Hey Guys Welcome back to my blog. First of all this chapter made me want to trap myself in a bubble! Our bodies work HARD at protecting us from external pathogens (disease causing agents,) through several methods of defense. First off we have our skin as the first line of defense providing a physical barrier against pathogens. There are also several internal defense mechanisms to help protect us from harmful disease like B,T and memory cells. These type of immune response are considered specific. The digestive system such as saliva, stomach acid and bacteria from our intestines are also methods of killing pathogens before they cause disease. Despite our bodies ample effort in protecting us from foreign pathogens, we must make conscious decisions to help prevent infectious conditions. Too much stress, poor nutrition, lack of physical exercise, poor sleeping habits, misuse of both legal prescription and illegal drugs, poor hygiene, and other high-risk behaviors increase the risk for many diseases. College students put them selves at higher risk because they tend to engage in the risky behaviors listed above. Certain factors that may weaken your immune system are not due to risky behaviors. Things like older age, heredity and drug resistance. A mindful approach is important in preventing a weakened immune. Consciously engaging in activities like hand washing, exercise and healthy eating is considered being mindful in resisting infectious conditions. There is also a strong link in the immune system and the immune system. High levels of stress and anxiety can weaken the immune system. Stress relievers like meditation can also improve and prevent weakened immune. Vaccines are issued to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against future attacks without actually causing the disease.
Pathogens can be categorized into six major categories; bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, parasitic worms, and prions. Diseases caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. One of the most common and difficult to treat bacterial infections in the United States is C. Diff. It is ironic that the long-term use of antibiotics to treat bacterial infection is the major cause of C. Diff, because the antibiotics also kill the good bacteria that help keep the gastrointestinal system running smoothly. Viruses are the smallest known pathogen. Viral diseases can be hard to treat because many of them can withstand heat and large doses of radiation. Mono and colds are some of the most widespread viral disease. Mono typically transported through saliva is sometimes referred to as “the kissing disease.” There is really no treatment other than rest, sleep and relaxation.
Common colds are the main reason for missed work and school in the United States. Colds are endemic which means they are always present in society to some degree. You can catch a cold from air born droplets or touch contact. With most fungus diseases, keeping the infected area clean and dry will generally bring relief. Fungal diseases are typically transmitted through physical contact. Protozoans are single celled organisms and cause diseases like malaria. These are not so common in the U.S. Parasitic worms are the largest pathogen. Medicines can be prescribed to kill worms. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove them. A prion is a self replicating agent. This can cause infection in humans and animals and can cause things like mad cow disease.
Antibiotics are supposed to wipe out bacteria, but many common antibiotics are becoming ineffective against resistant strains of bacteria. Bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infections and diseases can evolve and develop ways to survive drugs that once had the ability to kill or weaken them. This process can make super bugs which are resistant to treatment. This happens because of several reasons. The food we eat is pumped with antibiotics and this can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Improper use of antibiotics for unnecessary sicknesses also contribute.
The next section of the chapter focuses on sexually transmitter infections. There are more than 20 known types of sexually transmitted infections. Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are some STI’s with increasingly high rates. Sexually transmitted infections affect all different types of people, but they are more common among women, minorities, and infants. Below I will include a list of ways to prevent STI’s that I learned from this chapter.
- Avoid multiple sex partners
- Use a latex condom
- Get HPV vaccine
- Wash your hands before and after sexual encounters
- Discuss sexual histories
STI’s are typically spread through intimate contact. Vaginal intercourse, oral contact and anal intercourse are the most common modes of transmission. Other possible modes of transmission include mouth to mouth contact and contact with fluids from body sores spread by the hands. Aids is one of the most serious STI’s and is a significant health threat. Aids is caused by the virus HIV. Today more than ever people are able to live with HIV/Aids, but there are still many people who die from these conditions each year. These conditions are spread through body fluids that enter the mucous membrane. There are several stigmas associated with having these conditions such as it only occurs in gay men or drug addicts. There simply are not true and anyone engaging in risky behaviors can contract it. Two of the most common sexually transmitted infections are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Chlamydia is caused from a bacteria and often presents no symptoms. In men, early symptoms may include painful and difficult urination; frequent urination; and a watery, pus-like discharge from the penis. Symptoms in women may include a yellowish discharge, spotting between periods, and occasional spotting after intercourse. However, many people with chlamydia display no symptoms and therefore do not seek help until the disease has done secondary damage.
In men symptoms may include painful and frequent urination, and a watery discharge from the penis. Symptoms in women may include a yellowish discharge, spotting between periods, and occasional spotting after intercourse. However, as I said before many people with chlamydia display no symptoms and therefore do not seek help until the disease has done secondary damage.
This chapter made me scared! There are so many pathogens out there that are literally waiting to invade our bodies. I learned from this chapter that I need to be a lot more conscious in protecting my immune system and my body from infection and disease. Things that can weaken your immune system include high stress, poor nutrition, poor sleeping habits and lack of physical exercise. I constantly let stress overcome me and I need to practice more effective stress management techniques to protect my immune system. I also should increase my exercise routine and healthy eating habits. About the only thing I can say that I do that is effective in protecting my immune system is getting good quality sleep. I have always taken this so seriously. My friends all think I am lame because when it hits 9 o’clock I’m most likely getting ready for bed. I can’t function well or efficiently without getting at least 8 hours of sleep, but most nights I get more than this. I’m so happy to be in a long term relationship after reading about STI’s. We have both been open and honest with each other regarding our sexual histories and were both tested before we engaged in sexual activities. My last week has been super productive in relation to my health journey. I have been meal prepping often and working out almost every day. I have been enjoying the sunny days by going on walks or runs outside. I am down 7 pounds from my start weight and I feel overall more healthy. I have had a few slip ups, and my birthday is next week so I do plan on indulging in some Italian food. My goal was to lose 10 pounds and I am eager to see if I will be able to maintain and shed those last few pounds. I am in several classes that are related to behavior change and the information I have gained from those classes has helped me to maintain my motivation and follow my health journey through. Slip ups should not define the whole journey and that has been the most important information I have gained and practiced.
Tori'sHealthJourney 