List the harmful effects caused by alcohol/drug abuse.
Harmful effects caused by alcohol abuse are –
(i)Alcohol generates more energy mostly in the form of heat, but at the same time, it dilates the blood vessels. Consequently the ‘heat generated is rapidly lost. Due to constant dilation, the arterial walls soon become brittle & rigid. Such a change in the property of blood vessels & deposition of alcoholic fat affect the working of heart.
(ii)Alcoholism leads to gastric ulcers & gastritis.
(iii)In chronic alcoholism, the axon of the nerve inflame thus causing neuritis.
(iv)Permanent damage to liver cells occur due to deposition of fats. The liver dries up & harden (cirrhosis).
Harmful effects caused by drug abuse are – (i) Excessive doses of drugs may lead to coma & death due to respiratory failure, heart failure & cerebral haemorrhage.
(ii)Lack of interest in personal hygiene, withdrawal, isolation, depression, fatigue aggressive & rebellious behaviour etc.
(iii)Acquire serious infections like AIDS & hepatitis B, who take drugs intravenously.
(iv)The adverse effects of drugs are manifested in the form of reckless behaviour, vandalism & violence.
What is the mechanism by which the AIDS virus causes deficiency of immune system of the infected person?
What are the various public health measures, which you would suggest as safeguard against infectious diseases?
What are the various routes by which trans-mission of human immunodeficiency virus takes place?
In your view what motivates youngsters to take to alcohol or drugs and how can this be avoided?
The following are some well-known abbreviations, which have been used in this chapter. Expand each one to its fall form:
(a)MALT (b) CMI
(c)AIDS (d)NACO
(e)HIV
Discuss with your teacher what does ‘a suitable gene' means, in the context of DNA vaccines.
Differentiate the following and give examples of each
(a)Innate and acquired immunity
(b)Active and passive immunity
Why is that once a person starts taking alcohol or drugs, it is difficult to get rid of this habit? Discuss it with your teacher.
Hovy does the transmission of each of the following diseases take place?
(a)Amoebiasis (b) Malaria
(c)Ascariasis (d) Pneumonia
Do you think that friends can influence one to take alcohol/drugs? If yes, how may one protect himself/herself from such an influence?