Key Health Concepts: Diseases, Diagnostics, and Wellness Strategies

Emerging Diseases Defined

An emerging disease is a disease that appears at specific times and places and has become a new epidemic. Examples include:

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS): A disease affecting humans infected by HIV.
• Bird Flu (Avian Influenza): A disease caused by a virus primarily affecting birds, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected birds or their environment.
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS): A form of pneumonia that first appeared in 2002 in China and subsequently spread to other countries.

Re-emerging Diseases Explained

Re-emerging diseases are infectious diseases from the past that had been significantly reduced but have re-emerged, often with increased incidence or geographic spread.

Koch's Postulates for Disease Causation

Koch's Postulates are four criteria designed to establish a causal relationship between a causative microorganism and a disease:

1. The microorganism must be present in all individuals suffering from the disease but not in healthy individuals.
2. The microorganism must be isolated from the diseased host and grown in a pure culture.
3. The cultured microorganism should cause the same disease when inoculated into a healthy, susceptible host.
4. The microorganism must be re-isolated from the experimentally infected host and identified as identical to the original causative agent.

Immune System Memory and Vaccination

Immune system memory occurs when a person, after being exposed more than once to an infectious disease caused by the same pathogen, becomes resistant to that disease and is considered immune.

Artificial immunity is acquired by introducing whole pathogens or parts of them into the body. These pathogens have lost their ability to cause infection but retain the ability to stimulate an immune system response, a process known as vaccination.

Substances to Limit or Avoid

For optimal health, it is advisable to limit or avoid:

• Fat
• Sugar
• Salt
• Snuff
• Alcohol
• Drugs

Essential Medical Definitions

Marcapasos (Pacemaker)

A medical device used to regulate the heart rate, particularly in cases of bradycardia (slow heart rate). It serves as an alternative to heart transplantation for some elderly patients.

Tachycardia: Elevated Heart Rate

An increased heart rate, defined as exceeding 100 beats per minute at rest.

Bradycardia: Slow Heart Rate

A decreased heart rate, defined as falling below 60 beats per minute at rest.

Hemograma (Complete Blood Count)

A basic diagnostic blood test (complete blood count) that measures the amount of red blood cells, white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes).

TAC (CT Scan): Diagnostic Imaging

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A diagnostic imaging technique using X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Key risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) include:

• Family history (first-degree relatives)
• Tobacco use
• Arterial Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Dyslipidemia
• Abdominal Obesity

Components of the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes:

• Fruits and vegetables: Abundant consumption.
• Olive oil: Principal source of fat.
• Cereals, bread, and pasta: Daily consumption.
• Legumes, nuts, and dried fruits: Daily consumption.
• Dairy products (yogurt and cheese): Daily consumption.
• Eggs: 1-4 per week.
• Fish: Moderate consumption (2-4 times per week).
• Poultry: Moderate consumption (2-4 times per week).
• Red meat: Small quantities, a few times per month.
• Wine: Moderate and regular consumption (1-2 drinks per day), especially with meals.
• Spices and herbs: Habitual and varied use.