Major Health Concerns: Eating Disorders, Substance Use & Prevention

Major Health Concerns: Understanding Risks & Prevention

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious conditions characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. They can have significant physical and psychological consequences.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. These episodes are often accompanied by a deep sense of guilt and a feeling of loss of control.

Effects of Bulimia Nervosa:

• Esophageal rupture
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Anxiety
• Dehydration
• Menstrual disorders or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
• Sudden weight fluctuations (reduction or increase)
• Increased tooth decay
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Dry skin

Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa:

• Therapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family-Based Therapy)

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is a life-threatening eating disorder characterized by food deprivation and excessive weight loss, often driven by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.

Effects of Anorexia Nervosa:

• Excessive weight loss
• Stunted growth (in adolescents)
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Brittle lips
• Headaches
• Brittle fingernails

Obesity

Obesity is a disease in which the natural energy reserve, stored in the fatty tissue of humans and other mammals, is increased to a point where it is associated with certain health conditions or increased mortality.

Treatment for Obesity:

• Physical exercise

Substance Use and Its Effects

Effects of Snuff (Smokeless Tobacco)

Snuff, or smokeless tobacco, has various harmful effects on the body, both in the short and long term.

Short-Term Effects of Snuff:

• Increase in blood pressure
• Increase in heart rate
• Increase in blood flow from the heart
• Narrowing of arteries

Long-Term Effects of Snuff:

• Chronic lung diseases
• Heart disease and stroke
• Cancers of the lung, larynx, esophagus, mouth, and bladder

Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol consumption can lead to a range of effects, from initial relaxation to severe health consequences.

Initial Effects of Alcohol:

• Feelings of relaxation
• Cheerfulness

Effects of Further Consumption:

• Blurred vision
• Coordination problems
• Unconsciousness (with excessive consumption)
• Alcohol poisoning and death (with extreme levels of consumption)

Prevention Strategies for Substance Use

Tobacco Prevention

To prevent tobacco consumption, several factors should be considered, involving various spheres of influence:

Key Areas for Tobacco Prevention:

• The Family as a Role Model: Families should foster a healthy lifestyle environment.
• The School: Comprehensive education through health education is crucial, including information on healthy habits, good nutrition, exercise, sports, and adequate sleep hours.
• Friends: Peers serve as a significant reference and model, similar to family. They have a decisive influence on the habits and behaviors of adolescents.

Prevention of Alcoholism

Preventing alcoholism involves widespread information dissemination:

• Conduct campaigns to provide information through various channels such as pamphlets, brochures, and oral presentations.

Prevention of Doping

Doping prevention relies on educational and informational outreach:

• Implement outreach programs, information campaigns, and educational initiatives.