Health & Wellness Grade 7

Chapter 8: Communicable and Chronic Diseases

Chapter Summary

Lesson 1
Many diseases are caused by pathogens, which your body's immune system fights. You can practice healthful behaviors to protect your immune system.

Lesson 2
There are many communicable diseases. You can take steps to prevent yourself from becoming ill or spreading illnesses to others.

Lesson 3
Sexual activity can lead to the transmission of many STDs. It can also result in HIV infection, which causes AIDS. You can protect yourself from STDs and HIV by practicing abstinence from sex.

Lesson 4
Heredity, behavior, and the environment cause noncommunicable diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. You can take steps to prevent or reduce the symptoms of these illnesses.

Lesson 5
Chronic health conditions are noncommunicable and have no cure. They include allergies, asthma, and sickle-cell anemia. Treatments and healthful behaviors can help relieve symptoms.