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and alcohol consumption must be avoided. We should also avoid
oily, spicy, salty, fried and packaged food ite1ns. We should main-
tain the weight of the body according to our height. We have to do
regular exercise. Regular checkup is also essential. We should pay
attention to stress management in time. We should promote the hab-
it of eating green vegetables and fruits.

B. Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is more common in school-age children, 5 to 15
years old. It is caused by bacteria called Group A Streptococcus.
The bacteria make infection in the throat. The body develops the
immune system to fight against the infection. Rheumatic fever is an
immune response to an early infection. As a result, it starts to affect
the different parts of the body.Later it affects the joints, heart, brain,
and skin. If it is not treated thnely, it weakens the valves and the
heart cannot work properly. It requires heart surgery and it can lead
to death. This condition is known as severe rheumatic heart disease.

In the beginning, there is a tickling sensation and pain in the throat.
There is pain in joints, especially in the knees, ankles, and wrists.
The patients feel heart murmur and chest pain. They also suffer
from fever, headache, and sweating on the body. We should keep
the patients away from moisture, cold and dirty places. The foods
and cold drinks kept in the fridge should be avoided. If the patients
have a sore throat, see a doctor. It should be treated promptly as per
the doctor's advice.

C. Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition of having too
high blood glucose. It is also known
as sugar disease. The function of the
pancreas gland is to produce the in-
sulin. The insulin helps glucose from
food get into your cells to be used for
energy. Sometimes our body doesn't secrete enough insulin and glu-
cose then stays in our blood and doesn't reach our cells. As a result,
the amount of glucose increases in the blood. Unhealthy eating hab-

48 Health, Physical ai1d Creillive arts, grade 8