Diseases and illnesses

Malaria

- infectious disease from female mosquitos

- the parasites infect red blood cells and eventually reduces oxygen transport around the body

- can cause death

AIDS

- spread from unsafe sex

- can weaken immune system and unable to fight off infections and diseases

Tuberculosis

- contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs

- can lead to inflammation and tissue damage

- can be treated with medication and prevented with vaccination

Neglected tropical diseases

- group of infections affecting tropical regions

- can be treated with medications

Hepatitis

- inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections

- A and E transmitted through infected food and water

- B and C transmitted through infected blood and bodily fluids

Gastroenteritis

- inflammation of the stomach and intestines often due to infections

- caused by bacteria and viruses

Typhoid

- bacterial infection caused by salmonella

- spreads through contaminated food and water from poor sanitation and hygiene

- causes high fever and abdominal pain

Cholera

- bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water

- causes diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration

Cardiovascular disease

- broad term that includes coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure and peripheral vascular disease

- risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, unhealthy diet, being overweight or obese and physical inactivity

- prevention includes maintaining a healthy weight and diet and regurarly exercising, quit smoking and regular health check ups

Type 2 diabetes

- chronic condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it

- leads to high blood glucose levels

- symptoms include increased hunger and thirst, fatigue, blurred vision or unexplained weight loss

- risk factors include being overweight or obese, genetics, poor diet or age

Iron deficiency

- condition where the body lacks iron

- symptoms include fatigue, pale skin and shortness of breath

- causes include not consuming enough iron rich foods or severe blood loss

Cancer

- group of diseases where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body

- types of cancer include lung, stomach, skin or breast

- risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, genetics, age, sun damage

- treatment methods include vaccination, radiation therapy and chemotherapy

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

- progressive lung disease often caused by smoking

- symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness or heaviness

- risk factors include smoking, environmental exposure, genetics or asthma

Obesity

- excessive fat accumulation that poses health risks

- caused by a long term imbalance between calories consumed and energy burned

- health risks include type 2 diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease

- can be treated by dietary changes, physical activity and medical guidance

Dementia

- decline in cognitive function affecting daily life

- symptoms include memory loss, trouble speaking, confusion about time or place or poor judgement