Personal Health and Disease Prevention - Module 3 Vocabulary

Hygiene

practices that help to maintain health and prevent disease, especially through cleanliness

Posture

the position that you hold your body when sitting, standing, or doing other similar activities

Ergonomics

the science of designing and arranging objects so that people can use them easily and safely

Communicable disease

a disease that is transferable or transmitted through touch, air, or other means

Noncommunicable disease

a disease that is not transferable or transmitted through touch, air, or other means

Pathogens

bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms that can cause disease

Hereditary diseases

diseases caused by abnormal chromosomes or defective genes inherited from one or both parents

Immune disorder

a dysfunction of the immune system where the body may have immune responses to something that is harmless to the body

Behavioral noncommunicable diseases

diseases that are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors; your choices can make a decision in how these diseases may affect you

Age-related illnesses

diseases that are associated with old age, such as Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis