Page 40 - Health & Physical edu- 8

c. We should avoid consumption of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
d. We should increase consumption of green vegetables and fruits.

e. We should decrease consumption of salt.

f. We should go for immediate treatment after appearance of the symptoms.

iii. Rheumatic Heart Disease

Among various heart diseases, rheumatic heart disease is one of them. This disease

is frequently found in the children between 3 to 15 years of age. In the beginning
of this disease, tonsillitis and pharyngitis may be observed. The patient may suffer
from fever after one to four weeks of frequent pain in the throat. This is known
as rheumatic fever. At this time, along with the fever, the patient may feel joint
pain and swelling as well. This disease is caused by bacteria called Beta hemolytic
streptococcus. Group - 'A' more than 50% of the children suffering from rheumatic
fever have problems in their valves in the heart so that this disease is called rheumatic

heart disease. The early symptoms of this disease include painful throat, loss of voice,
fever, etc. We have to consult for treatment immediately after these symptoms.

Activity
What changes do we need to bring in our daily activities and food habits in order
to avoid heart related diseases? Discuss with your friends in your classroom.

Summary

A disease is a body condition in which a person becomes unable to carry out daily
activities, feels unhealthy, and the body organs and systems cannot function properly.
The diseases are of two types: communicable and non-communicable.

To keep ourselves away from the diseases, we have to pay special attention to
our food habits, physical exercise, personal and environmental cleanliness,
healthy behaviour, vaccination, etc.

The disease that can communicate to an individual through different means is
called a communicable disease. For example, meningitis, encephalitis, hepatitis,
HIV/ AIDS, etc.
The disease that emerges from the body itself due to various causes is known as
non-communicable disease.

36 Health & Physical Education, Class-8