Hypokinetic Disorder
Physical activity or exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing certain noncommunicable conditions or diseases (NCDs). Non communicable diseases are related to an inactive lifestyle which can lead to a Hypokinetic Disorder, the term first originated in a book called Hypokinetic Disease (Kraus.H, W. Raab. 1961, p.8), stating the term originates from the Greek meaning ‘caused by insufficient motion’. The World Health Organization (WHO.2013) state there are four main types of noncommunicable diseases related to obesity, such as cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease …show more content…
and asthma) and type 2 diabetes. Inactivity is as deadly as smoking according to a new study in The Lancet, that shows that more than 5.3 million deaths that occurred due to physical inactivity in 2008 is equivalent to the 5 million deaths attributed to smoking in 2000 as published in The Lancet (Klim McPherson, et al 2011). Whether the research is similar for both models is unknown but the figures are shocking and research from the same journal suggests an increase of great proportion over the next few decades if conditions remain the same for adults and children.
How has the country managed to be in this situation? As Kraus and Raab (1961) suggest since humans have been on earth, we have been trying to find ways to make our lives easier by substituting technology for our own labour. If we look at our lives for instance, do we move much at all? Most typical household chores are managed with a machine, we ride not walk, use escalators instead of stairs, machines have taken over the majority of any physical activity once done by humans, and so with all this being done for us surely there is time for us to cook a healthy meal. However, we still would rather eat convenience foods and takeout, which is high in fat, salt and sugars; but for some this is cheaper than buying fresh fruit and vegetables. With this in mind it can be seen that if the population over-feeds on an unhealthy diet and are inactive, they are putting themselves at a greater risk of obesity. This occurs when energy expenditure is less than the energy intake which leads to developing a hypokinetic disease, which in turn will be detrimental to their life. For a small majority who are inactive due to a physical disability or have an abnormal gene e.g. thyroid deficiency they should be under a dietician and physiotherapist.
WHO (2013) plans for the global strategy for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, is to establish and reinforce initiatives on the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases, including obesity. The predictions from The Lancet (2011) believe that if trends follow half of the population could be obese by 2030, which is 1 in 10 in the UK.
Passive Smoking
“The first conclusive evidence on the danger of passive smoking came from Takeshi Hirayama’s study in 1981 on lung cancer in non-smoking Japanese women married to men who smoked”. (Mackay & Eriksen, 2002, p. 8)
When someone lights a cigarette, the smoke from it and what is breathed out and inhaled by those who do not smoking is called ‘Passive Smoking or Secondhand smoking’. It is harmful and can cause health problems throughout life, frequently resulting in death or disability, to those who do not smoke especially children. Passive smoking can damage the body as secondhand smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals such as arsenic, ammonia, acetone and carbon monoxide but to name a few, many of which are irritants and toxins, and some of which are known to cause cancer. Passive smoking from all forms of tobacco is harmful, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hand-rolling tobacco and cannabis.
Frequent exposure of passive smoking can increases a child’s or an adult 's risk of lung cancer by 24% and heart disease by 25%, according to the Department of Health (2013). Passive smoking can cause many health problems in adults such as, atherosclerosis which is a disease that narrows the arteries by destroying the elastin of the blood vessels and encourages blood clots to form leading to the risk of coronary heart disease and can cause a heart attack, angina (chest pain) and heart failure; also increases your risk of stroke. Any pre-existing chest problems could worsen such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Lung cancer has also been linked to passive smoking the highest risk is of those who work or live with a smoker.
Children and babies are at particular risk from adults smoking as they cannot choose to leave the house if someone is smoking; smoke is invisible and can linger in a room for up to 2 hours; even with a window open. Babies who live in a house of smokers are far more likely to suffer from cot death or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The risk are tripled for a woman smoking during her pregnancy, it can harm her foetus which can result in a low birth weight, miscarriage and birth defects (Mackay & Eriksen, 2002, p. 7) . Passive smoking can cause severe breathing complications for children and babies as their bodies are still developing such as, coughs, phlegm and more chronic conditions like asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis, which can have a major affect long term. Glue ear or middle ear disease has been associated to passive smoking which is the most common cause of deafness. Burns can also be a factor from the cigarette or house fire. Adults are contributors to their risks, as role models and the likelihood is that if the parents smoke, so will the children (Mackay & Eriksen, 2002).
Alcohol
Individuals who have consumed alcohol can easily say they have experienced first-hand at least some of its short-term health effects, be it a hangover or a bad night 's sleep (Drinkaware, 2013).
It is the longer term health effects of alcohol that someone often only experiences once it is too late. Drinking in moderation as some physical benefits, those who either drink on a regular basis our have a dependency for alcohol are at a high risk of developing serious health conditions or death itself. Heavy drinking of any magnitude has a profound impact on those around them too.
NHS (2013) guidelines suggest 3-4 units per day for a man and 2-3 units a day for women, drinking more than recommend can lead to many alcohol linked diseases. The most common being, Cirrhosis which is scarring of the liver, this cannot be reversed and eventually can become so extensive the liver stops functioning; this is called liver failure. Alcohol poisoning occurs when excessively high amounts of alcohol are consumed and lead to body 's automatic functions being hindered such as breathing, heart rate and gag reflex which prevents you choking; alcohol poisoning can cause a person to fall into a coma and could lead to death. Cancer is another chronic disease linked to excessive alcohol consumption, according to Drinkaware (2013) there are 7 types these are liver cancer, bowel cancer, breast cancer, mouth cancer, pharyngeal cancer (upper throat), oesophageal cancer (food pipe) and laryngeal cancer (voice box). Many other diseases include irritated stomach lining (bleeding and ulcers) and high blood pressure which can lead to a stroke or heart
failure. There is also the psychological and emotional damage, most drink to relax, celebrate or forget a bad day at work. But some drink to hide depression, stress or anxiety; but drinking with depression can lead to a person taking their own life. In fact one drink may help you relax, whereas, drinking heavily distorts the way the brain reacts and releases serotonin, a chemical which regulates your mood hence why most become agitated and aggressive when drinking. So drinking to improve your mood becomes a very dangerous vicious circle. A significant proportion that impacts on society is when harmful drinking arises from either unintentional or intentional injuries, including road traffic accidents, violence, crimes and suicides. Fatal injuries related to excessive alcohol consumption tends to occur in relatively younger age groups according the World Health Organization (2013). Thus, the impact of the harmful use of alcohol reaches deep into society, as well the behaviour problems that arises from alcohol the impact on society is even greater; placing a pressure on the NHS costing £1.7 bn a year and alcohol related crimes costing £7.3 bn.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections which are spread mainly through person-to-person via sexual interaction through vaginal, anal or oral sex. An STI can be passed on regardless of your sexual preference; HIV, chlamydia and syphilis can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth, and through blood products and tissue transfer according to The World Health Organization (2013). STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites, some of the most common are chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea, HIV/AIDS and Herpes.
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the UK which is easily passed on during sex. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium, chlamydia trachomatis, which is found in the semen and vaginal fluids of men and women who have the infection (The Family Planning Association, 2012). Most will not experience any symptoms so are unaware they are infected. Women can experience pain or a burning sensation when urinating, a vaginal discharge, lower abdomen pain during or after sex and bleeding during or after sex; can cause heavy periods or bleeding between periods. In men, chlamydia can cause a white, cloudy or watery discharge from the penis, pain or a burning sensation when urinating and pain or tenderness in the testicles.
Diagnosing chlamydia is easily done with a urine test or by taking a swab of the affected area. The infection is easily treated with antibiotics, but can lead to serious long-term health problems if left untreated, including infertility in both men and women (The Family Planning Association, 2012)
Most STI’s if caught early enough can be treated, if left untreated many STI’s can be painful or uncomfortable and can permanently damage your health and fertility; and can be passed on to someone else. The highest numbers of STI’s are found amongst the 16 – 25 age groups, but an STI does not prejudice between ages. The rise of the older generation contracting an STI has increased over the years, as more of us are getting divorced and adultery is on the rise, if sexually active then the same risks apply. Being older would bring the knowledge and foresight about the possibilities of contracting an STI but for some they were unaware of what had been done to them; especially those married.
Young or old, married or not the risks are real, but the stigma attached to having an STI is harmful in itself. The social consequences of stigmas being maintained deter those at any age (The Family Planning Association, 2012). Often feelings of shame, dirty, damaged or embarrassment to seek medical treatment; can lead to more serious conditions such as cancer, infertility, passing infection through pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease; just to name a few.
Prevention is easier than having an STI; condoms are readily available from doctors, family planning clinics and shops. Regular testing is available for the under 25’s free of charge, testing more regularly if frequent partner changes are happening.
References
Department of Health, 2013. Smokefree. [Online]
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Drinkaware, 2013. Health Effects of Alcohol. [Online]
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Klim McPherson, T. M. S. L. G. ,. M. B., 2011. The Lancet. Health and economic burden of the projected obesity trends in the USA and the UK, 378(9793), pp. 815-825.
Kraus.H, W., 1961. Hypokinetic Disease: Diseases Produced by ack of Exercise.. 1st ed. Illinois: Charles C Thomas.
Mackay, J. & Eriksen, M., 2002. The Tobacco Atlas. 1st ed. Brighton: Myriad Editions Limited.
NHS, 2013. Alcohol Units. [Online]
Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/alcohol-units.aspx
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NHS, 2013. Is Passive Smoking Harmful. [Online]
Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2289.aspx?CategoryID=53&SubCategoryID=536
[Accessed 16 November 2013].
The Family Planning Association, 2012. Sexually Transmitted Infections. [Online]
Available at: http://www.fpa.org.uk/help-and-advice/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis-help
[Accessed 17 November 2013].
World Health Organization, 2013. Noncommunicable diseases. [Online]
Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs355/en/
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World Health Orginization, 2013. Sexually transmitted infections. [Online]
Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs110/en/
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