxiety and stress, and preventing or moderating alcohol consumption.

Collective Preventive Measures: Political measures where the WHO recommends raising taxes on alcohol and tobacco, creating pedestrian and bike paths, and inspecting food from school canteens and companies.

Mental Illness and Brain Chemistry

Mental illness involves changes in brain chemistry that take place in the brain, affecting and modifying how people think, their mood, and their ability to relate to others. These can be treated medically. Types: Depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.

Organ Transplantation and Solidarity

Transplantation is surgery which replaces diseased tissues or organs in one person with those from another. Problem: To avoid rejection, before carrying out the procedure, tests are done to ensure the donor and recipient are compatible. Once finished, the person is administered certain chemical treatments.

The increase in demand for organs is a worldwide call for solidarity among people, including donors, recipients, and families. Importance is placed on the kidney, liver, heart, lung, intestine, bones, heart valves, corneas, and skin.

Public Health in the Developing World

Health problems in the Third World include public health issues, lack of medical staff capacity, lack of clinics and hospitals, and inadequate medical benefits.