Module 14: Communicable & Non-Communicable Diseases – Comprehensive Study Notes
Module 14 – Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases
(Health Skills for High School – Texas Edition)
Lesson 14.1 What Are Communicable Diseases?
Essential Question
• What causes communicable diseases?
Learning Outcomes
• Explain what makes a disease communicable.
• Identify different types of pathogens.
• List the stages of infection.
• Analyze the different ways communicable diseases spread.
• Assess how the body defends itself against pathogens and disease.
Warm-Up Activity – “The Body as a Fortress”
Students labeled body defenses on a human silhouette:
A. Walls (skin, mucous membranes) keep intruders out.
B. Warriors (white blood cells) fight intruders.
C. Substances (enzymes, acids) dissolve intruders.
D. Heat (fever) weakens/ kills intruders.
E. Sticky substances (mucus) trap intruders.
F. Liquids (tears, urine, saliva) flush out intruders.
Cause of Communicable Diseases
• Caused by microscopic organisms (pathogens) that spread from living organisms or contaminated objects.
• Germ Theory: specific microorganisms ⇒ specific diseases.
Types of Pathogens
• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Fungi
• Parasites
• Protozoa
• Worms
Stages of Infection
• Incubation Period – pathogen grows/reproduces; individual usually asymptomatic; length varies.
• Clinical Stage – signs & symptoms appear; lasts until immune system destroys pathogen.
• Convalescent Stage – symptoms fade; length varies; person is no longer contagious.
Methods of Transmission
• Direct
– Direct contact (skin-to-skin, bodily fluids)
– Droplet spread (sneezing, coughing)
• Indirect
– Vector transmission (mosquitoes, ticks)
– Indirect contact (contaminated surfaces)
– Airborne transmission (tiny particles remain suspended)
Body Defenses
First Line (Physical & Chemical Barriers)
• Integumentary, respiratory, digestive, urinary systems are constantly exposed.
• Structures: skin, cilia, mucus, stomach acid, saliva, tears, urine.
Second Line (Innate Immunity)
• Phagocytes engulf/destroy pathogens.
• Inflammation – redness, heat, swelling, pain signal defense activity.
• Fever – raises body temp to \approx 38 °C; stimulates WBC activity & inhibits bacterial growth.
Third Line (Adaptive Immunity)
• T Cells (lymphocytes)
– T-helper: coordinate, stimulate response.
– T-cytotoxic: kill infected cells.
• B Cells: produce antibodies (proteins that tag pathogens).
• Forms immunological memory.
Lesson Review Answers
• Germ theory = specific pathogens cause specific diseases.
• Viruses live inside and rely on host cells for reproduction.
• Antibodies = chemicals that bind pathogens and mark them for destruction.
Lesson 14.2 What Are Non-Communicable Diseases?
Essential Question
• What factors lead to the development of a noncommunicable disease?
Learning Outcomes
• Contrast communicable & noncommunicable diseases.
• Explain how noncommunicable diseases develop.
• Analyze causes.
• Describe progression.
• Discuss diagnosis & treatment planning.
Warm-Up Activity
• Compare a cold/flu (communicable) to a noncommunicable disease (cannot spread person-to-person).
Causes of Noncommunicable Diseases
• Disruption of homeostasis – body’s internal balance upset.
• Genetics – family history ↑ risk.
• Environment – pollution, access to nutrition/health services.
• Behavior – diet, physical activity, substance use.
Key Insight
• Many adult noncommunicable diseases trace back to unhealthy habits begun in youth.
Disease Progression Terms
• Complications – secondary problems caused by disease.
• Remission – period with no signs/symptoms.
• Relapse – return of signs/symptoms after remission.
Treating Noncommunicable Diseases
• Prognosis – likely outcome/course.
• Approaches: behavioral & environmental modification, medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy (skills to live/ work actively).
Coping with a Diagnosis (Skill-Builder)
• Ask questions; disease ≠ identity.
• Express emotions healthfully.
• Engage in healthy behaviors, maintain relationships, seek help.
Lesson Review Answers
• Family history = record of diseases among close biological relatives.
• Noncommunicable diseases are usually chronic.
• Occupational therapy helps people maintain an active lifestyle.
Lesson 14.3 Other Non-Communicable Diseases
Essential Question
• What other noncommunicable diseases can affect a person’s health?
Learning Outcomes
• Distinguish type 1 vs type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Explain Alzheimer’s disease effects.
• Describe epilepsy symptoms.
• Identify arthritis types.
• Describe osteoporosis, allergic reactions, asthma.
Warm-Up Activity
• Students share knowledge/questions on listed diseases.
Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1
• Autoimmune: immune system destroys pancreatic β-cells → no insulin → hyperglycemia.
• Risk factors: genetics, viral infections.
Type 2
• Body cells become insulin-resistant → hyperglycemia.
• Risk factors: genetics, age, obesity, physical inactivity, high BP & cholesterol.
Signs/Symptoms
• Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss.
• Complications: vascular, ocular, renal, neuropathy, acidosis, foot circulation issues → severe infections.
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
• Progressive neurodegenerative disorder: memory, thinking, communication decline.
• Medications alleviate symptoms but do not cure.
Epilepsy
• Recurrent seizures disrupt daily life (school, driving).
• Often idiopathic; anti-epileptic drugs manage seizures.
Arthritis Types
• Osteoarthritis – cartilage degradation → pain, swelling, stiffness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – autoimmune attack on joints → pain, swelling, deformity.
• Gout – sudden painful joint swelling (urate crystal deposition), esp. feet/big toe.
Osteoporosis
• Bones become weak/brittle → fractures.
• Risk: genetics, inactivity, alcohol/tobacco, low calcium.
• Irreversible, but risk ↓ with early activity & calcium intake.
Allergies
• Immune system overreacts to harmless allergens.
• Symptoms: swelling, congestion, irritation, runny nose, hives.
• Anaphylaxis – life-threatening; lungs fill, airways constrict, BP drops.
Asthma
• Airways constrict & fill with mucus → breathing difficulty.
• Risk: genetics, environment.
• Rescue inhalers (bronchodilators) relax airways.
Lesson Review Answers
• Autoimmune diabetes = type 1.
• Reduce osteoporosis risk: (any two) physical activity, avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, adequate calcium.
• Allergic reaction: blood vessels leak fluid → swelling/congestion/hives, etc.
Lesson 14.4 Cardiovascular Diseases
Essential Question
• How do cardiovascular diseases affect the body, and how can they be prevented?
Learning Outcomes
• Explain heart & vessels circulation.
• Differentiate arteriosclerosis vs atherosclerosis.
• Analyze hypertension consequences.
• Describe how vessel disease & hypertension cause stroke/heart attack.
• Explain congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, mitral valve prolapse.
• Assess prevention & treatment steps.
Warm-Up Activity – Heartbeat
• Students observe HR & breathing pre/post jumping jacks; simulate reduced O₂ by breathing through fist.
Cardiovascular System Basics
• Heart pumps blood.
• Coronary arteries supply heart tissue.
• Capillaries – exchange vessels.
• Arteries carry blood away from heart.
• Veins return blood to heart.
Blood Vessel Diseases
• Arteriosclerosis – vessels hard & inflexible.
• Atherosclerosis – fatty deposits (plaques) narrow arteries; subtype of arteriosclerosis.
Hypertension
• Blood pressure = force of blood on arterial walls.
• Hypertension (chronic high BP) damages vessels/organs and raises CVD risk.
• Normal reference ≈ 120/80\ \text{mmHg}; sustained values above \approx 130/80 indicate risk (guidelines may vary).
Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)
• Blood flow to brain interrupted.
• Outcomes: paralysis, speech loss, cognitive deficits, death.
FAST-type Symptoms
• Numbness/weakness one side, confusion, vision issues, speech trouble, loss of balance, severe headache.
• Call 911 immediately.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
• Blood flow to heart blocked.
• Often preceded by angina (chest pain).
• Severe damage/death possible.
• Symptoms vary; some (esp. females) lack chest pain.
• Call 911.
Congestive Heart Failure
• Heart too weak to pump effectively; fluid backs up.
• Often result of prolonged strain from stiff/narrow vessels.
Arrhythmias
• Tachycardia – HR too fast (>100 \text{bpm}).
• Bradycardia – HR too slow (<60 \text{bpm}).
• Fibrillation – uncoordinated quivering of heart muscle.
Heart Valve Disease
• Valves direct blood flow.
• Mitral valve prolapse – valve defect allows back-flow → heart strain.
Prevention & Treatment Skills
• Regular physical activity.
• Heart-healthy diet (lean protein, plant-based, fewer fried foods).
• Maintain healthy weight.
• Avoid nicotine, alcohol, drugs.
• Manage stress (stress ↑ heart workload).
Lesson Review Answers
• Fatty deposits on arteries = atherosclerosis.
• Suspected heart attack ⇒ call 911.
• Stress management ↓ CVD risk because stress forces heart to work harder.
Lesson 14.5 Cancer
Essential Question
• How does cancer affect the body?
Learning Outcomes
• Explain cancer development.
• Differentiate benign vs malignant tumors.
• Analyze factors/behaviors influencing risk.
• Identify common cancers.
• Assess prevention strategies & treatment options.
Warm-Up Activity – “Cancer: Your Decisions”
• Students list personal decisions impacting cancer risk (e.g., smoking, diet, sun exposure).
Cancer Basics
• Abnormal cells divide uncontrollably.
• Malignant tumor – cancerous; can metastasize.
• Benign tumor – non-cancerous, localized.
Risk Factors Categories
• Genetics – inherited mutations.
• Environment – UV, radiation, chemicals.
• Behavior – tobacco, diet, physical inactivity, alcohol, sun/tanning.
General Warning Signs (Mnemonic “CAUTION”)
• C – Change in bowel/bladder habits.
• A – A sore that doesn’t heal.
• U – Unusual bleeding/discharge.
• T – Thickening/lump.
• I – Indigestion/difficulty swallowing.
• O – Obvious change in wart/mole.
• N – Nagging cough/hoarseness.
Skin Cancer
• Caused by UV radiation.
• ABCDE rule:
A – Asymmetry
B – Border irregular
C – Color uneven
D – Diameter changes
E – Evolving size/shape/color.
Risk-Reduction
• Cover skin, hat, sunglasses.
• Daily sunscreen; reapply every 2 h.
• Daily self-exam; annual professional exam.
• Avoid tanning beds.
Lung Cancer
• Leading cause of cancer death.
• Chief risk: smoking.
• Symptoms: chronic cough, chest pain, dyspnea, hemoptysis, fatigue, weight loss.
Risk-Reduction
• Don’t smoke; avoid secondhand smoke.
• Test home for asbestos/radon.
• Regular physical exams.
Breast Cancer
• Risk: genetics, age, inactivity.
• Early detection via mammograms.
Risk-Reduction
• No tobacco, limit alcohol.
• Healthy weight, activity.
• Avoid radiation/pollution.
• Follow screening guidelines.
Colorectal Cancer
• Risk: genetics; behaviors – inactivity, overweight, diet high in red meat & low in fruits/veggies/fiber.
• Colonoscopy aids early detection.
Risk-Reduction
• No tobacco, limit alcohol.
• Healthy weight, activity.
• Diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains.
• Follow screening guidelines.
Lesson Review Answers
• Malignant vs benign: malignant can metastasize; benign cannot.
• Tanning beds ↑ skin cancer risk via UV exposure.
• Diet high in red meat & low in produce/fiber ↑ colorectal cancer risk.
Cross-Lesson Connections & Big-Picture Themes
• Homeostasis vs Disease – Communicable diseases disrupt via external pathogens; noncommunicable via internal dysfunction/genetics/behavior.
• Immune System Role – Front-line in communicable diseases; in autoimmunity (type 1 DM, rheumatoid arthritis) it becomes causative factor.
• Lifestyle Choices – Physical activity, balanced diet, avoiding tobacco/alcohol optimize defenses against almost every disease category (CVD, cancer, osteoporosis, type 2 DM).
• Early Detection – Screenings (mammogram, colonoscopy, BP checks) turn fatal diseases into manageable conditions.
• Psychosocial Coping – Emotional resilience & support networks are emphasized for chronic disease management.
• Ethical/Practical Implications – Public health policies on smoking bans, vaccination, pollution control directly impact disease prevalence.
Key Terms & Quick Reference
• Pathogen – disease-causing organism.
• Vector – organism that transmits pathogen without getting sick (e.g., mosquito).
• Autoimmune Disease – immune system attacks body’s own cells.
• Hyperglycemia – blood glucose >\approx 125 \text{mg/dL} fasting.
• Hypertension – persistent BP ≥130/80\ \text{mmHg} (per recent guidelines).
• Angina – chest pain from reduced heart blood flow.
• Metastasis – spread of cancer from primary site.
• Remission/Relapse – periods without/with symptoms in chronic disease.