INTRO:

A healthy future cannot be achieved without putting the health and well-being of populations
at the centre of focus. The topic of sustainable development goals has been such a cliche
through the years. We tend to wait for others to take some action not realizing that our every
action helps us achieve the goal.

BODY:

TOPIC 1:

● Tell how people think they know about healthcare and think their health is fine but in
reality, it's not
● Tell how people think some diseases are not that “important” or dangerous but in
reality, they end up affecting your health and damaging it more than you think.
● People are starting to normalize the pandemic when it's not normal
● Because of the corona and the pandemic, certain diseases are pretty dangerous but
people don't pay much attention to them because they’ve “seen worse” in the corona
times.
● Even if some diseases don't result in death, it still causes a lot of discomforts and can
disrupt the daily life and routine of individuals.

➔ One in five people surviving an episode of bacterial meningitis may have long-lasting
after-effects.
➔ According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1 in 10 people who get
bacterial meningitis die from the infection, even with treatment. At least 1.2 million
cases of bacterial meningitis are estimated to occur every year around the world,
estimates 2021 research.
➔ An estimated 55.4 million people passed away worldwide in 2019, and 74% of these
deaths were because of noncommunicable diseases, or chronic conditions that
progress slowly. communicable diseases (who. int)
➔ Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. HCV genotype 4 is
considered the most predominant HCV genotype in Egypt [22]. In Egypt, HCV
prevalence may be attributed to the initiation of the mass schistosomiasis treatment
campaigns in the 1950s and the 1960s [23]. Different HCV prevalences in Egypt
were reported. The HCV prevalence in the age group (15–59 years) was 14.7% in
2008 Rates in the African meningitis belt were as high as 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 100
before the introduction of a vaccine in 2010.[7]
➔ The Nipah virus has an incubation period between five days and two weeks,
symptoms last between three and fourteen days, and it has a mortality rate between
40% and 75%. Before starting work on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in January
last year, Dame Sarah said she had been working on vaccines for the Nipah virus,
Lassa fever, and Mers. But her work has gone “backward” since the pandemic.
➔ The illness has a fatality rate as high as 70 percent and there are currently no
vaccines or treatments for the virus. (Nipah)
 ➔ Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever; What is it: A virus that causes severe fever
outbreaks. It has a fatality rate of up to 40%

TOPIC 2:

● Start by saying how doctors and healthcare workers are the main pillars of the
entire system and if they are not treated well and given decent working
conditions, we won't be able to survive.
● Show how hard they work and how many deaths they witness in a day but
remain calm and cool so that we don't panic
● They place the well-being of others before themselves and sacrifice so
much for us
● They have intensely long hours and unpredictable schedules and are
called in at any time. They are expected to work long overtime hours as
well.
● Physical health risks
● Being in such a negative environment can also impact their mental
health

Ten studies revealed the burden of healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic,
with the related challenges experienced by 498 participants (doctors, nurses, paediatric
nurses, paramedical staff, support staff, and physiotherapists). Our findings fell into four
main themes as follows: inadequate preparedness; emotional challenges; insufficient
equipment and information; and work burnout.

Burnout is a significant problem for staff: 28% of respondents said they have quit a
healthcare job due to burnout.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented demand and a huge burden for
healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide, with alarming reports of heightened mental health
problems.
A meta-analysis (including 117 studies) investigating the impact of viral pandemics or
epidemic outbreaks on HCWs' mental health showed increased levels of anxiety,
depression, and PTSD in HCWs during and after the seizures (1), which were associated
with younger age, female gender, lack of social support, working in a high-risk environment
and limited job experience (amongst others) (1). Similar findings were reported in another
review article focusing exclusively on COVID-19, which showed that poor mental health
outcomes were higher in nurses and were linked to inadequate personal protective
equipment (PPE), fear of infection, and heavy workload (2). Given these alarming reports,
the question has been voiced of what can be done to protect HCWs and to reduce the risk of
mental health burden during pandemic outbreaks in this crucial target group.

A recent survey of 1,000 workers from various healthcare professions in Lower Austria
found that, in the rapidly expanding healthcare sector, high levels of satisfaction with the
work itself are found alongside high work pressures and poor working conditions. The study
differentiates between four major factors – work organization, psychological stress, physical
health risks, and client contact. Its authors consider it to be highly representative of the
sector.

Migration of health workers ‘Brain drain’ is defined as the movement of health personnel in
search of a better standard of living and life quality, higher salaries, access to advanced
technology, and more stable political conditions in different places worldwide. The debate
about the migration of health workers from the developing to the developed world has
remained pertinent for decades now. Regardless of the push and pull factors, migration of
health care workers from developing countries to developed ones has done more harm than
good the health care deliveries in developing countries.

TOPIC 3:

● Statistics proving healthcare facilities are not available to the public

● Even if they are available, they're very expensive and people below the
poverty line can’t access them.
● Raising money to fundraisers

Half of the healthcare facilities worldwide lack basic hygiene services with water and
soap or alcohol-based hand rub where patients receive care and at toilets in these
facilities, according to the latest Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) report by WHO
and UNICEF. Around 3.85 billion people use these facilities, putting them at greater
risk of infection, including 688 million people who receive care at facilities with no
hygiene services at all.

“Hygiene facilities and practices in health care settings are non-negotiable. Their
improvement is essential to pandemic recovery, prevention, and preparedness.
Hygiene in health care facilities cannot be secured without increasing investments in
basic measures, which include safe water, clean toilets, and safely managed health
care waste,” said WHO Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and
Health.

[The latest report, “Progress on WASH in health care facilities 2000–2021: special
focus on WASH and infection prevention and control”, has for the first time
established this global baseline on hygiene services – which assessed access at
points of care as well as toilets – as more countries than ever report on critical
elements of WASH services in their hospitals and other health centers. For hygiene,
data are now available for 40 countries, representing 35% of the world’s population,
up from 21 countries in 2020 and 14 in 2019.]
The Rising Cost of Health Care by Year and Its Causes

In 2020, U.S. healthcare costs totalled $4.1 trillion. That makes health care
one of the countries 19.7% of the nation's gross domestic ps largest
expenses. Health spending account product (GDP).

In comparison, national health expenditures totalled $27.2 billion in 1960,

1
just 5% of GDP. That translates to an annual healthcare cost of $12,530
per person in 2020 versus roughly $150 per person in 1960.

There were two causes of this massive increase: government policy and
lifestyle changes.

The government created programs like Medicare and Medicaid to help

those without the private insurance most Americans rely upon. These
programs spurred demand for health care services. That gave providers
the ability to raise prices.

A study in Health Affairs co-authored by Princeton University health

economist found that Americans use the same amount of healthcare as
residents of other nations. They just pay more for them. This is not just the
situation of America but many more developed countries.

Topic 4:

● Convey that “Prevention is better than cure” if we want to reduce the

burden of healthcare workers and help them then we need to start
taking care of ourselves which would result in fewer visits to the hospital
● Show how even taking small preventive measures or changing our daily
habits can impact our health

Are you thinking about being more active? Have you been trying to cut back on less healthy

foods? Are you starting to eat better and move more but having a hard time sticking with

these changes?
Old habits die hard. Changing your habits is a process that involves several stages.

Sometimes it takes a while before changes become new habits. And, you may face

roadblocks along the way.

Adopting new, healthier habits may protect you from serious health problems like obesity

and diabetes. New habits, like healthy eating and regular physical activity, may also help you

manage your weight and have more energy. After a while, if you stick with these changes,

they may become part of your daily routine.

The information below outlines four stages you may go through when changing your health

habits or behaviour. You will also find tips to help you improve your eating, physical activity

habits, and overall health. The four stages of changing a health behaviour are

● contemplation (“I’m thinking about it.”)

● preparation (“I have made up my mind to take action.”)
● action (“I have started to make changes.”)
● maintenance (“I have a new routine.”)

● Make them aware of the common preventive measures we can take in

our daily life

1 Handle & Prepare Food Safely

Food can carry germs. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces often when preparing any food,
especially raw meat. Always wash fruits and vegetables. Cook and keep foods at proper
temperatures. Don’t leave food out – refrigerate promptly.
2 Wash Hands Often
One of the most important healthy habits to prevent the spread of germs is to clean your
hands. Our hands can carry germs, so it is important to wash them often, even if they don’t
look dirty.
3 Clean & Disinfect Commonly Used Surfaces
Germs can live on surfaces. Cleaning with soap and water is usually enough. However, you
should disinfect your bathroom and kitchen regularly. Disinfect other areas if someone in the
house is ill. You can use an EPA-certified disinfectant (look for the EPA registration number
on the label) or a bleach solution.
4 Cough and Sneeze into a Tissue or Your Sleeve
If you are sick, the air that comes out of your mouth when you cough or sneeze may contain
germs. Someone close by can breathe in your air, or touch a surface contaminated with your
germs, and become ill. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your shirt sleeve-not into your
hands. Remember to throw away the tissue and wash your hands. You can wear a face
mask when you are sick with a cough or sneezing illness.
5 Don’t Share Personal Items
Avoid sharing personal items that can’t be disinfected, like toothbrushes and razors, or
sharing towels between washes. Needles should never be shared, should only be used
once, and then thrown away properly.
6 Get Vaccinated
Vaccines can prevent many infectious diseases. You should get some vaccinations in
childhood, some as an adult, and some for special situations like pregnancy and travel.
Make sure you and your family are up-to-date on your vaccinations.
7 Avoid Touching Wild Animals
You and your pets should avoid touching wild animals which can carry germs that cause
infectious diseases. If you are bitten, talk to your doctor. Make sure that your pet’s
vaccinations are up-to-date.
8 Stay Home When Sick
When you are sick, stay home and rest. You will get well sooner, and will not spread germs.

● Stress on exercising, good sleeping habits, harmful effects of using

tobacco and alcohol, and diet

Food components have a role in brain development Foods routinely affect the brain even if
not consumed with the involvement of rewarding mechanisms.15 Substantial improvements
have been achieved in effects attributed to food substances that are concentrated and sold
as dietary supplements.16–18 However, while nutrients are thoughtfully absorbed by the body,
non-nutritive compounds less easily cross physiological barriers

Picture of body identifying benefits of healthy eating for adults.

● May help you live longer

● Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy
● Supports muscles
● Boosts immunity
● Strengthens bones
● Lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers
● Supports healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding
● Helps the digestive system function
● Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight

Picture of body identifying benefits of healthy eating for children.

● Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy

● Supports muscles
● Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight
● Strengthens bones
● Supports brain development
● Supports healthy growth
 ● Boosts immunity
● Helps the digestive system function

 good sleeping habits,

Some habits that can improve your sleep health:

Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same
time each morning, including on the weekends

Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable

temperature

Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smartphones, from

the bedroom

Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime

Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall
asleep more easily at night.

● harmful effects of using tobacco and alcohol

It has become clear over the last few decades that heavy use of tobacco and/or
alcohol leads to serious health consequences such as the development of cardio-
and cerebrovascular diseases, gastric ulcers, various cancers, particularly
those of the head, neck, oesophagus, and even liver

● Identification of common severe diseases, we don't find out about these

diseases until “it's too late” or at the very last stages

Common signs of allergies, cold and flu, headaches such as migraines,

conjunctivitis, etc.:

 fever (100° F)
 headache
 Red eyes, itching
 more intense pain and fatigue
 sore throat
 Runny nose or Stuffy nose
 Inflamed, itchy nose and throat

Diabetes:
  Are very thirsty
 Lose weight without trying
 Are very hungry
 Have blurry vision
 Have numb or tingling hands or feet
 Feel very tired
 Have very dry skin
 Have sores that heal slowly

Cancer:

 Trouble urinating
 Pain after eating
 Trouble swallowing
 Nausea and vomiting
 Fever or night sweats for no known reason

 Headaches

 Seizures

 Vision changes

 Hearing changes

 Weight gain or weight loss for no known reason

Heart diseases:
 Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, and chest discomfort (angina)
 Shortness of breath
 Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly area, or back
 Pain, numbness, weakness, or coldness in the legs or arms if the blood
vessels in those body areas are narrowed
 Chest pain or discomfort
 Dizziness
 Fainting (syncope) or near fainting
 Fluttering in the chest
 Light-headedness
 Racing heartbeat (tachycardia)
 Shortness of breath
 Slow heartbeat
 Adenoid:

 Difficulty breathing through the nose.

 Bad breath and dry lips from breathing through the mouth.
 Sounding as if the nose is pinched or stuffed.
 Frequent sinus symptoms.
 Snoring.
 Restless sleep or disruptive sleep apnea.
 Ongoing middle ear infections or fluid build-up in school age.

Topic 4 [condt.]:-

● Awareness program in our school auditorium (sort of like us giving a

presentation) about taking preventive measures against communicable
and non-communicable diseases. (Classes 3rd, 4th and 5th)
● Taking feedback from the students about what they learned from the
program and how it went
● Ending it off with showing clips of children conducting a small “rally” and
holding up posters and boards/signs