Preventing Non-Communicable Diseases: A Guide to Healthy Living

Lesson Plan on Non-Communicable Diseases and Their Prevention

Subject: Physical and Health Education
Class: Primary 4
Term: 1
Week: 9
Age: 9-10 years
Topic: Non-Communicable Diseases and Their Prevention
Sub-topic: Meaning of Non-Communicable Diseases, Causes, Common Non-Communicable Diseases, and Prevention
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define non-communicable diseases and explain their characteristics.
2. Identify common non-communicable diseases and their causes.
3. Describe the preventive measures for non-communicable diseases.
4. Understand the long-term nature of non-communicable diseases.
5. Relate non-communicable diseases to lifestyle factors.

Keywords

• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Chronic Respiratory Disease
• Prevention
• Obesity
• Malnutrition

Set Induction

1. Ask: “What do you think happens when you get sick? Can everyone catch the same sickness?”
2. Introduce the concept of diseases that do not spread from person to person, called non-communicable diseases.
3. Show pictures of individuals living with conditions like heart disease or asthma and ask how these diseases are different from colds or flu.

Entry Behavior

Students should be familiar with the concept of communicable diseases. Today, they will learn about diseases that cannot be transmitted from person to person and how to prevent them.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Flashcards with images of different non-communicable diseases
• A projector for showing video clips or slides about non-communicable diseases
• Health Education textbooks
• Whiteboard and markers

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have previously learned about communicable diseases and their prevention. Now, they will learn about diseases that do not spread from person to person and how they are often linked to lifestyle and habits.

Embedded Core Skills

• Health literacy
• Decision-making skills
• Responsibility and self-care
• Critical thinking

Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Health Education textbooks

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Physical and Health Education
• Health Education: A Guide for Primary Schools

Instructional Materials

• Flashcards depicting various non-communicable diseases
• Laptop/Projector for visual presentations
• Chart paper for group activities

Content

1. Meaning of Non-Communicable Diseases

• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases that cannot be spread from one person to another. They are also known as chronic diseases because they usually last for a long period of time.

2. Causes of Non-Communicable Diseases

• Atomic Fallout: Radiation from nuclear explosions or power plants.
• Chemical Fallout: Exposure to harmful chemicals, such as nerve gas or toxins.
• Physiological Failure of the Tissues: When the body tissues are unable to function properly.
• Brain Damage: Injury to brain tissue that affects its functioning.
• Congenital Problems: Abnormalities that are present from birth.
• Dietary Imbalance: Eating too much of unhealthy foods.
• Malnutrition: Lack of essential nutrients for proper body function.
• Heredity: Genetic factors passed down from parents.
• Endocrine/Hormonal Issues: Problems with the body’s hormone production.

3. Common Non-Communicable Diseases, Causes, and Prevention

4. Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases

• Personal Hygiene: Regular handwashing and cleanliness.
• Balanced Diet: Eating a variety of healthy foods.
• Regular Check-ups: Visit the doctor for routine health checks.
• Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity regularly.
• Immunization: Protect against diseases through vaccination.
• Use of Insecticide Mosquito Nets: Protect from mosquito-borne diseases.
• Drink Clean Water: Ensure water is free from germs.

Evaluation Questions

Fill in the blank with the correct option.

1. Non-communicable diseases are diseases that __________.
   a) Spread from person to person
   b) Cannot be spread from one person to another
   c) Are caused by viruses
   d) Are not treatable
2. One of the causes of non-communicable diseases is __________.
   a) High blood pressure
   b) Germs and bacteria
   c) Poor hygiene
   d) Airborne infections
3. Cardiovascular disease can be prevented by __________.
   a) Eating too much sugar
   b) Smoking
   c) Regular exercise and a balanced diet
   d) Ignoring medical check-ups
4. __________ is a disease that can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays.
   a) Diabetes
   b) Cancer
   c) Asthma
   d) Cardiovascular disease
5. Chronic respiratory diseases can be prevented by __________.
   a) Avoiding smoking and staying in polluted areas
   b) Drinking more water
   c) Ignoring exercise
   d) Eating a high-fat diet
6. The main cause of diabetes is __________.
   a) Excessive exercise
   b) Lack of blood sugar
   c) High blood sugar and poor diet
   d) Genetic mutation
7. __________ is an example of a chronic disease that lasts for a long period of time.
   a) Malaria
   b) Flu
   c) Cancer
   d) Cold
8. Eating a balanced diet can prevent __________.
   a) Cardiovascular disease
   b) Cough
   c) Flu
   d) Malaria
9. __________ can be avoided by not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke.
   a) Heart disease
   b) Asthma
   c) Chronic respiratory disease
   d) Both a and c
10. __________ can lead to obesity and high blood pressure.
    a) Regular exercise
    b) Poor diet
    c) Good hygiene
    d) Drinking water
11. A balanced diet helps prevent __________.
    a) Obesity
    b) Cancer
    c) Chronic respiratory diseases
    d) All of the above
12. __________ is a disease that can be caused by malnutrition.
    a) Diabetes
    b) Asthma
    c) Cancer
    d) Cardiovascular disease
13. High blood sugar can lead to __________.
    a) Heart attack
    b) Stroke
    c) Diabetes
    d) Cancer
14. To prevent non-communicable diseases, it is important to __________.
    a) Exercise regularly
    b) Eat a balanced diet
    c) Avoid smoking
    d) All of the above
15. A disease caused by a lack of proper nutrients is called __________.
    a) Cancer
    b) Malnutrition
    c) Asthma
    d) Heart disease

Class Activity Discussion

FAQs with Answers

1. What are non-communicable diseases?
   • These are diseases that cannot be spread from one person to another and often last for a long period.
2. What causes non-communicable diseases?
   • Causes include poor diet, lack of exercise, heredity, and environmental factors like air pollution.
3. How can we prevent non-communicable diseases?
   • Regular exercise, a balanced diet, medical check-ups, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking.
4. Is cancer caused by poor diet?
   • Diet is one of the factors, but cancer can also be caused by genetic mutations and environmental exposures.
5. What is the best way to prevent heart disease?
   • Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
6. What diseases are caused by high blood sugar?
   • High blood sugar can lead to diabetes and increase the risk of heart disease.
7. Why is a balanced diet important for health?
   • A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients to keep the body healthy and prevent diseases.
8. How can pollution affect respiratory health?
   • Poor air quality can trigger or worsen chronic respiratory diseases like asthma.
9. What is the role of personal hygiene in preventing diseases?
   • Good hygiene helps prevent infections and supports overall health.
10. What are the benefits of regular medical check-ups?
    • Regular check-ups help detect health problems early and prevent diseases from worsening.

Teacher’s Activities

1. Introduce the concept of non-communicable diseases and discuss their causes.
2. Explain each type of non-communicable disease and preventive measures.
3. Engage students with discussion and answer questions.
4. Encourage students to practice healthy habits and lifestyle choices.

Learners’ Activities

1. Listen and participate in the lesson.
2. Answer questions from the teacher.
3. Discuss and practice preventive measures in class.
4. Take notes on important points regarding prevention.

Assessment

1. Define non-communicable diseases.
2. Name two common non-communicable diseases.
3. What is one way to prevent cardiovascular disease?
4. How can you prevent cancer?
5. Why is regular exercise important for health?
6. What causes diabetes?
7. How can we improve air quality in our surroundings?
8. What is a balanced diet?
9. What should you do if you have high blood sugar?
10. Why is personal hygiene important in disease prevention?

Conclusion

The teacher will review key points, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle choices such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits in preventing non-communicable diseases.