PPG Health and Physical Education 7

HEALTH AND
PHYSICAL EDUCATION

GRADE-VII

Netra Prasad Subedi
M.SC. (TU)

Pustak Prakashan Griha 1

Kathmandu
01-4465810

Pustak Prakashan Griha

Name: Roll no.:
Section:
School Name:
Parents Name:
Address:
Contact no.:

Author

MR. NETRA PD. SUBEDI

Layout

Sachin Maharjan

@publisher

Printed in 2075

Pustak prakashan Griha
Kathmandu
Tel.: 01-4465810

Print in Nepal

2 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Foreword

Students enrolled in the lower secondary grades are just at the
stage of pubescence and hence there are arrays of curiosity
regarding their surrounding and their own body. They are
at the mission of learning life-skills through family, school,
teachers, textbooks, surroundings and the whole world.
Conversely, their age propels them to lurk within their own
shyness.

It is an immense pleasure to bring this Text Book of Health,
and Physical Education for Grade Seven prepared according
to the recently amended syllabus prescribed by Curriculum
Development Centre (CDC) of the government of Nepal.
It is presented in attractive and appropriate design from
the psychological point of view for pubescents. A good
composition of contextually-attractive pictures and precise
reading materials will generate inner interests among
students. I believe such interests play key roles in developing
them into text -lover and generous learners on their course.

I look forward to constructive feedback, genuine comments
and healthy criticism from the readers so that the subsequent
edition will be more useful.

Author
2075

Pustak Prakashan Griha 3

Contents

1 HUMAN BODY Part - I Health Education 1

1.1 Introduction to Human Body 1
1.2 Skeleton system 2
1.3 Muscular System 5
1.4 Digestive system 6
1.5 Respiratory System 11
1.6 Urinary System 14

2 PERSONAL HEALTH 18

2.1 Introduction 18
2.2 Caring for Sense Organs 19
2.3 Balanced Diet and Safe Drinking Water 22
2.4 Right Posture 23
2.5 Good Mental Health 23

3 NUTRITION 26

3.1 Introduction to Food and Nutrition 26
3.2 Nutrients 27
3.2.3 Protecting Nutrients (Minerals and Vitamins) 29
3.3 Importance of Balanced diet 32
3.4 Junk Food (Introduction and Effects on our Health) 33

4 DISEASE 36

4.1 Introduction to Disease 36
4.2 Communicable Diseases 37
4.3. Some Communicable Diseases 38

5 ADOLESCENCE, SEX & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 51
5.1 Introduction to Adolescence 51
5.2 Characteristics of Adolescence 51
5.3 Sex Orientation 52
5.4 Need and Importance of Reproductive Health
Education 52
5.5 Reproductive Phenomenon 53
5.6 Sexually Transmitted Infections and Infections in
Reproductive Tract 55

6 DRUGS, SMOKING AND ALCOHOLISM 59

6.1 Drugs 59
6.2 Alcoholism 60
6.3 Tobacco and Smoking 61

7 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 65

7.1 Introduction to Environmental Health 65
7.2 Harmful Effects of Polluted Water in Our Health 65
7.3 Harmful Consequences of Deficiency of Water in Our Body 65
7.4 Solid Wastes 66
7.5 Management of Solid Wastes 66
7.6 Latrine 68

8 SAFETY AND FIRST AID 72

8.1 Introduction to Safety and First Aid 72
8.3 First Aid for Specific Conditions 73

4 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

9 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH 84

9.1 Concept of Family Health 84
9.2 Importance of Family Health 84
9.3 Problems of Community Health 85
9.4 Measures to Solve Community Health Problems 87

Part - II Physical Education 92

10 PHYSICAL EXERCISE 92
93
10.1 Introduction to Physical Exercises 94
10.2 Warming-up Exercises 94
10.3 Exercise of the Sole 96
10.4 Exercise of the Limbs and Spine
10.5 Exercise of Abdomen and Thigh 98

11 DRILL 98
98
11.1 Introduction to Drill 99
11.2 Cover-up 99
11.3 Stand-at-ease 99
11.4 Attention 99
11.5 Right turn 100
11.6 Left turn 100
11.7 About turn 100
11.8 Mark Time 100
11.9 Quick march 101
11.10 Right eye/Left eye/Front (or Straight) eye
11.11 Halt 103

12 PHYSICAL TRAINING 103

12.1 Introduction to Physical Training (PT) 111

13 YOGA 111
112
13.1 Introduction to Yoga 112
13.2 Importance of Yoga 113
13.3 Ardhamatsyendrasana (Half-fish pose) 113
13.4 Gomukhasana (Cow-face pose) 114
13.5 Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) 115
13.6 Matsyasana (Fish pose) 116
13.7 Supta Bajrasana (Supine Thunderbolt Pose) 117
13.8 Yoga Mudrasana (Psychic-Union Pose) 118
13.9 Pawanamuktasana (Gas releasing pose)
13.10 Markatasana (Monkey pose) 120

14 GAMES 120
125
14.1 Volleyball 126
14.1. Rules for Volleyball Game 130
14.2 Football 133
14.3 Basketball 135
14.4 Kabaddi
14.5 Kho-kho 140

15 ATHLETICS 140
140
15.1 Introduction to Athletics 142
15.2 Medium-Distance Race 143
15.3 High Jump 145
15.4 Shot Put
15.5 Relay Games 5

Pustak Prakashan Griha

Part-I
Health Education

6 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Unit: 1 HUMAN BODY

1.1 Introduction to Human Body

Brain

Lung

Trachea

Heart Liver
Small Intestine Stomach

Large Intestine

There are cells, tissues, organs and systems in human body. Cells are
the fundamental microscopic units of life that constitute human body.
Similar cells form a tissue in our body to carry out common functions at
particular place. Tissues group together and coordinate with each other
for common tasks to form organs. Few organs work together and develop
a system. Nervous system, skeletal system, muscular system, digestive
system, respiratory system, integumentary system, immune system,
lymphatic system, reproductive system, blood circulatory system and
urinary systems are some of the important systems in our body. An adult
human body is made up of more than 100 trillion cells, 206 bones, 600
muscles and approximately 79 organs.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 1

Cells: Cells are basic building units of human body. There are more than
100 trillion cells in a human body. They are the basic functional units that
carry out the functions of physiology and metabolism.
Tissues: A tissue is a group of cells working together to do specific work
in human body
Organs: Organs are the body parts formed by a group of tissues. Ears, eyes,
nose, the heart, the lungs, the brain are some examples of the organ.

1.2 Skeleton system
There are 206 bones in our body. They are made up of special cells called
osteocytes. There is adequate deposition of hard minerals like calcium
and phosphorus salts.
Therefore, bones
are very hard. Bones
provide support to our
muscles. Bones are
connected at joints in
order to help us work
and move around
our body parts. They
protect soft parts of our
body. For example, the
brain is safe inside skull;
the heart is protected
by rib cage. The skeletal
system provides proper
shape, strength and
rigidity to our body.

For healthy bone, we
should eat calcium-rich
foods like leafy-green vegetables, almond, milk, fish, etc. Proper and
regular physical exercise boosts our bone’s strength. Running, dancing,
playing and cycling also help to keep our bones healthy.

2 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

1.2.1 Types of Bones

We have long bones, short bones, flat bones and irregular bones in our
body.
Long bones
Long bones are found in arms and legs. They provide strength, mobility
and shape. Humerus, Radius and Ulna, Femur, Tibia and Fibula are long
bones.
Short bones
Phalanges, Carpals, Metacarpals, Tarsals and Metatarsals are some
examples of short bones. They provide support and stability to our body
part.
Flat bones
Skull, rib cage and shoulder bones are flat. Flat bones safeguard vital
organs of the body such as heart is protected by ribcage. The brain is
protected by skull.
Irregular bones
Irregular bones are of different shape and size. They provide support and
movement to our body. They also protect our nervous tissues. There are
33 irregular bones in our spine. Other irregular bones are found in our
face, neck and other parts of the body.

1.2.2 Functions of bones

The functions of bones can be studied based on their support, shape,
protection, assistance in movement, production of blood cells, and
storage of mineral salts.
a. Shape of the body: Bones provide shape to our body. Muscles, fats

and other tissues cover the skeletal axis and bones in our body.
b. Support: As bones are the hardest and strongest tissue in our body,

they provide support to our body.
c. Protection: Bones protects internal organs like the brain, heart, liver,

lungs, intestine, etc. of our body.
d. Movement: Bones are attached to the muscles. They help in body

Pustak Prakashan Griha 3

movement with the help of tendons and ligaments.
e. Blood production: Bone marrow produces blood cells inside bones.
f. Storehouse of minerals: Bones store calcium and phosphorus salts

required for our body.

1.2.3 Joints

A Joint is a place at which two or more bones are joined. Joints provide
motion and flexibility to our body. There are three types of joints:
Immovable joints
There is no movement in the joint at all. Surfaces of joining bones are
connected by fibrous tissue or elastic cartilage. Immovable joints provide
stable union between bones. Skull is an immovable joint.
Semi-movable joints
At semi-movable joints bones are connected by cartilage. We can slightly
move the joints, but cannot rotate. Sternum and joints of vertebra are
the example, of semi-movable joints.
Movable joints
Movable joints move freely. Joints are flexible. Different kinds of movement
is possible because of these joints. There are five types of movable joints.
Ball and socket joint
A ball-like head of one bone fits into a cup-like cavity of the other and
the allows movement in any direction. It provides swinging and rotating
movement. Hip and shoulder joints are the examples of ball and socket
joint.
Hinge joint
Bones are joined in such a way that the movement is possible only in
one plane. Elbow and knee joints are hinge joints. Humerus and ulna are
joined at elbow. Thigh and lower leg are joined at knee.
Pivot joint
Rounded end of one bone fits into a ring formed at the end of other bone
at pivot joint. Pivot joints allow bones to rotate. We easily turn our head

4 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

from side to side because of the pivot joint between the skull and the top
vertebrae in our neck. We rotate our forearm at pivot joint between the
radius and ulna.
Gliding joint
At gliding joints, bones are connected on a plane surface where they
move along smoothly and easily in any direction- up, down, left and right.
Gliding joints of hand and arm help to slide, bend and twist our wrists.
Saddle joints
We can move our thumb side to side and back and forth because there
is a saddle joint at the base of the thumb. Concave surface of one bone
perfectly fits into the convex surface of another one at saddle joint. It
gives us the ability to grip.

1.3 Muscular System Cardiac muscle cell
Skeletal muscle cell
Muscular system is made up of Smooth muscle cell
muscles. Muscles are made up
of an elastic type tissues. There
are around 650 muscles in our
body. The muscles maintain
posture, physical movement
and movement of internal
organs. The main purpose
of the muscle is to produce
force and motion in the body.
Muscles are divided into three types.

a. Smooth Muscles
Involuntary muscles found in internal organs of the body are called
smooth muscles. These muscles are not under conscious control. It is
found on the walls of many organs and structures such as the esophagus,
stomach, intestines, urinary bladder and blood vessels. Smooth muscles
contract to move substances such as food through the esophagus. They
are soft and non-striated.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 5

b. Skeletal Muscles
Skeletal muscles are voluntary muscles that control nearly every action a
person intentionally performs. Tendons attach the muscle to two bones
across a joint. As one muscle contracts on one side, the other at opposite
side relaxes. Such controversial actions of muscles bring movement of
the bones at joints. They are voluntary and striated in nature. We can
move them according to our desire.
c. Cardiac Muscles
Muscle of the heart is called cardiac muscle.
Cardiac muscle is also an involuntary
muscle. It is responsible for keeping the
heart pumping. Cardiac muscle is also
involuntary in nature.

1.4 Digestive system
The food we eat passes
through a tubular passage
called alimentary canal.
The canal begins from Liver

mouth and ends at anal Stomach
opening. Inside the Gallbladder
alimentary canal, different
physical and chemical Large Small
processes take place to intestine intestine

digest food. During the
process of digestion, bigger
molecules are broken
down into smaller and useful molecules of nutrients. Our body receives
water, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals by absorbing them
from the digestive system. Materials which are not absorbed into the
blood are thrown away during defecation from the anus. This process
is called digestion process. It begins from mouth and ends at anus. The
alimentary canal is about 20 to 30 feet long. To understand digestive
system we must understand the major stages of digestion at different
parts.

6 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

1.4.1 Parts of the Digestive System

a. Mouth
Mouth is the first or starting part of alimentary canal. Chewing and
swallowing are two major functions of mouth. We bite, crush and grind
food in the mouth. Teeth break down large pieces of food into small ones.
Saliva is produced in mouth. Saliva is mixed with the food and makes it
easier to swallow and digest. Tongue actively helps in grinding and mixing
process. It also feels the taste of food. Three pairs of salivary glands inside
mouth produce saliva. Tongue pushes the chewed food into the throat.
Special throat muscles push the food down into the esophagus through
pharynx.

b. Pharynx
It lies at the posterior part of mouth cavity. There is a diversion at pharynx
that separates ways for air and food. Food and water are swallowed
towards the esophagus. Air passes towards the lungs through larynx and
windpipe. Adam’s apple or the larynx is the organ of voice. If there is any

Pustak Prakashan Griha 7

abnormality in larynx, it causes vocal problem. Congenital cleft palate is
a common problem in creating voice and speech. It should be treated
earlier to overcome the problems in voice due to problems in larynx.
c. Esophagus
Esophagus is a muscular tube that connects throat to stomach. We may
also call it food-pipe. Muscles of esophagus further push food along this
tubular structure until it gets into our stomach. A flap prevents food from
going down the windpipe. It automatically blocks off the opening of the
windpipe when the food reaches there. This flap is called epiglottis.
d. Stomach
Stomach is a muscular bag. It is located on the central-left side of the
upper abdomen. The food we eat is stored here for around four hours.
Hydrochloric acid produced from the gastric glands of the inner wall
of stomach helps in decomposition of food. The acid also kills several
types of microorganisms that may harm our body. Digestive enzymes are
produced in stomach. These enzymes help in digestion process.
e. Small intestine
Small intestine is a tube-like structure located between stomach and
large intestine. Average length of small intestine is 5 to 10m. Most of
the digestion process takes place in small intestine. Pancreas, liver and
gallbladder produce digestive enzyme and send to small intestine.

8 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

The first and shortest segment of the small bowel, duodenum connects
the stomach to the jejunum. Duodenum is a C-shaped muscular tube
which measures around a foot in length. Duodenum receives food from
the stomach in the form of chyme and mixes it with bile juice from the
liver and the pancreatic juice from pancreas. The digestive juices contain
enzymes that actually help in digestion. Brunner’s glands present only in
the duodenum secrete the mucus that helps in easy movement of food
along the alimentary canal.

Jejunum is the second or middle part of the small intestine. In terms of
length, it is longer than duodenum and shorter than ileum. Measuring
around 8 feet, the duodenum is as many as 8 times longer than the
duodenum. The third and longest segment of small bowel, ileum runs for
the length of 12 feet, accounting for three-fifths the length of the small
bowel. Continuous with the jejunum, it ends at the ileocecal valve, which
separates it from the cecum.

There are numerous finger-like projections on the inner wall of small
intestine. These are known as villi. Villi absorb nutrition and supply to all
parts of the body through the blood.

f. Large intestine (Colon)
Although the large intestine is
shorter than the small intestine,
it is considerably thicker in
diameter, thus giving it its name. Transverse
colon

It is only about 1.5 m long. It Ascending
is also called colon. It begins colon
from the end of small intestine Descending
colon

at the lower right part of the Cecum Sigmoid
abdomen. At the other end, it is colon
connected to rectum. Last stage Rectum
Anus

of digestion takes place here. It
absorbs water and nutrients from the food. Any food that the body does
not need or cannot use is sent to the large intestine and later leaves the
body as waste.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 9

Large intestine has four distinct parts. They are ascending colon, transverse
colon, descending colon and sigmoid colon. The first part where the small
intestine connects through the ileocecal valve is called ascending colon.
Food passes upwards through this portion. At the bottom of ascending
colon, there is vermiform appendix. It is very dangerous to tolerate
severe pain at right lower abdomen as it might be an inflammation of
the appendix. It is very delicate and if it is burst with inflammation, the
patient may die in no time.
g. Rectum
The rectum is a hollow muscular tube about 8 inches in length and 2.5
inches in diameter. It extends from the end of large intestine to the anus.
The walls of the rectum absorb water and return it to the body. Fecal
matters are stored in the rectum until the body is ready to eliminate the
waste through the process of defecation. We feel an urge to defecate
when adequate feces is collected in it.
h. Anus
The anus is a short tube at the end of the rectum. This is the last segment
of gastrointestinal tract. Feces passes through anus during defecation.
The opening of the anus remains closed except during defecation.

1.4.2 Process of digestion

When we eat something, our teeth chew it to break down the food, while
our tongue mixes it with saliva. Salivary glands inside the mouth produce
about a litter of saliva in a day. Now, the bite is soft and moist to swallow.
As we swallow foodstuff, muscles in the mouth and throat propel it to
esophagus. Esophagus takes the swallowed food into the stomach. In
the stomach, the food is further broken down. There are digestive glands
in the stomach. They produce stomach acid and enzymes which mix
with the food. They help to digest protein. Now it looks like paste. It is
called chyme. Well-mixed chyme moves down into the first part of small
intestine. It is called duodenum. The chyme mixes up with a variety of
digestive juices from pancreas, liver and gallbladder.
Pancreas produces a juice containing several enzymes that break down

10 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Liver produces bile juice. Bile juice
dissolves fat into the watery contents of the intestine. Small intestine
produces intestinal juice, absorbs important nutrients and supplies them
to the body through the bloodstream through villi. As the food reaches
large intestine, water and some nutrients are absorbed here. The waste is
collected in rectum. Useless waste gets released through anus at the end
of the digestion process.

1.5 Respiratory System

We breathe to live and energize our life. Breathing is essential to be
alive. We breathe in oxygen from the atmosphere and breathe out
carbon dioxide. The cardio-pulmonary circulatory process connects the
respiratory system to the heart and circulatory system. Oxygen is carried
in the blood, traveling everywhere throughout the body. Respiration is
studied in two different processes. They are external respiration and
internal respiration. External respiration is also called breathing. It is the
process of exchanging gases between the body and atmosphere through
exhaling and inhaling.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 11

1.5.1 Process of External Respiration (Breathing)

It basically includes inhaling, gaseous exchange in the lungs and exhaling.
A healthy adult breathes approximately for 18 to 20 times per minute.
Respiration rate increases during physical works and exercises, diseased
conditions (like asthma), emotional spikes (like fear, love and jealousy)
and fever.

a. Inhalation
As we receive the air through the nose and mouth, the lungs expand.
The diaphragm (a dome-shaped muscular partition separating the thorax
from the abdomen) expands into the abdominal cavity. The ribs move up
and out, creating room in the chest (thoracic cavity).

b. Gas Exchange in the Lungs oxygenated blood
Bronchial tube carries the air to heart
into the lungs through small
bronchioles. Air reaches into deoxygenated
alveoli (air sacs of the lungs). blood from heart
The alveoli are surrounded
by the capillaries of the single alveolus
pulmonary arteries and veins.
Oxygen from the inflated
lungs moves from the alveoli
into the capillaries as carbon
dioxide moves from the
capillaries into the alveoli.

c. Exhalation
The diaphragm muscle relaxes and returns to its dome-like position inside
the ribcage. The ribcage muscles also relax. This pressure surrounding
the lungs pushes air out of the body. Carbon dioxide is released from the
body by traveling through the alveoli to the bronchiole to the bronchi,
up the trachea and out through the nose and mouth. Exhalation is the
passive phase of breathing.

12 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

1.5.2 Organs involved in Respiration

The following organs are involved in the process of respiration.

Nose: There are two nostrils in our nose. Nostrils are the opening of the
nasal cavity through which air passes to the lungs. The fine hairs inside
the nostrils filter various unwanted dust from the air while inhaling that
keeps our lungs clean and clear.

Mouth: During inhaling, mouth also works as the passageway for the air.

Pharynx: Located in the throat at the end of nasal cavity, pharymx provides
the way for the air to enter the larynx. This is also the passageway for
food into the esophagus.

Larynx: This is a hollow muscular organ that lies between the pharynx
and trachea. It takes air into the lungs. It is also called the voice box.
Larynx is also involved in voice production. Vocal cords lie in the larynx.
We produce sounds with the help of these vocal cords. Epiglottis in the
larynx prevents the entrance of any solid or liquid into the trachea and
lungs.

Trachea or wind pipe: Branching off from the esophagus, this is the
passageway for air to the lungs. It joins bronchi and larynx.

Bronchi: There are two bronchi. They branches off from the end of
trachea, leading to each of the lungs. Bronchi are the main passageway
into the lungs. The air that comes through the trachea is carried through
the left and right bronchus.

Bronchioles: Bronchioles are the smaller branch of bronchi. There are
about 30,000 bronchioles in each lung. Bronchioles are only as thick as a
single strand of hair. Alveoli receive air through these bronchioles. Fine
blood capillaries are connected to the alveoli. Exchange of oxygen and
carbon dioxide gases takes place across the walls of alveoli and blood
capillaries.

Lungs: Lungs are the two large organs inside our ribcage where we
exchange oxygen with carbon dioxide. The lungs expand when we breathe

Pustak Prakashan Griha 13

in and contract when we breathe out. The left lung is slightly smaller than
the right. Left lung shares its space with the heart. The left lung has two
lobes and the right lung has three. The lungs are soft, spongy, expandable
and light. There are about 350 million alveoli in each lung. Average weight
of a lung is 454 grams.

1.5.3 Process of internal respiration

The exchange of gases between blood and the cells inside the body is
called internal respiration.
When blood is oxygenated around the alveoli due to contact with air,
red blood cells (particularly hemoglobin pigment on its wall) becomes
rich in oxygen. Now, the blood is called oxygenated blood. Oxygenated
RBCs travel into various cells at different tissues and organs where the
cells absorb oxygen molecules. Each cell produces ATP (energy) inside
it and produces carbon dioxide gas that is passed out from cells into
the bloodstream. When carbon dioxide gas is collected into the lungs,
it is exhaled out towards the atmosphere through external respiration
process.

1.5.4 Care of the Respiratory System

Healthy air is very important to keep our respiratory system strong and
healthy. If air is polluted, various harmful gases and dust enter the lung.
We must stay out of the polluted area. Smoking is hazardous to our
respiratory health.
We should discourage smoking in our family and community. Drinking
plenty of water, getting enough rest, regular exercise and hygienic food
are important for healthy lungs and the respiratory system.

1.6 Urinary System

Urinary system removes harmful and nitrogenous water-soluble waste
from our body. Kidneys are the main organs of urinary system. They filter
blood to remove waste materials. Urine produced in the kidneys is stored
in bladder. When the bladder is full, nerves of the bladder wall send a
message to the brain that we feel a need to urinate.

14 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

1.6.1Major Organs of Urinary System

Kidneys
Kidneys are the main organs of urinary system. They are located just above
the waist with one on each side of the spinal column. There are two kidneys
in human body. Kidneys are protected by layer of fat and by the bottom
ribs. They are behind the stomach. Kidneys remove urea, poisons and other
wastes from the blood and regulate the amount of water in the circulatory
system. They filter about one fourth of a liter of blood per minute. Millions
of microscopic nephrons of kidneys filter blood. Kidneys maintain the
balanced amount of liquid in our body.

Inferior Aorta
Vena cava

Kidneys

Ureters

Urinary
bladder

Urethra

Ureters
Ureters are the two thin tubes that take urine from the kidneys to the
bladder. Ureters are joined at the pelvis of kidneys and upper part of urinary
bladder. Ureters are 25 to 30cm long.
Urinary bladder
Urinary bladder is a muscular sac where urine is stored. It can store about
500ml urine until it is time to urinate. Its lower part is connected with the
urethra. When the bladder is full, a signal is sent to the brain and the fluid
is released into the urethra and we feel an urge to urinate. There are two

Health and Physical Education, Grade VII

sphincter muscles. These muscles are tightly closed when there is no
collection of urine and loosen themselves to allow urine pass at the time
of urination.
Urethra
Urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body at
the time of urination. Men’s urethra extends out along with the penis. It
is 18 to 20cm long. In female, it opens about one centimeter above the
vaginal opening. It is 3 to 4cm long.

1.6.3 Process of Urine Excretion

Kidneys are the major filtering organs of urinary system. They receive
blood from renal arteries. Blood filtration takes place in nephrons within
the kidneys. Protein, glucose, water and other useful nutrients are sent
back to the bloodstream from nephrons, while the waste and excess stuff
is taken out as urine. Urine is collected at pelvis of kidneys and that is
drained towards the bladder through ureters.
Urine contains water, urea, urochrome, salt creatinine, byproducts of bile
from the liver, ammonia, etc. The waste fluid is called urine. When the
bladder is full, we feel an urge to urinate. Urine is excreted out through
urethra.

Project Work
1. What do people of different age group in your community say about

the formation of human body? Make three groups of respondents
as children (primary school-level students), adolescents
(secondary and college-level students) and adults/elderly (post-
college people) and ask this question to five respondents in each
group.
2. Question: “How is human body made up of?”
Note the answers in your copy and write a short descriptive report
on it. Present your report in the classroom

16 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Exercise

1. Write ‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for the false statements.
a. Cells are the structural and functional units of body.
b. There are two hundred twenty six bones in human body.
c. Phalanges are the examples of flat bones in human skeletal
system.
d. Cardiac muscles are present in thigh and arms.
e. The alimentary canal is about 20 to 30 feet long.
f. Windpipe is also called trachea.
g. Urine is prepared in urinary bladder.

2. What do you mean by tissues and organs?

3. What is the difference between hinge joint and pivot joint? Write
with examples.

4. Write short notes on: b. Skeletal muscles
a. Smooth muscles

5. What are the organs of digestive system? What is the role of mouth
in digestion of foods?

6. How does the exchange of oxygen and carbondioxide gases take
place in human body? Describe in short.

7. Draw a diagram illustrating the urinary system.

8. How can we take proper care of our respiratory system? Describe.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 17

Unit: 2 PERSONAL HEALTH

2.1 Introduction

According to the world health organization ‘health is a state of complete
physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of
disease or infirmity’. We should always maintain good hygiene to avoid
illness. The incidence of illness is directly related to the health habits.
Personal health is our own responsibility. To maintain good health good
personal health behavior is necessary. Health behaviors have important
consequences for both the quality and length of our life. Some of the
major health-related behaviors are the habits regarding body care,
balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise and adequate rest.

18 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

2.1.1 Caring our Body

There are various organs in our body. They work under different body
systems. If these organs are healthy, they perform nicely and we can live
a healthy and energetic life. Therefore, it is important to look after our
body organs. We should keep them clean. We should take bath regularly.
We should always eat healthy and hygienic food.
Physical exercise, Yoga and Pranayama are equally good for external and
internal organs like heart, lungs and brain. We should not play with sharp
objects. We should keep us away from harmful germs and substance.
Similarly taking adequate rest is also very important for body care. Timely
immunization is also very important to avoid illness. We should say ‘no’
to smoking, liquor, harmful drugs and unhygienic food. If we properly
care our body we can happily live a healthy, long and quality life.

2.2 Caring for Sense Organs

a. Nose
Nose is a sense organ. It perceives smell. The nose also helps us to breathe.
The two holes at our nose are called nostrils.
Taking care of nose
w Do not insert finger, nail or sharp objects inside the nostrils
w Clean the nose with clean water
w Gently remove the mucus from the nose.
w See a doctor if there is nosebleed or any other nose injury
Method of cleaning nose
Nasal mucus is the excretory substance
at nose. Mucus filters airborne
contaminants when it is present at the
inner lining of nasal cavity. It creates
nasal congestion when there is huge
accumulation of mucus in the nose.
If it is accumulated to a significant
amount, it moves downwards to the
nostrils and gives a dirty look to the

Pustak Prakashan Griha 19

snout. Remaining safe from extreme cold, dust and pollutants in air, we
can minimize production of mucus inside the nose.
Expulsion of mucus with an exhalation with a light force and cleaning
the nose with clean water is the best way of keeping it clean. We can
use a clean handkerchief to wipe off the mucus around the nostrils. If we
have heavy nasal congestion, increased physical exercises and hot water
vapor inhalation may relieve it. If it is still problematic and obstructing the
respiration, we should see a doctor to take recommended medications.
b. Ears
Ears are sense organs. They perceive sound. A type of waxy substance
comes out of the ears. This is called earwax. Earwax prevents dust from
entering the ears and kills harmful germs.
Taking care of ears
w We should gently clean earwax from only external canal of the ear

with soft cotton buds. Inserting cotton bud too deep into the ear is
dangerous.
w Putting water, oil and any medicine without doctor’s advice is
harmful to our ears.
w Sharp and rusted instruments should not be inserted in the ears.
w Put cotton in the ear while bathing and swimming to prevent water
getting inside.
w If water enters the ear, remove it as soon as possible by tilting the
head sideward for a few minutes.
w Keep ourselves away from noise pollution.
w See a doctor in case of any injury or ear problem
Method of cleaning ears
Earwax is the major excretory substance
at ears. Earwax is produced from the
inner lining of ear-hole to filter airborne
contaminants and prevent inward
motion of insects and dust into the
ears. It creates hearing problems when

20 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

there is huge accumulation of earwax in the ears. If it is accumulated to
a significant amount, we can use a soft cotton bud to remove earwax
from the outer ear canal. We should not insert anything to the ear canal
deeply. There is a delicate vibratory membrane at the base of canal. If it
is damaged, it may create a problematic or permanent deafness. If the
accumulation of earwax is severely problematic, we should see a doctor
to take instrumental and medical assistance of cleaning earwax by the
experts.
c. Eyes
These beautiful sense organs are very sensitive. We see the world with
our eyes. We should always take care of our eyes with the following
guidelines.
w Wash eyes with clean and cold water twice a day.
w Do not look at the excessive light. Keep away from harmful solar

radiation. Use sun glasses while going outside in sunny days.
w Do not apply any medicine and cosmetics without an expert’s

suggestion.
w Rubbing eyes is harmful and may cause injuries in the internal

tissues.
w If anything gets into the eyes, let it be washed away with the tear.

Use clean and cold water to wash eyes.
w Dust, smoke and chemicals are harmful to eyes.
w Eat green vegetables and yellow fruits that are rich in vitamin A.
w See a qualified doctor if there is any eye-problem or injury.
Method of cleaning eyes
Eyes are our sense organs for the
acquisition of vision. We must wash
our eyes with clean and cold water
every day. As eyes are moist all the
time, they reflect light and attract
dust and insects. It is not good to
rub eyes in any situation. Excessive
rubbing of eyes may cause irritation

Pustak Prakashan Griha 21

and inflammation. Most of the times, tear plays a significant role to wipe
out unwanted foreign materials from the eyes. When tear cannot help,
we should use clean and wet corner of clean handkerchief to remove
foreign materials like dirt or insect from the eyes. Most of the times,
dipping eyes in water kept on a shallow dish or bowel helps significantly
wash away the unwanted materials.

2.3 Balanced Diet and Safe Drinking Water
2.3.1 Introduction to Balanced Diet and its Importance

Balanced diet is the set of food that contains all nutrients in necessary
amount. We can maintain balance of nutrients in our body by consuming
right type of foods in right
amount. There should
be inclusion of grains,
lentils, green vegetables
and fruits in our daily
food intake.
Regular and balanced
supply of necessary
nutrients protects us
from various diseases and infirmities. We should avoid junk food and hot,
spicy and oily food as far as possible. Lentils, cereals, green vegetables
and milk products are good for our health. Meat, egg and fish are also
good sources of protein and other nutrients. It is not good to eat too
much or too less. We should take food three or four times a day.

2.3.2 Introduction to Safe Drinking water and its
Importance

Our body requires plenty of water every day in order to carry out the
metabolic activities within our cells and tissues. Water is the major
constituent of our body.
Safe drinking water means the water which is free from harmful chemical
substances, germs and dirt. Water collected from an appropriate source
contain natural minerals like calcium and magnesium. They are useful

22 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

for our body. We should drink
adequate amount of pure water
collected from a clean source. If
we have doubt of any impurities in
water, we must purify water before
drinking it. There are several
methods of water purification.
Water can be purified by boiling,
filtering, adding chlorine solution,
etc.

2.4 Right Posture

Posture is the position of our body. We should choose the right posture
while sitting, standing, sleeping and moving. We should not bend our
body and backbone unnecesserily
while standing, sitting, or sleeping.
Right posture helps in keeping our
body fit and fine. Right posture
provides appropriate shape and
size of our body and enhances our
personality. If we want a perfect
body structure, we must choose
the right posture while sitting,
standing, sleeping and moving.

2.5 Good Mental Health

Brain is one of the main organs of our body. It controls and commands all
the body system. Its capacity depends upon the status of mental health.
We must take balanced diet and perform regular physical exercises for
sound mental health. It is important to play various indoor and outdoor
games. We need time and freedom to play. We should share love and
belongingness as a part of the family. Going to school regularly, making
friends, interacting with them for good deeds and taking part in social
activities are good for sound mental health.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 23

ACTIVITY
1. Select any ten friends in your classroom. Examine their ears, eyes

and nose. What is their status of cleanliness of these organs?
Prepare a report and show it to your teacher.

24 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Exercise

1. Write ‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for the false statements.
a. Health is related to physical, mental and social wellnes of human
body.
b. All nutrients help in production of energy inside our body.
c. In order to remain halthy, we should wash our hands, legs, face
and all body parts.
d. Sharp instruments are appropriate to remove earwax and clean
the earholes.
e. Safe drinking water means the water without leeches and
snakes.
e. Calm and peaceful mind helps us remain healthy.
f. Noise or sound pollution may cause deafness.
g. We should bend our backbone while sitting to study.

2. State the definition of health according to WHO.

3. What are the positive health-related behaviors? Mention.

4. What is the common excretory substance of the nose? How should
we maintain it’s cleanlines and hygiene?

5. What happens when we do not keep the ears clean?

6. Eyes are very important for us. What are the common risks
associated with the eyes?

7. Write a short note on ‘right posture.’

8. Write any two measures to keep our mental health sound.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 25

Unit: 3 NUTRITION

3.1 Introduction to Food and Nutrition

Food provides nutrition to our body. The food and drinks we take influence
energy, growth and development of our body. Therefore, it is very
important to take balanced diet at right time. We must choose the sets
of foods that include all the necessary nutrients in appropriate amount.
Such set of foods is called balanced diet. We should take right amount
of food from all the four food groups to meet the nutritional need of our
body each day. While eating, we must check the quality of the food.
We eat varieties of food to satisfy our hunger and taste. Our body needs
carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. These are
called the nutrients. Healthy eating is very important for healthy lifestyle.
There are varieties of food which come from different sources. There are
mainly four food groups.

26 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Vegetables and fruit
Grain product
Milk and alternatives
Meat and alternatives

3.2 Nutrients

Nutrients are the components in food that an organism uses to survive
and grow. Nutrients are the basic substance contained in foods that are
essential for growth, development, and protection of body. Nutrients are
obtained from various types of foods. There are three basic categories of
nutrients. They are body-building nutrients, energy-giving nutrients and
protecting-nutrients. They are obtained from different sources of food.
Some of the major food of nutrients are given in the table below:

Sources of Energy-giving Sources of Sources of
nutrients Body-Building protecting nutrients
Sources of Sources of nutrients (Vitamins and
Carbohydrates Fats (Proteins) Minerals)

Rice Ghee Meat Fruits like mango,
lemon, papaya,
Maize Oil Milk banana, guava, etc.
Potato Cheese Beans

Bread Butter Lentils Green vegetables
Sweet Fruits Animal fats like lettuce, spinach,

Wheat broccoli, etc.

Lets study some of the important nutrients, their sources and advantages.
The major nutrients are carbohydrates, fats, proteins and different types
of vitamins and minerals.

3.2.1 Energy-giving nutrients (Carbohydrates and fats)

Our body needs energy to work. Carbohydrates and fats produce energy
and heat in our body. Carbohydrates and fats are energy giving nutrients.
Cereals, milk, sugar, and fruits are the sources of carbohydrates. The body

Pustak Prakashan Griha 27

breaks down carbohydrates
into the sugar glucose,
which is absorbed into the
bloodstream. Excessive
carbohydrates taken by the
body are converted into fat
and deposited beneath the
skin, around the intestines,
and with the muscles. Too
much fat is not good for our
health. Inadequate intake
of carbohydrates causes
marasmus in children.

Major sources of fats are ghee,
oil, cheese, egg-yolk, meat,
fish, dark chocolate, etc. We
should include fat in our
food, but its excessive intake
is accumulated in our body
and makes us obese and lazy.
Our liver has to produce more
bile to digest more amount of
fat. Now a days, people have
become fatter and sicker than
before because of excessive
intake of fat. So, it is advisable
not to include too much fat in our food.

3.2.2 Body-building nutrients (Proteins)

Proteins are required for growth, development and repair of our body.
Tissues are built and repaired with the help of protein. Protein is used
to make enzymes, hormones and other body chemicals. In the making
of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood, protein plays an important
role. Protein determines the height and weight of children. When any

28 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

part of our body is injured, the proteins help in repairing these parts.
Milk, egg, meat, fish, beans, lentils, etc. are the main sources of protein.
We must include protein-rich food in our daily meal. Insufficient intake
of proteins may result in
malnutrition. Children may
suffer from kwashiorkor.
Muscle or joint pain,
unhealed wounds, inability
to sleep deeply through the
night, tiredness, feeling of
low energy, moodiness, and
inability to handle stress well
are the symptoms of protein
deficiency.
Too much protein is not good for our health. It may cause indigestion
and stomachache. Besides, there is excessive production of harmful
substances like urea, uric acid and creatinine in our body and we may
suffer from different illness.

3.2.3 Protecting Nutrients (Minerals and Vitamins)

i. Minerals (Iron and Iodine)
Minerals protect us from diseases. Some minerals are found freely in
the nature. These are the inorganic minerals whereas some are stored in
animal and plants. Iron, iodine, calcium and phosphorus are some of the
important mineral nutrients.
a. Iron
Iron is required for the production
of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a
component which is present on
the surface of red blood cells and
responsible for the transportation of
oxygen throughout the body. If there
is inadequate supply of iron, this

Pustak Prakashan Griha 29

transportation mechanism becomes weak and body cannot get proper
amount of oxygen. When there is bleeding, iron helps to produce blood
cells and maintains the loss of blood. Children and pregnant women are
vulnerable to anemia. Iron prevents us from anemia. The main sources of
iron are leafy vegetables, fruits, beans, meat, etc.
b. Iodine
Iodine is used to produce thyroxin hormone.
Iodine deficiency can lead to an enlarged
thyroid gland (endemic goiter), slowed
metabolism, weight gain, and other symptoms
of hypothyroidism, including fatigue and
intolerance of cold. Additionally, a deficiency
can also promote neurological, gastrointestinal
and skin abnormalities. It proves even more
vital for pregnant or nursing mothers whose
thyroid problems from an iodine deficiency can impede fetal and child
development. Iodized salt and sea food are the sources of iodine.
ii. Vitamins ( A, B, C, D, E, K )
a. Vitamin A: It is very
important for keeping our
eyes healthy. Vitamin A
strengthens our immune
system and reproduction.
It helps our heart, lungs,
kidneys, and other organs
work properly. It is also
important to keep our skin healthy.
The main symptom of vitamin A deficiency is vision loss and blindness.
Deficiency of Vitamin A causes night blindness. Vitamin A is naturally
present in many food items. Mainly it can be obtained from green
vegetables, yellow fruits. Moreover, we can takes Vitamin A capsules as
well. We must include green vegetables in our meal. Vitamin A capsules
are distributed for all the children on Vitamin A day.

30 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

b. Vitamin B Complex: B vitamins include B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B9 and
B12. B vitamins are found in whole unprocessed foods. Vitamin B1 is
present just beneath the husk of rice grain. B vitamins are particularly
found in meat, whole grains, potatoes, bananas, egg, mushroom, green
vegetables, milk and cereals.
Vitamins play important roles in keeping our body functions proper.
These essential nutrients
help convert our food into
fuel.
Vitamin B1 prevents us
from Beriberi disease.
Vitamin B2, B6 and B7
keep our skin, tongue,
eyes and lips healthy.
Vitamin B12 helps in
formation of blood cells and prevents us from anemia.
The vitamins keep our body healthy and strong and thus help in the
development of our brain.
They help increase appetite.

c. Vitamin C: It is found in sour fruits like
lemons, oranges, amala, guava, tomato,
etc. It protects us from common cold,
scurvy, and diseases of gums and teeth.
It is important for healthy skin, teeth,
bones and blood vessels. Vitamin C is
not stored in liver. Therefore, we must
take Vitamin C regularly.
d. Vitamin D: Vitamin D makes our bones strong. This vitamin is important

Pustak Prakashan Griha 31

for the proper growth and development of teeth. Deficiency can lead to
bone deformity (rickets) in children and bone weakness. Vitamin D is
obtained from butter, cheese, egg, milk, fish oil etc. It is important to
expose our body to the sunlight to manufacture vitamin D in our own
body.
e. Vitamin E: Vitamin E keeps our skin healthy. It also prevents us from
infertility and miscarriage. It protects body tissue from damage. Vitamin
E is found in fish oil, vegetable oil, cereals, beans, milk, meat, egg, lettuce
leaves, broccoli, and some other green vegetables.
f. Vitamin K: It is very essential for clotting of blood. When there is cut
or wound, vitamin K prevents excessive loss of blood. It also plays role in
building strong bones, preventing heart disease and crucial part of other
bodily processes. It is stored in liver. Therefore, liver is one of the best
sources of vitamin K. It is found in eggs, meat, rice, wheat, maize, egg,
milk, and vegetables.
iii. Water: Water is the basic nutrient of our body. It is needed more
than any other nutrients for our body because the body consists of more
than seventy percent of water. It keeps our body well-hydrated, which is
essential because almost every cell in the body needs water to function
properly. Water also helps the skin regulate the body’s temperature
through sweating. Water helps circulate nutrients in the body. We must
drink clean and safe water. If the water is polluted, we suffer from various
waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, and dysentery.

3.3 Importance of Balanced diet

Balanced diet is the set of food items consisting of sources of all the
necessary nutrients in the right proportion. Balanced diet provides
appropriate and balanced supply of nutrients in right amount to our
body. Balanced diet helps us get the correct balance of vitamins, minerals
and nutrients to our body. Right balance of vitamins, minerals and other
nutrients is very important for proper growth and development of our
body. Without balanced diet, we cannot work properly. Balanced diet
protects us from diseases. All the nutrients are not needed in equal

32 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

amount. We need carbohydrates and proteins in large scale, whereas
small amount of vitamins and minerals are sufficient for our body.

3.4 Junk Food (Introduction and Effects on our Health)

Junk food is the readymade food with negligible or improper nutritional
value. There may be high fat, sugar or salt and lots of toxic substances.
Junk food is easy to eat but are low in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Normally junk food is
packed in attractive plastic
wrappers. Packed items like
potato chips, burger, candy,
carbonated drinks, pizzas,
instant noodles and other
readily available food are
the examples of junk food.
There are many types of junk
food available in the market.
New varieties are being
introduced every day. Manufacturers of junk food are spending huge
amount of money on TV advertisement to attract consumers, mainly
children.
Harmful effects of junk food are:
1. The addictive nature of fast food can make our brain crave them

even when we are not hungry.
2. Several researches have proved that junk food affects our mind

adversely.
3. Junk food increases the level of toxicity in blood and causes

hyperacidity, skin allergy, dermatitis and eczema.
4. Artificial color and other harmful ingredients of junk food may cause

fatigue, asthma, skin rashes and headache.
5. It affects the production of enzymes and hormones adversely.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 33

PROJECT WORK
1. Collect data of your classmates’ height and weight. Prepare a table

showing all data arranged in alphabetical order of your friends’
name. Show it to your subject teacher to analyze the nutritional
status of each member.

34 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Exercise
1. Choose the correct word and fill in the blanks.

a. Our body needs carbohydrates, fats, proteins, ..........................,
minerals and water. (ghee, vitamins, rice and bread)

b. There are …….. types of nutrients altogether. (four, five, six)
c. Three basic categories of nutrients are body-building nutrients,

energy-giving nutrients and .................................. -nutrients.
(protecting, immunizing, beautifying)
d. Children suffer from ………………….. if they take insufficient iodine.
(goiter, rickets, scurvy)
e. …………....…… prevents us from scurvy. (vitamin C, vitamin, iron)
f. ……......………..is very essential for clotting of blood. (Proteins,
vitamin K, vitamin B)

2. What do you mean by nutrition? Why is it important for us?

3. How do we acquire carbohydrates? List any two functions of
carbohydrates.

4. Write short notes on:

a. Iron b. Iodine c. Minerals

5. What are the adverse effects of lack of proteins in our body?
Explain.

6. Write short notes on: c) Vitamin E
a) Vitamin B b) Vitamin D

7. Water is also an nutrient required to our body. Justify the statement.

8. How is anaemia caused? How can we minimize the risk of anaemia?

9. Give short introduction to balanced diet and junk food.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 35

Unit: 4 DISEASE

4.1 Introduction to Disease

Disease is the condition of the body when there is no ‘ease’ or comfort at
one or more organs. Our body is made up of different systems of distinct
tissues and organs. They perform specific functions. For example, we
have digestive system with organs like stomach and intestine. Stomach
helps mixing foods with gastric enzymes and intestine helps in absorption
of nutrients. If there is a problem that disturbs the functions of stomach
or intestine, digestion process gets deranged. We may have diarrhea,
bloating, constipation, gastritis or any other problem related to the
digestive system. There are several organs in different systems with their
own responsibilities and functions. If there is any sort of disturbance in
their performance, we feel uncomfortable and there is no ease in our
body. This condition is called disease. There are two types of diseases.
There are communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases.

36 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

4.2 Communicable Diseases

Diseases which communicate
or transfer from an infected
person to in other are called
communicable diseases. They are
always caused due to presence of
some foreign organism like germs,
worms, bacteria, amoeba, fungi
or arthropods. Those organisms
which actually live in our body and
cause disease are called causative
agents. Some of the examples of
communicable diseases are tuberculosis, measles, polio, common cold,
syphilis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, , gonorrhea, etc.

4.2.1 Causes of Communicable Diseases

Primary cause of all communicable diseases is foreign organism. They
may vary from microorganisms like amoeba, bacteria or virus to the
multicellular organisms like worms and arthropods. Some of the common
causes of communicable disease are:
• Lack of sanitation and cleanliness
• Ingestion of stale and junk foods
• Foods contaminated by fly or insect
• Environmental pollution
• Open defecation and lack of safe drinking water

4.2.2 Modes of Transmission of Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases transmit from an infected person to others in
several ways. Some diseases like scabies and leprosy transmit through
direct contact or sharing clothes, towel, handkerchief etc. Cholera,
typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis, roundworm and hookworms are transmitted
by germ-contaminated water and food. Such diseases are called food
and water-borne diseases. TB (Tuberculosis), flu (bird-flu, swine-flu,
etc.) Common cold, measles, pneumonia, etc. are transmitted through

Pustak Prakashan Griha 37

the air which contain disease germs. They are called air-borne diseases.
Some diseases are transmitted through insect or animal bite. They are
rabies, malaria, kala-azar, plague, etc. The insects or animals that transfer
causative agents are called vectors. Besides, some diseases like HIV/AIDS,
gonorrhea, and syphilis are transmitted through direct sexual contact.
They are called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

4.2.3 Process and Cycle of Communicable Diseases

There is transfer of causative agents in the communication of diseases.
The causative agents are carried through certain medium like air, water,
animals, insects or the diseased person itself. The diseased person
or animal plays role of reservoir of the causative agents as there are
a number of causative agents to get transferred to others’ body. It
requires a medium to transfer the agents. An individual that gets new
causative agents in his/her body is called host. After certain time, the
causative agents grow and multiply their number. When the number of
causative agents increase adequately and the victim becomes capable of
transferring causative agents to others, it is called a reservoir. In this way,
a disease cycle exists between the host, medium and reservoir of the
disease germs.

4.3. Some Communicable Diseases

4.3.1 Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by
bacterial infection. The Tonic phase
name of its causative
agent is Clostridium tetani.
This species of bacteria is
commonly found in animal
feces like cow dung, rusted Clonic phase

iron weapons, and infected
soil. Bacteria may enter into
the body when there is deep-
cut with rusted instruments
or entrance of soil or animal feces through the existing wounds.

38 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Symptoms
• Muscle spasm
• Spasms and stiffness in jaw muscles (trismus)
• Stiffness of neck muscles
• Difficulty swallowing stuffs
• Stiffness of abdominal muscles
• Painful body spasms lasting for several minutes, typically triggered

by minor occurrences, such as a draft, loud noise, physical touch or
light
• Fever
• Sweating
• Elevated blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate

Preventive Measures
The following measures are followed for the prevention of tetanus
disease:
• DPT vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertusis and Tetanus) is the immunization

against tetanus disease. It prevents the disease even if the germs
enter into the body. Therefore, it should be administered to every
child according to the schedule of immunization.
• TT (Tetanus Toxoid) vaccination must be given to each pregnant
woman according to its schedule.
• TT vaccine prevents tetanus disease if it is taken within 24 hours
after a rusted or suspicious instrument cuts any part of our body. As
we know, there is possibility of presence of tetanus-causing bacteria
in such instruments.
• Open wounds should not be exposed to soil, dung, or any other
pollutants.
• We must wash the cuts and wounds properly with clean water and
soap.
• Wounds should be covered with clean bandage.
• Only sterilized instruments should be used to cut the umbilical cord
of the newborns.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 39

4.3.2 Tapeworm rostellum hook Gravid
mature Proglottid
Tapeworm is an invertebrate scolex
parasite that generally lives sucker proglottid
in the guts of pigs and neck
human being. It may move to
other parts of body through immature
blood vessels and viscera. It proglottid
causes serious problems if it
reaches the brain. We may
get tapeworms in our body
if we use polluted water or
uncooked pork.

Symptoms
• Eggs, larvae, or segments from the tapeworm in stools
• Abdominal pain, dizziness, vomiting and nausea
• General weakness
• Inflammation of the intestine
• Altered appetite and diarrhea
• Weight loss and malnutrition
• Sleeping difficulties this may be as a result of other symptoms.
• Convulsions in severe cases.

Preventive Measures
In order to get prevented from tapeworm, we should not eat meat if it
is not properly cooked. As it is transmitted from the polluted water, we
must develop habit of taking pure and safe drinking water. Habit of using
latrine properly, washing hands with soap and water before meal, and
environmental sanitation can prevent us from the infection of tapeworm.

4.3.3 Hook Worm

Hookworms are invertebrate parasites that generally live in our digestive
tract. They travel throughout our body through blood vessels. They affect
our lungs and small intestine. Humans contract hookworms through
the eggs and larvae found in dirt contaminated by feces. When we

40 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

walk barefooted on the ground with esophagus-intestine
hookworm larvae, they penetrate juncture
through the skin of sole and enter into
the bloodstream. They may enter into Strongyloides
our body through contaminated food stercoralis
and water.

Hookworm

Symptoms
• Abdominal pain and intestinal cramps
• Colic, or cramping and excessive crying in infants
• Nausea, vomiting and fever
• Blood in stool
• Loss of appetite
• Itchy rash on skin

Preventive Measures
We can lower the risk of becoming infected with hookworms by:
• Wearing shoes when we walk outdoors, especially in areas that

might have feces in the soil
• Drinking safe and clean water
• Properly cleaning and cooking food
• Washing hands properly before taking food

4.3.4 Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous
membranes of the throat and
nose. A type of bacteria called
Corynebacterium diphtheria
causes diphtheria. The condition
typically spreads through person-
to-person contact or through
contact with objects that have the
bacteria on them, such as a cup or
used tissue. Although it spreads

Pustak Prakashan Griha 41

easily from one person to another, diphtheria can be prevented through
the use of vaccines.
Symptoms
• Thick, gray coating on the throat and tonsils.
• Fever and chills
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Loud, barking cough and sore throat
• Uneasiness or discomfort
Preventive Measures
The vaccine for diphtheria is called DPT. It is usually given to the children
in a course of three shots, the first dose on 45 days of birth and two
consequent doses at one-month intervals along with vaccines for pertussis
and tetanus. As it is communicable, anything with the oral contamination
of diseased persons should not be shared by others.

4.3.5 Polio

Polio (also known as poliomyelitis) is a highly contagious disease caused
by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Children below 5 years are
more likely to contract the virus than those of any other age group. Its
causative agent is ‘polliovirus’. It adversely affects the nerve tissues and
fibers, causing loss of connection to different body organs to the nervous
system.
Symptoms
• Problem in mobility of body

parts (Paralysis), most often
involving the legs
• Headache, fever, and vomiting
• Difficulty in breathing if
the respiratory muscles are
paralyzed
Preventive Measures
a. Polio vaccination can develop

42 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

immune defense power against its viruses. Therefore, children
should be immunized against it from six months to one year after
birth.
b. Polio virues live on excreta like feces, urine and saliva of the victim.
These materials should be disposed of safely into the latrine or
buried.
c. Provision of clean water,
improved hygienic practices
and sanitation are important
for reducing the risk of
transmission of polio disease.

4.3.6 Pneumonia Normal
alveoli
Pneumonia is an infection in one
or both lungs. It can be caused by Pneumonia
bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bacterial
pneumonia is the most common
type among people. Causative
agent of bacterial pneumonia is
Pneumococcal bacteria.

Pneumonia causes inflammation in
the air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli. The alveoli fill with fluid or pus,
making it difficult to breathe.

Symptoms
• Shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing
• Chest pain
• Coughing that may produce phlegm (mucus)
• Fever, sweating, and chills

Preventive Measures
• Maintaining personal sanitation, washing hands frequently with

clean water.
• Avoiding living in smoky and dusty environment.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 43