non-communicable diseases

• What are non-communicable diseases?

  Diseases that cannot spread between organisms
• What are communicable diseases linked to?

  Genetics and lifestyle factors
• What harmful substances are found in tobacco smoke?

  • Tar
  • Nicotine
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Particulates
• What does tar do when tobacco smoke cools?

  It collects in the lungs
• Why is tar considered carcinogenic?

  It causes cancer through cell changes
• What is cancer a result of?

  Uncontrolled growth and division of cells
• What effect does nicotine have on the heart?

  It makes the heart beat faster
• How does nicotine affect blood vessels?

  It narrows blood vessels
• What does carbon monoxide do in the blood?

  It attaches to hemoglobin instead of oxygen
• What is a consequence of carbon monoxide in the blood?

  The heart has to work harder
• What can result from the heart working harder due to carbon monoxide?

  It can lead to heart disease
• What are particulates in tobacco smoke?

  Small pieces of soil
• What happens to particulates in the lungs?

  They are engulfed by white blood cells
• What enzyme is released by white blood cells when engulfing particulates?

  An enzyme that weakens alveoli walls
• What condition results from weakened alveoli walls?

  Emphysema
• How do weakened alveoli affect breathing?

  They do not inflate properly
• What is the result of less oxygen passing into the blood?

  It leaves the person breathless
• What effect do other substances in smoke have on ciliated cells?

  They paralyze the ciliated cells
• What can result from paralyzed ciliated cells in the airways?

  Mucus can flow into the lungs
• What infection can result from mucus flowing into the lungs?

  Bronchitis
• What is 'smokers cough' a result of?

  Damage to the lungs from smoke
• What can 'smokers cough' lead to?

  Further lung damage
• What drug does alcohol contain that affects the nervous system?

  Ethanol
• How does alcohol affect the body's reactions?

  It slows down the body's reactions
• What type of drug is alcohol classified as?

  Depressant
• What does alcohol inhibit in the brain?

  Transmission of neurotransmitters
• Which organ removes alcohol from the bloodstream?

  Liver
• What does the liver use to break down alcohol?

  Enzymes
• What are the products of alcohol breakdown in the liver?

  Toxic substances
• What are the short-term effects of alcohol consumption?

  • Sleepiness
  • Impaired judgement
  • Impaired balance and muscle control
  • Blurred vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Increased blood flow to the skin
  • Reddish skin
• What are the long-term effects of heavy alcohol consumption?

  • Damage to the liver
  • Brain damage
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Heart disease
• How does alcohol consumption lead to impaired judgement and balance?

  By slowing down the body's reactions
• What condition can result from long-term liver damage due to alcohol?


  Cirrhosis
• What can heavy drinking cause over months and years?

  Stomach ulcers and heart disease
• What does CVD stand for?

  Cardiovascular disease
• What does cardiovascular disease describe?

  A disease of the heart or blood vessels
• Name one factor that increases the risk of developing CVD.

  Smoking
• What dietary component is linked to increased CVD risk?

  High levels of salt
• How do high levels of saturated fats affect cholesterol?


  They increase cholesterol levels in the blood
• What condition is caused by high cholesterol in the coronary arteries?


  Atherosclerosis