Healthy Living and Environmental Sustainability
Healthy Living and Environmental Awareness
Causes of Aging
Errors in DNA replication, repair, or transcription, along with the accumulation of unrepaired mutations, contribute to aging and cell death. This leads to organ cell loss, neuroendocrine and immune system exhaustion, and processes related to free radical formation. Consequences include progressive organ and tissue atrophy, decreased cardiac output, reduced muscular and mental capacity, immune deficiency (increasing susceptibility to tumors and infections), and heightened vulnerability to trauma.
Carcinogenic Agents
Mutations induced by carcinogenic agents like radioactivity and solar ultraviolet radiation can lead to cancer development.
Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle involves preventing health risk factors and promoting environmental quality. A balanced diet, tailored to individual needs, should provide all necessary nutrients and energy for daily activities.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise involves repetitive, low-intensity, and prolonged (+30 min) activity engaging large muscle groups.
Components of Snuff
Nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar in snuff contribute to cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Disease Transmission
- Air: Talking, sneezing (tuberculosis, diphtheria)
- Water: Cholera, typhoid fever (contaminated water)
- Food: Salmonellosis, trichinosis (contaminated food)
- Animal Vectors: Malaria, sleeping sickness
Phases of Bacterial Infection
- Colonization of the cell surface
- Penetration through defensive barriers
- Multiplication and invasion, consuming nutrients from the host
- Production of alterations in tissues and organs
Malaria
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium protozoa, which infect red blood cells and are transmitted by Anopheles mosquito bites. Symptoms include recurring high fever and chills every two or three days, coinciding with the parasite’s blood cycle.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis involves the thickening of artery walls due to cholesterol, platelet, and fibrous tissue deposits, forming plaques. Fibrous tissue can calcify and harden arteries, potentially leading to thrombi and aneurysms.
Human Factors and Environmental Risks
Uncontrolled urban growth in developing countries, construction in unsuitable locations, accelerated global warming and pollution, destruction of natural defenses (deforestation, loss of coral reefs and mangroves), overexploitation of water reserves, and poverty contribute to environmental risks and vulnerability to catastrophic events.
Hazard Levels
Hazard is the probability of a damaging phenomenon occurring within a specific timeframe and location. It’s measured on a scale of 1 to 5 (1: non-hazardous, 2: low hazard, 3: medium hazard, 4: high hazard, 5: catastrophic danger).
Volcanic Risk
Prediction: Monitoring volcano behavior through precursor studies. Prevention: Restricting settlements, constructing sloped roofs, building fireproof shelters, and developing evacuation plans.
MSK Climbing Scale
I: Detectable only by seismographs; II: Noticeable on upper floors; III: Hanging objects swing; IV: Vibration of doors and windows; V: Slight building damage; VI: Widespread fear, small ground cracks; VII: Serious damage to some buildings; VIII: General fear and panic; IX: Adobe building collapse, road damage; X: Many building collapses, bridge and dam damage; XI: Damage to all buildings, ground deformation; XII: Total destruction, large cracks, river diversions.
Tsunami Causes
Tsunamis can result from major seabed earthquakes, volcanic collapses into the ocean, underwater eruptions, or asteroid impacts.
Dune Progression Prevention
Barriers and revegetation can help stabilize and prevent dune advancement.
Hurricane Formation
Hurricanes form when sea surface temperatures exceed 26°C, causing rapid water evaporation. Rising water vapor condenses into clouds, releasing energy that generates strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Natural Resources
Natural resources are derived from nature to meet human needs. Non-renewable resources exist in limited quantities (e.g., oil, minerals). Renewable resources are not finite (e.g., wind, solar energy). Potentially renewable resources can be depleted if consumed faster than they regenerate (e.g., fisheries, forests).
Sustainable Development
Sustainable development meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs.
Ecosystem and Ecological Footprint
An ecosystem comprises a physical environment (characterized by factors like temperature), living organisms forming a community, and the relationships between them. The ecological footprint represents the land area needed to produce resources and assimilate waste generated by human activity.
Zero Emissions Principle
The zero emissions principle aims to eliminate bioaccumulative and toxic pollutants, such as heavy metals like lead and mercury.
Water Conservation Measures
- Reduce agricultural use: Improve irrigation systems
- Reduce industrial consumption: Use water-efficient technology, recycle cooling water, prevent contamination
- Reduce urban consumption: Use low-flow devices, treat and reuse wastewater, promote environmental education, implement cost-reflective pricing
- Increase water availability: Build dams and reservoirs
- Develop water management agreements (e.g., International Conference on Water and the Environment)
Benefits of Forest Resources
- Create soil, store water, regulate climate and floods
- Control erosion
- Fix CO2 through photosynthesis
- Provide habitat for diverse species
- Offer resources like wood, food, medicine, oils, gums, and resins
Nuclear Energy from Fission
Nuclear fission involves splitting heavy atoms into lighter elements, releasing energy for electricity generation. Uranium, a radioactive fuel, poses a major drawback.
Hydrogen as Fuel
Hydrogen, ideally obtained from water electrolysis, can be used as fuel, including in fuel cells. Cost and flammability remain challenges.
Energy-Saving Measures
- Install solar panels
- Conduct regular boiler maintenance
- Use fluorescent and energy-saving light bulbs
- Optimize heater temperature and usage
- Utilize public transport