PPG Health and Physical Education 7

• Minimizing air pollution in the surrounding.
• Staying away from those who have a cold or the flu.
• Taking balanced diet and plenty of fluids.
• Increasing physical activities.
• Respiratory exercises, yoga and pranayama.

4.3.7 Kala-azar

Causative agent of Kala-azar is a kind of
protozoan parasite called Leishmania
donovani. Kala-azar is caused by bites from
female Phlebotomine sandflies-the vector
(or transmitter) of the Leishmania parasite.
The sand flies feed on animals and humans
for blood, which they need for developing
their eggs. If blood containing Leishmania
parasites is drawn from an animal or human, the next person to receive a
bite will then become infected and develop leishmaniasis.
Symptoms
• Loss of appetite associated with swollen liver and spleen
• Fever
• Pain in liver
• Swollen lymph glands
• Loss of weight and general fatigue
• Dryness and darkening of skin
• Anemia
Preventive Measures
In order to remain prevented from Kala-azar, the following preventive
measures should be followed:
• Sanitation of surrounding to avoid the presence of sand-fly.
• Spraying insecticides in the surrounding.
• Using net while sleeping.
• Early health examination in case of any doubt of infection.
• Developing awareness in family and community.

44 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

4.3.8 Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-
borne blood disease caused by a
protozoan parasite called Plasmodium
malariae. It is transmitted to humans
through the bite of the Anopheles
mosquito. Once an infected mosquito
bites a human, the parasites multiply
in the host’s liver before infecting and
destroying red blood cells. In some places, malaria can be treated and
controlled with early diagnosis. Malaria control project was first initiated
in Nepal in 1954 with the support from USAID. The objective of the project
was to study malaria mainly in the Terai belt of central Nepal. In 1958,
National Malaria Eradication Program, was launched with the objective
of eradicating malaria from the country within a stipulated time.

Symptoms of Skin
- Chills
Malaria - Sweating

Central Respiratory
- Headache - Dry cough

Systemic Spleen
- Fever - Enlargement

Muscular Stomach
- Fatique - Nausea
- Pain - Vomiting

Back
- Pain

Symptoms 45
Symptoms of malaria may include:
• Fever, which may come and go, or may be constant

Pustak Prakashan Griha

• Chills, headache and confusion
• Profuse sweating
• malaise (feeling of unwellness)
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain and cough
• Anemia and fatigue
Preventive Measures
Some of the preventive measures of malaria are:
• Remaining well-protected from mosquito-bites indoor as well as

outdoor
• Staying inside when it is dark outside, preferably in a screened or

air-conditioned room
• Wearing protective clothing (long pants and long-sleeved shirts)
• Using insect repellent agents inside and outside home
• Using mosquito nets while sleeping
• Avoiding areas where malaria and mosquitoes are present

4.3.9 HIV/AIDS

The full form of HIV is Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the causative
agent of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV is an RNA
retrovirus that lives in human lymphocyte (a kind of white blood cell).
Lymphocyte is responsible for producing immune power in human being.
When HIV enters into the cell, it starts destroying the cell and replicating
itself with the help of cellular DNA. Functions of the cells become deranged
and immune power is weakened by the presence of cell. There is not any
medicine that can fully cure HIV/AIDS. Therefore, it is better for us to
spread knowledge and awareness for the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the
community and nation.
Symptoms
• Loss of up to 10 % of the original weight
• Difficulty in healing infectious diseases
• Continuous fever that persists up to one month or more

46 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

• Persistent diarrhea for more than one month
• General fatigue and weakness
Preventive Measures
• HIV is transferred through the blood transfusion, unsafe sex and

sharing of needles. It is also transmitted through breastfeeding to
the baby. Therefore, the following measures can be followed to
prevent the communication of HIV/AIDS.
• HIV infected women should not become pregnant
• Biological sex should be limited only between husband and wife.
Use of condom prevents the communication of venereal diseases
like HIV/AIDS.
• Use of needle to pierce skin for any purpose (that may be
administration of medicine or for drug abuse) should be limited to a
single individual. Skin-piercing needles should not be shared.
• There should be proper education and awareness regarding the
information on HIV/AIDS and its modes of transmission

4.3.10 Syphilis

Syphilis is a kind of sexually transmitted disease. The causative agent
of syphilis is Treponema pellidum. It is transmitted through unsafe
sexual intercourse and sharing syringes for drug injection. Syphilis is also
transmitted from a pregnant mother to the fetus.
Symptoms
There are three stages of syphilis based on the progress of symptoms.
They are primary stage, secondary stage and tertiary stage.
i) Primary stage: It is the first stage of syphilis. Identifying sign of syphilis

in this stage is an appearance of a chancre at any place among genital
organs, anus, lips, breasts or at the inner parts of mouth. It does not
have any pain or itch. It is a small granule-like structure just beneath
the skin. It disappears itself within one to five weeks.
ii) Secondary stage: This stage begins from one week to six months
after the chancre of the first stage heals. There is fever, rashes, sore
throat, headache, weight loss, loss of appetite and loss of hair.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 47

iii) Tertiary or late syphilis: It is the severe stage of syphilis. The common
symptoms include eye problems, arrhythmia, spinal cord damage or
brain damage, madness and ultimately inevitable death.

4.3.11 Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a venereal disease that is transmitted through unsafe
sex. Gonorrhea is caused by microscopic bacteria called gonococcus of
Neisser. Genitals, anus, throat and internal delicate organs are severely
affected by its infection. It is transmitted through the contamination of
infected blood.
Symptoms of gonorrhea
a. Discharge of pus and yellowish fluid from the genital organs.
b. Swelling, red rashes and pain in the genitals with foul odor
c. Fever with abdominal pain
d. Frequent and burning urination
e. In infants, redness of eyes and its surrounding and running eyes
Preventive measures of Syphilis and Gonorrhea
a. Examining blood before transfusion to see if the causative agents

are present.
b. Avoiding unsafe sex, using condom if there is doubt.
c. Avoiding common syringes to use drug in multiple persons.
d. Education and awareness.

PROJECT WORK
1. How can you help a person who is suffering from a communicable

disease? What do you suggest other people to remain prevented
from such communicable disease?
2. Arrange a symposium in a class and exchange your opinions.

48 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Exercise

1. Fill in the blanks with the best option.
a. ............................ disease transmit from a diseased person to
other healthy people. (autoimmune, communicable, non-
communicable)
b. ………………… is an example of non-communicable disease. (night
blindness, measles, gonorrhea)
c. ......................... instruments should be used to cut the umbilical
cord of the newborns. (immunized, sterilized, nutralized)
d. Tetanus is prevented by ........................... immunization. (BCG,
Tetani, DPT)
e. Abdominal cramp is one of the symptoms of …………………..
(measles, HIV/AIDS, ascaris)
f. ‘A’ stands for ………………………… in the ABC method of prevention
of STDs. (appropriateness, abstinence, accuracy)

2. Match the following: Virus
Tetanus Protozoa
Tapeworm Bacteria
Malaria Helminth
AIDS Fungi


3. What are the causes of communicable diseases? List any five of
them.

4. Differentiate between communicable and non-communicable
diseases with examples.

5. Give a short introduction to communicable disease cycle. What
role does the reservoir play in this cycle?

6. List the major symptoms of tetanus. What are the preventive
measures of tetanus.

7. What is the causative agent of tapeworm? Describe the causes of

Pustak Prakashan Griha 49

tapeworm in short.
8. What is the common route of entrance of hookworm in human

body? Write the preventive measures of hookworm.
9 Describe the mode of transmission of diphtheria.
10. What is poliomyelitis? Write any three preventive measures of

polio diseases.
11. Write the symptoms and preventive measures of pneumonia?
12. Whichdiseasesarecausedbymosquitobite?Giveshortintroduction

to them.
13. What is Leishmania donovani? Write any three symptoms of the

infection caused by this parasite?
14. List any three modes of transmission of gonorrhea.
15. What is HIV/AIDS? What are the mode of tarnsmission of this disease?

50 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Unit: 5 ADOLESCENCE, SEX &
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

5.1 Introduction to Adolescence

Everybody in this world comes in environment as an infant. A small and
delicate infant grows gradually with the developmental stages of babyhood,
childhood, pubescence and adolescence. Adolescence is generally the
life stage ranging between ten to nineteen years. Adolescence occurs
after childhood and before adulthood. It is the period of rapid growth
and development. In this stage, a person experiences multidimensional
changes such as physical, mental, psychological, social and emotional
changes. It is a critical transitional stage in human life when a person
experiences various physical, psychological, intellectual, emotional,
and social development and changes. The major physical and biological
changes include the changes in sex organs, weight, body structure, etc.
Changes are felt in the human reproductive system during adolescence.

5.2 Characteristics of Adolescence

Some of the major characteristics of adolescence are:
a. Adolescence starts generally from the age of ten years and lasts up

to nineteen years.
b. There are rapid physical growth of body organs and systems.
c. Reproductive system starts its functions like production of sex

hormones and gamete cells (i.e., sperms in males and ova in females)
d. The secondary sex characteristics develop significantly. For example,

mustaches and beards start growing in males and breasts grow in
females. Pubic hair appears and grows in both.)
e. Adolescents develop mental power and hence they can memorize
more than previous.
f. They gain capacity to adjust themselves in society. They want to
participate in social works

Pustak Prakashan Griha 51

5.3 Sex Orientation

It is natural to experience sexual attraction with others after reaching
adolescence. It is due to the effects of sex hormones produced from
the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females). The phenomenon
of developing sexual attractions oriented towards other individuals from
the age of adolescence is called sex orientation. Generally, there are
three types of sex orientation. They are heterosexuality, homosexuality
and bisexuality.
Heterosexuals: People who are sexually attracted towards the individuals
of opposite sex are called heterosexuals. Most of the people in the world
fall under this group.
Homosexuals: People who are sexually attracted towards the individuals
of same sex are called homosexuals. Very less number of people fall in this
group. Female homosexuals are called lesbians and male homosexuals
are called gays.
Bisexuals: People who exhibit both homosexual and heterosexual
characteristics are called bisexuals.

5.4 Need and Importance of Reproductive Health
Education

The following points clarify the importance of reproductive health
education.
• It provides basic knowledge of reproductive phenomenon and

human sexuality.
• It helps disseminate awareness regarding safe sexual behavior.
• This stream of education helps adolescents remain prevented from

STDs and STIs.
• It teaches us the causes, consequences and preventive measures of

unwanted pregnancy, miscarriage and safe abortion.
• It helps develop rational sexual and reproductive behavior in proper

manner.

52 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

5.5 Reproductive Phenomenon

a. Production of Sperm and Nocturnal Emission
Sperm is male gamete cell that combines with ovum to develop a
fetus. It is produced in testes in males. There are specialized cells called
spermatogonia on the wall of semeniferous tubules in the testes. They
grow and divide meotically to produce haploid daughter cells. These
haploid cells are further developed into the sperms. A sperm has a tail
that helps in its movement. Sperms can freely move in semen, a kind of
viscous fluid produced from seminal vesicles.
Nocturnal emission
It is a process of involuntary ejaculation of semen and sperms from the
penis at night. When males are matured during their pubescence and
adolescence, their testes produce sperms and the seminal vesicles produce
semen. When enough semens are produced, they fill seminal vesicles. In
such condition, boys dream of biological sex while sleeping. They dream
sexual excitement and ejaculate semen and sperms involuntarily while
sleeping. This phenomenon is called nocturnal emission.

b. Production of ovum, conception and birth
Ovum is female gamete cell that is fertilized by sperm to develop a fetus.
It is produced in ovaries in females. There are specialized cells called
oospores in the follicles of ovaries. Meosis cell division takes on them
to divide twice to produce four haploid daughter cells. They are further

Pustak Prakashan Griha 53

developed into the ova. Among them, only one develops in to an ovum
and starts moving towards the fallopian tube.
Conception (Pregnancy)
A mature ovum passes to the fallopian tube after it is produced from
the ovary. If there is sexual intercourse and sperm meets the ovum, the
sperm penetrates the ovum and then the nuclei of sperm and ovum get
mixed. This process of companioning two cells into one single diploid cell
is called fertilization. After fertilization, it is developed into the zygote,
embryo and fetus. When fetus grows in the womb for about 280 days, it
becomes capable of living freely in the outer atmosphere. Then a birth
takes place propelling the fetus outside from the vaginal opening. The
period between the fertilization of egg (ovum) and birth of the baby is
called pregnancy period.
c. Menstruation Process
When there is production of ovum
in females and it is waiting for a
sperm in the fallopian tube, there
is preparation of conception inside
the womb. It is because a fetus
requires favorable environment
to survive there for the whole
pregnancy period. In order to

54 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

produce ovum from the ovaries, FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
produced from the pituitary gland plays a significant role. With the effects
of FSH, ovaries produce ova, estrogen and progesterone hormones.
After the ovum is released, pituitary gland secretes a hormone called
LH (Luteinizing Hormone). This hormone helps the inner lining of womb
(uterus) to get thickened with new blood vessels and mucous membrane.
Thus, inner wall of the womb (endometrium) becomes thicker.
It is all for the preparation for developing a suitable environment required
to the zygote, embryo and fetus for proper growth and development. If
there is no entrance of any sperm from a male individual, the preparation
becomes useless and newly developed layer of endometrium starts
degenerating itself. Blood vessels are broken and shaded off. New
mucous membrane is also detached and degenerated from the inner wall
of womb. Blood and mucus thus produced from the womb is gradually
discharged out from the vaginal opening. The process of discharging
blood and mucus persists for about three to five days. This phenomenon
is called menstruation.

5.6 Sexually Transmitted Infections and Infections in
Reproductive Tract

Infection means an invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such
as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within
the body. When causative agent of a disease cause infection in the
reproductive tract, there is RTI (Reproductive Tract Infection). There is
evidence of RTIs among about thirty crore people all over the world.
Some of the common causes of RTI are:

a. Lack of sanitation of the genital organs
b. Unsafe sex
c. Lack of knowledge regarding the transmission of STIs.
d. Improper use of latrine

When there is infection of reproductive tract, there is inflammation
production of pus cells at the genital organs. Some of the common
consequences include:

Pustak Prakashan Griha 55

a. Pain, redness and swelling at the genital area
b. Burning urination
c. Fever and chills
d. Infertility/Sterility, miscarriage, cancer of the infected part, etc.
Preventive measures of STIs
a. Education and awareness regarding sexually transmitted infections,

modes of communication and preventive measures
b. Cleanliness of the genital organs
c. Safer sex habits; abstinence or use of condom in case of any doubt

of STI in the sex partner
d. Good management of latrine, safe drinking water and adequate

water supply for cleanliness
e. Identification of STI infected people and their treatment with proper

medications
PROJECT WORK
1. Is it possible to discuss on sexually transmitted diseases at your

home with your family members? If so, who can become your
partner of sharing opinions at home? If it is not possible, what
may be the reasons?
2. Collect the opinion from your five close friends and prepare a
short report. Show your report to the subject teacher.

56 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Exercise

1. Match the followings Similar sex
Adolescence Rapid growth
Heterosexuals Both sex
Homosexuals Opposite sex
Bisexual No any sex


2. Fill in the blanks with the best option.
a. Adolescence starts generally from the age of .............. years and
lasts up to nineteen years.. (six, ten, sixteen)
b. The phenomenon of developing sexual attractions oriented
towards other individuals from the age of adolescence is called
........................ orientation. (sex, behavior, health)
c. Sperm is male gamete cell that combines with .................... to
develop a fetus. (estrogen, ovum, ovary)
d. A mature ovum passes to the ............................. after it is
produced from the ovary. (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus)
e. After the ovum is released, pituitary gland secretes a hormone ca
lled........................... (estrogen hormone, Luteinizing Hormone,
melatonin hormone)

2. What is adolescence? List the physical and mental changes during
adolescence among girls.

3. What types of emotional changes occur in adolescence? Explain
briefly.

4. Write short notes on: b. Heterosexuality
a. Homosexuality

5. List any three preventive measures of STIs.

6. Describe any three major problems of adolescence with examples.

7. What suggestions do you have for the proper solutions of

Pustak Prakashan Griha 57

adolescents’ problems in the context of your society?
6. Define reproductive health education. Describe the present

situation of reproductive health education at national level.
7. How are sperms and ova produced? Describe.
8. Draw a diagram of sperm and show it’s various parts.
9. What do you mean by sex orientation? Differentiate between gay

and lesbian.
10. How can we remain prevented from sexually transmitted infections?

Describe in short.

58 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Unit: 6 DRUGS, SMOKING
AND ALCOHOLISM

6.1 Drugs
6.1.1 Introduction to Drugs

Our body works with interactions of various
chemical entities in the cells, tissues and
organs. Some of the chemical entities are
produced within our body and some are
taken from outside through oral, nasal or
other route. When we are sick or diseased,
doctors prescribe us different medications
that are taken by oral route or injection.
They get into our body and take part in chemical reactions to bring about
positive changes. Any type of substance which causes change in a person’s
physical, mental and psychological state are called drugs. Addictive and
harmful drugs deteriorate our mental ability to think and understand.
They also cause decline in physical strength, mental capacity and capacity
to adjust in the society. Unless stated otherwise, drug generally means
the addictive and euphoric chemical substance. In this context, drug is
a type of substance which causes change in a person’s physical, mental
and psychological state and deteriorates his/her ability to think and
understand.

6.1.2 Causes of Drug Intake

Common causes of drug intake are:
a. Curiosity of drugs among adolescents and their easy access over the

drugs
b. Peer pressure, friends request
c. Lack of knowledge about the harmful consequences of drug intake
d. Frustrations, failure and false belief that drugs heal anxiety
e. Depression and mental diseases
f. Imitation of others
g. Some of the religious and traditional practices (For example, use of

Pustak Prakashan Griha 59

marijuana at Shivaratri)
f. Lack of legal provisions to control drug use and poor implementation

of laws

6.1.3 Preventive Measures of Drug Addiction

The following techniques can be used as effective measures for prevention
of drug addiction.
a. Education and awareness
b. Strong legal provisions to control drug abuse and addiction
c. Effective implementation of the legal provisions
d. Treatment of depression and anxiety in time
e. Correction of drug abuse-inducing religious and social practices

6.2 Alcoholism
6.2.1 Introduction to Alcohol and Alcoholism

Alcohol is a liquid substance produced from
the organic substance. From a long history
of human civilization, it has become a part of
people in various ethnic groups. Alcoholism is
a practice of drinking wine, beer, whiskey and
other alcoholic liquids. The use of alcohol is
high in different types of religious and social
occasions, festivals etc. with the purpose of
entertainment and following traditions.
Alcoholism causes adverse effects on the main parts of our body like
lungs, heart and kidneys. It decreases ability of reproduction in both male
and female. It causes loss of body-balance, vomiting, get bad smell on
mouth. Taking alcohol is bad for health.

6.2.2 Causes of Alcoholism

People may take alcohol due to the following reasons.
a. Curiosity of alcohol among adolescents and availability of alcohol in

the market

60 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

b. Imitation of the alcoholic seniors
c. Peer pressure, friends’ request
d. Lack of knowledge and education about the harmful consequences

of alcoholism
e. Frustrations, failure, depression and mental diseases
f. A false belief that alcohol heals anxiety or it reduces the problem of

cold
g. Social tradition of using alcohol in feasts and festivals
h. Some of the religious and traditional practices (For example, use of

alcohol in religious works in Limbu community)
i. Lackoflegalprovisionstocontrolalcoholismandpoorimplementation

of laws

6.2.3 Preventive Measures of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is very harmful for people’s health and for the financial
productivity of a country. Following measures can be adopted for the
prevention of alcoholism in the community and country.
a. Formulating strong laws, rules and regulations for effective control

of alcoholism
b. Controlling / stopping the production, distribution and advertisement

of alcohols.
c. Dissemination of knowledge and information regarding the adverse

effects of alcohol.
d. Raising awareness about the harmful consequences of alcoholism.
e. Discouraging and controlling the use of alcohols at festivals and

ceremonies.

6.3 Tobacco and Smoking
6.3.1 Introduction to Tobacco and Smoking

Tobacco is a substance obtained from the dried leafs of tobacco plant.
Tobacco is used in various forms. The most common form of its use are
smoking and chewing. The smoke of burning tobacco is inhaled into the
lungs while smoking. The small pieces of processed tobacco leafs are
either chewed with pan and gutkha or kept in between the gum and lips as

Pustak Prakashan Griha 61

‘khaini’. However, if the tobacco is used, a harmful
addictive compound called ‘nicotine’ is consumed
as its main euphoric substance. When nicotine
is mixed into the bloodstream, it is taken to the
nervous system to produce a different feeling
of addiction called euphoria. Besides nicotine,
there are several other poisonous substances in
tobacco. It is very harmful to health. It may cause
vertigo, vomiting and high blood pressure. It
increases the chance of getting chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer.

6.3.2 Causes of Tobacco Intake and Smoking

People start tobacco intake mostly due to:
a. Imitation of the senior tobacco users
b. Curiosity to taste tobacco and know its distinctiveness
c. Peer pressure and friends requests
d. Depression, anxiety and loss of hope in life
e. A false belief that tobacco heals the problems of severe cold and

develops concentration in work/study

6.3.3 Preventive Measures of Tobacco and Smoking

As tobacco is very harmful to our health, it should be prevented by
adopting the following techniques:
a. Including the information of adverse effects of tobacco intake in the

main stream of education
b. Conducting awareness programs to disseminate knowledge of

tobacco and its effects on human health
c. Formulating and implementating effective laws, rules and regulations

to control tobacco use
d. Restricting selling tobacco haphazardly in the market and making it

accessible to children

62 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

PROJECT WORK
1. Make a list of tobacco users at your home, school and in your

community. Find which age group is more addicted with tobacco.
2. Write your findings in a paragraph and show it to your teacher.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 63

Exercise

1. Match the followings

Tobacco Decomposition of organic matter
Alcohol Rapid growth
Drugs Lung cancer
Smoking Medicines
Brain tumor

2. Write “T” for true and “F” for false statement.
a. Drugs cause chemical changes in our body.
b. Alcohol is produced from organic substances.
c. The practice of drinking alcohol in festivals is called alcoholism.
d. Tobacco use may cause depression, anxiety and loss of hope in
life.
e. Periodic use of alcohol prevents us from diseases.

3. What is drug? How do people become addicted to drugs?

4. What are the common causes of alcohol intake? List any five
adverse effects of alcoholism.

5. List the adverse effects of drug addiction on human health.

6. Which substance of tobacco cause addiction? What are its effects
on the health of tobacco user?

7. List any three short-term and three long-term effects of tobacco
intake.

8. List any five causes of tobacco intake and smoking.

9. How can we prevent the addictions of tobacco use and alcoholism
in our community?

64 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Unit: 7 ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH

7.1 Introduction to Environmental Health

Environment is the surroundings we live in. There are soil, water, air, plants
and animals around us. They are the components of our environment.
Our health is directly and indirectly affected by the components of
environment. Environmental health is the state of our health determined
by the environmental components around us. It is also defined as the
process of making our health better by the process of environmental
sanitation and reduction of environmental pollution.

7.2 Harmful Effects of Polluted Water in Our Health

Water is the most important substance for our body as it occupies the
maximum share in it. We need to drink plenty of water every day, but it
should be clean and germ-free. It should not be contaminated with any
other kinds of chemical or physical pollutants. Polluted water contains
disease-germs. When the germs enter into our body, they grow and
multiply requiring more space to live, reproduce and survive. When they
increase in number, they start placing adverse effects on cells, tissues
and organs. Ultimately, there is exposure of disease symptoms. Chemical
and physical pollutants present in water cause indigestion, headache and
adverse effects on physiology. It causes different types of physiological
problems, discomforts and diseases.

7.3 Harmful Consequences of Deficiency of Water in
Our Body

Water is the basic constituent of our body. Water occupies more than
sixty percent of total body weight and the rest are other components like
proteins, minerals, carbon etc. With this constitution of our body, the
importance of water seems the most importantof all. Therefore, we must
drink adequate amount of water every day. Our body is made up of cells,
tissues and organs. Water flows throughout the body with blood and
lymph. It helps in transporting various materials across cells and organs.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 65

Some of the important things carried by water are salt, sugar, hormones,
minerals and gases.

7.4 Solid Wastes

Solid wastes are the waste materials produced in the form of solid state
of matter. They are produced anywhere from home, market, industries
or hospitals. Depending upon their nature of persistence in nature, they
are categorized into two groups. They are biodegradable wastes and non-
biodegradable wastes.
a. Decomposable/Biodegradable Wastes
Biodegradable wastes are the residual and unused parts of living being’s
body. Kitchen wastes are mainly categorized into the biodegradable waste.
Green vegetables, food particles and grains constitute the waste of plant
residues. Egg shell, meat, bones, feathers of birds, feces/stool, etc. are
the components of animal waste products. They are easily attacked by
the natural decomposers like bacteria, virus, fungi and microorganisms.
Therefore, they get decayed within few days in the environment. During
the process of decay, they produce foul smell and pollutant gases. Thus,
they cause environmental pollution.
b. Indecomposable/Non-biodegradable Wastes
Wastes which are not decomposed by the natural decomposers like
bacteria, fungi, viruses and microorganisms are called non-biodegradable
wastes. They are not produced from the body of living things. Wastes
containing metals, plastics and glasses are the examples of non-
biodegradable wastes. They pollute the environment by altering the
natural status of soil, creating obstructions to the plants and vegetation to
grow, making imbalanced moisture in the soil and degrading land quality.

7.5 Management of Solid Wastes

Solid wastes harm our environment in various ways. Presence of solid
waste in the environment is harmful to our health. Proper management
of solid wastes is essential to keep our health sound. In order to manage
solid wastes in the environment, we can follow dumping, burying,
composting, reducing, reusing and recycling.

66 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

a. Dumping
It is the process of collecting
and settling solid wastes at a
place far from the residence
area or water resources. The
place where the wastes are
thrown is called dumping
site.
b. Burying
Waste materials contaminated with disease germs or the wastes which
produce foul smell quickly are buried under the soil. It is wise to bury
hospital wastes, wastes contaminated with the excreta of a patient with
communicable diseases, and the wastes that are extremely dirty to settle
by other methods.
c. Composting
Composting is one of the best techniques of biodegradable solid wastes.
In the method, the decomposable organic wastes are allowed to decay in
a controlled environment. It can be done with a compost manure pit or
biogas plant.
d. 3R-Method of Solid Waste Management
3R-method of solid waste management stands for reduce, reuse and
recycle.
i. Reduce
It is the first method of 3R principle. In this method, production of
solid wastes are minimized as far as possible. Carrying a bag instead of
bringing thin polythene bags every time we go to market is one of the
best examples of reducing technique.
ii. Reuse
This method follows an idea of using solid things repeatedly to maximize
the time of use for the same or alternative purposes. Using newspapers
as wrapper in the retail shop is a good example of reusing solid things.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 67

iii. Recycle
In this method, solid wastes are used as raw materials to produce new
finished goods. Collecting old papers and using them in the paper mill to
produce new sheets of paper is a good example of recycling.

7.6 Latrine
Introduction to Latrine

Latrine is a place where we pass
our feces and urine safely. There is
a lavatory in latrine that keeps the
excreta safe from flies, insects, and
any other vectors. It also prohibits the
dispersion of excreta and its foul smell
in the environment. There is a water-
seal pan in modern latrines. It protects
latrine from foul smell and movement
of vectors across it.

7.6.1 Proper Use of Latrine

Latrine is very useful in controlling
communicable diseases. Because
it does not allow the disease-germs and foul smell to spread in the
environment, it is safe from the point of view of healthy lifestyle. There
must be proper provision of water in latrine. After using latrine, the pan
should be flushed properly with clean water. Insects and rats may cause
transfer of germs from latrine to outside area; therefore, latrine should
be kept free from movements of such rodents and insects. We should
keep soap or hand-wash fluid and a clean towel in latrine. Washing hands
properly and wiping them with clean towel help remove bacteria and
germs from the hands.

7.6.2 Harmful Consequences of Open Disposal of Human
Excreta

Using latrine is a symbol of good civilization of a community. There are
many places in Nepal, where there is no system of using latrine. As there

68 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

are no latrines, people defecate in an open environment. Some people
defecate even on the bank of river or near some water resources. Human
is the host of disease-germs of human species. Therefore, human feces are
more dangerous for human being than the feces of any other creatures.
Some of the common disadvantages of open defecation are given below:
a. Dispersion of microscopic disease-germs, eggs of parasite worms,

and foul smell in the environment.
b. Spread of diarrhea, cholera,

worms, typhoid and other water-
borne communicable diseases
quickly.
c. Community and environment
look polluted and dirty.
d. It is risky to walk around the
places due to probability of
transmission of hookworms
which transmits through the
penetration of sole-skin.

PROJECT WORK
1. Find any ten elderly people above sixty years of age in your

community. Ask them about their defecating pattern during their
childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
2. What changes do they reveal regarding disposal of exreta over
their
3. Write your findings in a paragraph and show it to your teacher.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 69

Exercise
1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

a. Environmental health is the state of our health determined by
the .......................................... around us.

b. ....................................... pollutants present in water cause
indigestion, headache and adverse effects on physiology.

c. Solid wastes are categorized into two groups. They are
biodegradable wastes and ..................................... wastes.

d. During the process of decay, the decomposers produce
............................ and pollutant gases. .

2. Write “T” for true and “F” for false statement.
a. Environmental pollution is the product of natural phenomena
only.
b. Polluted water is free from disease germs.
c. Water helps in transporting various materials across cells and
organs.
d. Plastic is an example of biodegradable waste.
e. Biodegradable wastes are the residual and unused parts of living
being’s body.

3. Define environmental health. How is our health affected by the
environment?

4. Why is environmental health education important for us?
5. What are the harmful effects of polluted water in our health?
6. What happens if there is lack of water in our body?
7. Differentiate between decomposable and indecomposable wastes

with examples.
8. Differentiate between dumping and burying methods of managing

solid wastes.

70 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

9. What is the meaning of 3R principles of solid waste management.
10. Give a short introduction to latrine.
11. What are the adverse consequences of open defecation? Explain

with examples.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 71

Unit: 8 SAFETY AND FIRST AID

8.1 Introduction to Safety and First Aid

Safety is a condition of being safe from causing hurt or injury. Safety is
also understood as a device designed to prevent a hazardous result at
worksite. It is, sometimes, defined as the process of keeping ourselves
safe from accidents and injuries. Safety education is a stream of education
which makes people conscious about the risk of accidents and injuries
and helps prevent such accidents. Accidents may occur at any place, at
any time and at any circumstances. Therefore, it is very important for all
to get knowledge and techniques of safety measures.

Safety at home

Home is a place to live with families. We share kitchen, rooms, yards
and home components to live happily in family. We follow various safety
measures at home. We should keep sharp instruments, medicines and
chemical substances out of reach of children. Floor of room, yard and
staircase should not be kept slippery. Railing and compound boundaries
should be maintained periodically.

Safety at school

School is a place to study. There is a playground at school. There are desks,
benches, instruction boards, canteen, etc. at school. Ground should be

72 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

kept clean and dirt-free. Pebbles and unwanted materials should be
removed from the playground before starting games.

Safety on the road

Road is place where people walk to reach their destination. Many vehicles
also run along the road. When the road is busy, people should take care
for preventing themselves from accidents and injuries. We should follow
traffic rules while moving along the roads.

8.2 First Aid

Accidents may occur at any time. Anyone may meet with an accident
at any circumstances. The person who meets with an accident, needs
immediate rescue and care. First aid is the first assistance provided to
the victim of accident or injury before the expert’s medical service is
available. The expert’s service may be available after taking the victim to
the health service centre or a doctor arrives at the place of accident with
necessary materials.
Objectives of the First Aid
Major objectives of the first aid are:
a. To provide first help to the victim immediately after an accident.
b. To provide basic and true information about the nature of accident

or injury to the medical personnel who is involved in the victim
medical care.
c. To maintain a favorable environment with consolations and hope in
the victim.

8.3 First Aid for Specific Conditions
a. Burn and Scald

Burn is a condition when the upper layer of
skin is injured or damaged due to extreme
heat, friction or cold. When a burn is caused
due to extremely hot liquid, it is called a scald.
Burn and scald are painful. They may occur
due to mishandling extremely hot materials

Pustak Prakashan Griha 73

like electric iron, heater or boiling fluid. Safety measures and first aid
techniques for burn and scald are given below.
Safety for burn and scald
• We should not play with very hot materials.
• Electrical appliances should be kept out of reach of children.
• Hot fluid should be handled carefully.
• First aid for burn and scald.
• The burnt part should not be rubbed.
• Ice, cold water, or viscous plant sap like the inner part of tomato or

Aloe Vera should be applied as soon as possible.
• Immerse the burnt part into the cold water.
• The burnt part should be covered with clean piece of cloth or

bandage.
• If available, ointment for burns and scald can be used.
• In case of appearance of blister filled with fluid, it should not be

burst or pierced.

b. Foreign bodies in eyes

Our eyes are very sensitive to foreign
bodies. As the outermost layer of
eye, conjunctiva is always moist and
fully transparent It is very difficult
for it to tolerate the presence of
any opaque, dry and the things
with rough surfaces. While walking,
cycling or looking at the source of
light, foreign bodies may enter into
the eyes. It causes severe pain,
excessive tearing, redness and problem for seeing.
Safety measures
a. We should wear safe spectacles while going to a dusty place.
b. We should protect our eyes from insects while cycling or walking.
c. Playing with sharp instrument should be discouraged. Such things

should be kept out of reach of children.

74 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

First aid
a. Avoid rubbing the eye excessively.
b. Let tear wash away the foreign body as far as possible.
c. If the body is small and visible on the sclera, use soft wet corner of

clean handkerchief to remove it carefully.
d. Wash the eye with clean water.
e. If there is contamination with acidic or any other chemical substance,

wash the affected eye with plenty of water.
f. See a doctor if the problem is persistent.

c. Foreign bodies in nose

Nose is the central organ of our
face. It is the entrance passage
for inhalation of atmospheric
air. There is hair around the
inner wall of nostrils. It helps
filter the dirt and dust of air
while inhaling it. Inner lining
of nasal cavity secrets a kind of
viscous substance called mucus.
The mucus also helps filter dust and microbes present in air. Sometimes,
mucus is secreted in significant amount and accumulated to slide down.
That makes our nose and face dirty. Foreign bodies may enter into the
nose while swimming, playing or inserting such things from the nostril.
Safety measures
a. We should with insert anything into the nose.
b. We should cover nostrils properly while walking dusty or polluted

places.
c. Children should not be allowed to play with sharp instruments.
First aid
a. If there any unwanted body enters into the nose, we should try to

take it out with gentle exhalation and sneezing.
b. Forceful coughing or sneezing may damage the nasal cavity,

therefore, excessive force should not be applied.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 75

c. If condition grows problematic, immediate consultation with doctor
is recommended.

d. Foreign bodies in ears

Ears are the sensory organs to hear
sound. There is an external canal in each
ear that produces earwax to kill microbes
and to increase the reflection of sound
waves from the inner wall of the canal.
At the base of canal, there is a delicate
membrane called eardrum. When
earwax is accumulated excessively, we
try to wash it out with the help of cotton
bud. The most common injury occurs
when we follow wrong technique to clean earwax.
Safety measures
a. Any kind of sharp instrument should not be inserted into ear. It may

damage ear canal or eardrum.
b. Domestic oil or any type of chemical substance should not be put

into ear for any purpose.
c. If there is accumulation of earwax, we should clean it gently with soft

and wet cotton bud. But, it should not be inserted into the depth of
ear canal because it may remain stuck inside.
d. We should plug ear-holes with cotton or cover ear with muffler while
going to an area with probability of insects.
e. We should be careful while bathing to prevent entry of water into
the ears.
First aid
a. If there is water in the ear, we can remove it out by tilting our head
gently down from sideward.
b. Any forceful attempt to remove foreign body should be discouraged.
c. If there is an insect in ear, few drops of earwax removal oil can help
remove it from the ear-hole.
d. Manage medical care in case of persistent problems.

76 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

e. Foreign bodies in throat

We swallow various types of solid and
liquid food every day. There is a diversion
for passage of food and air at throat. Air
goes towards the lungs for respiration
while food and water go to the stomach.
As throat is a narrower place. So, there is
chance of obstruction if a rough or bigger
substance reaches the throat knowingly
or unknowingly. There is chocking when
even small amount of solid or liquid enter into the windpipe.
Safety measures
a. Avoid keeping marbles, coins or any such things kept into mouth

while playing.
b. Be careful while eating fish or meat to remain safe from fishbone

and other bones stuck at the throat.
c. Wear a mask while walking around the places with insects.
d. Never try to swim in dirty and deep water without having good

swimming skills.
First aid
a. Try to remove the stuck object gently. Don’t try to do it forcefully.
b. Pat softly at the back of chest and throat for few minutes.
c. Remove any tight ornament or clothes around the neck. Loosen the

clothes if they are tight.
d. Keep the victim as comfortably as possible.
e. If the problem persists, take the

victim to the hospital immediately.

f. Heat Stroke

It is a condition when our body cannot
tolerate and adjust our body due to the
extreme heat in our environment. We
are hot-blooded animals. If our body

Pustak Prakashan Griha 77

temperature does not remain constantly normal, we feel uncomfortable
and body systems may not work properly. It is also called sunstroke or
loo.
Safety measures of sunstroke
a. Stay inside home when the environment is extremely hot.
b. When there is hot wind, cancel all outdoor tasks.
c. Drink plenty of water
d. Try not to go outdoors during the hot days.
First aid for sunstroke
a. Take the victim to cool and airy place.
b. Provide some cold drinks or cold water. Help the victim immerse

hands and sole into the cold water.
c. Apply ice-pad if available.
d. Create cool and calm environment around the victim.
e. Take off the victim tight and thick clothes.
f. Wipe the victim’s body parts with wet pieces of clothes.
g. If the problem is persistent, seek medical assistance immediately.

g. Frostbite

When it is extremely cold in winter and
we do not cover body parts properly, the
tissues of marginal body parts like fingers
and earlobes freeze. It is also called coldbite.
Due to freezing, there is no proper supply
of blood and thus the terminal/marginal
portion turns bluish. This condition is called
cyanosis. If it persists the part may be
damaged permanently. Safety measures and
first aid help protect us from such troubles
and damages.
Safety measures against frostbite
a. When it is too chilly outside, stay indoors.
b. Wear warm clothes. Never get exposed to extremely cold

78 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

temperature.
c. If it is a must to go to the extremely cold area, wear thick and

windproof gloves and clothes
d. Remain safe from extreme cold while going at high altitudes during

winter.
e. Use room heaters and other heating appliances at home during

winter.
First aid for frostbite
a. Identify the affected parts and warm them gradually. Do not apply

extreme heat for quick recovery. It may damage the affected parts.
b. Provide plenty of hot drinks as soon as possible.
c. Tell the victim to move the affected part repeatedly. If possible, help

casualty to perform light exercise.
d. Massage the affected part gently for restoration of blood circulation.

Continue massage to promote blood circulation quickly.

h. Road Accident

Road accident is one of the most
common causes of injury in busy
areas and highways. It occurs more
often in unplanned towns and
crowded areas. Lack of knowledge
and awareness regarding traffic
rules, alcoholism, drunk drivers,
high speed of vehicles, broken
roads, malfunctioning vehicles, use
of mobile phones during the drive, etc. are the major causes of road
accidents in the context of Nepal.
Safety measures
a. Everybody on the road should follow traffic rules correctly. It should

be followed and monitored properly from the concerned authority.
b. There should be inclusion of traffic awareness contents compulsorily

in the mainstream of education

Pustak Prakashan Griha 79

c. Old vehicles should be banned at public places.
d. Any type of euphoric materials, drugs and alcohol should be banned

for drivers during their service
e. Malfunctioning vehicles should not run without getting them

monitored and repaired
f. Mobile phones should not be used while driving.
g. Strict rules should be made and implemented effectively for traffic

management

First aid
a. The victim should be brought to a comfortable position as soon as

possible.
b. If there is a cut or wound, it should be covered properly with a piece

of clean cloth.
c. If there is bleeding, it should be covered carefully to prevent loss of

blood.
d. If there is fracture, the broken part should be supported by a splint

to protect further damage of surrounding tissue
e. If there is problem in respiration and pulse, the victim should be

provided with CPR (a combination of artificial respiration and cardiac
massage).
f. If problems are persistent, seek immediate medical care.

i. Tooth Injury

Teeth help grind solid food
before it is swallowed. Teeth
are important accessory organs
of the digestive system. They
are also regarded as a part of
aesthetic importance at human
face. Tooth injury may occur while
biting, eating, playing, fighting or
falling down. Adoption of safety
measures and proper first aid are

80 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

helpful to keep ourselves safe from the adverse consequences of tooth
injury.
Safety measures
a. We should see solid food carefully before eating.
b. We should not try to bite hard stuffs. Never try to open metallic

cover of bottles with teeth.
c. We should examine playground carefully before playing games. Hard

substances like bricks, stones, pieces of glasses and metallic wastes
should be cleaned up.
d. We should not play or jump in risky places.
e. Rules of the games should be followed properly while playing.
First aid
a. If there is bleeding, a clean piece of cloth or swab should be placed
at the bleeding site.
b. Provide consolation to the victim until s/he is psychologically normal.
c. If a tooth is broken, the broken piece of tooth should be kept under
the tongue (if it is not piercing the mucosa there) until we get
suggestion from a dentist.
d. Do not provide very hot or cold drink/food to the victim.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 81

Exercise
1. Match the following:

First aid Traffic rules
Road Mucus
Hair in the nose Saves life
Heat stroke Digestive system
Tooth Stay indoor
Nervous system
2. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
a. We should keep sharp instruments, medicines and chemical

substances out of reach of ................................
b. First aid is the first assistance provided to the victim of accident

or injury ..................... the expert’s medical service is available.
c. Inner lining of nasal cavity secrets a kind of viscous substance

called .........................
d. ......................... is a condition when our body cannot tolerate

and adjust our body due to the extreme heat in our environment.
e. The bluish appearance of body parts due to poor supply of blood

and oxygen is called ........................
3. Define first aid and safety education.
4. Write any three importance of safety in our everyday life.
5. What is the difference between a burn and a scald? What type of

first aid is appropriate for scald?
6. How can we protect children from foreign body in their ears? What

first aid is do you provide if there is an insect in the ear-canal of a
child?
7. What are the first aid measures of heatstroke?
8. What is the natural way of washing wastes away from the eyes?

82 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

9. List some of the common causes of entrance and sticking of foreign
bodies in the throat.

10. What are the major causes of road accident? List any three causes
and three measures to prevent road accident.

11. How can we prevent sunstroke and frostbite? List the safety
measures.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 83

Unit: 9 FAMILY AND
COMMUNITY HEALTH

9.1 Concept of Family Health

A family is a group of individuals related by blood, marriage or adoption.
The members of family share various things like food, kitchen, drinking
water, latrine, bathroom, yard, rooms, bed, dishes, entertainment events,
family functions, cultural practices, rites, rituals, income, expenditures,
etc. These all components directly or indirectly affect our health.
Family health is the state of our health determined by our family matters,
shared among and managed by the family members. It is also defined as
the process of uplifting our health status through a combined effort of
the family members to improve all family-related matters; such activities
determine and affect our health.
We can improve our health by practicing healthier family norms, by
managing balanced diet in our kitchen or by managing safe drinking
water at home. If waste management system at home is good, all family
members can remain healthy. Thus Family health is very important for us.

9.2 Importance of Family Health

By adopting the methods of improving family health in the family, we
can get several advantages. Therefore, it is very important for our health.
Family health is important because it helps to:
• Improve the health status of all family members.
• Protect us from different communicable and non-communicable

diseases.
• Provide recommended immunizations and vaccinations against fatal

communicable diseases like TB, polio, diphtheria, tetanus etc. to the
infants and children in family.
• Provide proper care to the diseased members in the family.
• Manage scheduled care and proper nutrition to the pregnant and
breastfeeding mothers in the family.

84 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

• Provide proper care and service during delivery of babies and care
of neonate

• Care for infants, children, elderly, and disabled members in the family.
• Manage balanced diet and safe drinking water to all family members

in the family.
• Eliminate the superstitious beliefs and wrong health practices.
• Protect family members from communicable and infectious diseases.
• Maintain harmonious relationships among the family members.
• Manage waste maintain indoor and outdoor cleanliness and

sanitation and maintain of safe environment at home, yard and
surrounding.

9.3 Problems of Community Health

Community health is a process of uplifting the health status of community
people through a combined effort of community members to improve
the status of health-related components existing in community. Such
components may include drainage, environmental sanitation, hospital,
medical dispensaries, ayurvedic centers, environmental greenery, health
services, control of pollutants, etc. Though several efforts have been
made to improve community health at local and national level, there are
still many problems in Nepal.

Rapid Population Growth (RPG)

People are the consumer of health services, food and water. If population
increases, we need to meet the increasing demand of health services and
food for people. In the context of Nepal, we find very high increase in
population in comparison to the increase in the growth rate of health
services and facilities. According to Census 2011 AD, population growth
rate of Nepal was 2.1 percent per annum. With the need of growing
population, we are not being able to develop the community health
services to people. Many people are dying of minor acute infections like
diarrhea in rural areas of Nepal. Even in towns, community health services
have become inaccessibly expensive for common people due to extreme
privatization of health sector. Government health centers are delivering
very low quality services due to extremely crowded conditions.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 85

Environmental Pollution

We live in the environment around
us. We inhale air of our surrounding.
We drink water from the water
resource of our environment. We
eat food obtained and stored in our
environment. Therefore, our health
is highly affected by the environment
around us. Polluted environment is a
habitat of disease germs and the inorganic toxins. When they enter into
our body, we suffer from various communicable and non-communicable
diseases. It is one of the severe problems of community health in Nepal.

Prevalence of Diseases

Diseases are primarily caused
due to lack of knowledge and
awareness. Organic pollutants
cause communicable diseases and
inorganic toxins and carcinogens
cause acute and chronic forms
of non-communicable diseases.
Short-term toxicity, headache,
stomachache, difficulties in breathing and indigestion are some of the
examples of acute non-communicable disorders. Diabetes, hypertension,
hypotension, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, etc. are some of the common
examples of chronic non-communicable diseases. As there are several
forms of scarcities in our community and people, there is high prevalence
of diseases in Nepal.

Malnutrition

Nutrition is the basic component of
food that is actually used in our body
physiology. Carbohydrates, proteins,
fats, minerals, vitamins and water are
the major six categories of nutrients.

86 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

They are found in healthy food. Many people in Nepal are still not getting
adequate food to satisfy their hunger. Many people have no adequate land
to cultivate. In some cases, people are getting problems of malnutrition
due to lack balanced food. Habit of taking junk food and spicy food are
causing over nutrition resulting in obesity and they are found to be
victims of under-nutrition of vitamin deficiency or minerals deficiency. In
this way, malnutrition has also become a prominent health problem of
our country.

Poverty

Poverty is a condition when people
cannot manage even their basic
requisites, which are essential for
healthy living. It is often associated
with lack of land, property or income.
Due to poverty, people cannot afford
food, clothes and medicines they need
to survive. Due to poverty, people cannot develop themselves into
qualified and skilled human resources and they cannot contribute to the
development of the nation.

9.4 Measures to Solve Community Health Problems

As community health is very essential for promoting people’s health, it is
very important to set a system of promoting community health all over
the country. The elements of community health encompass supply of safe
drinking water, drainage, health centers, community sanitation, etc. It is
wise to manage all the essential elements with the combined efforts of
community people. Some of the common measures to solve community
health problems are:
a. Management of health education for all. Inclusion of health education

in the mainstream of education through school and college curricula.
b. Effective constitutional and legal provisions of health service centers

in the community.
c. Effective programs to control pollution growth.
d. Promotion in public participation in community sanitation and

Pustak Prakashan Griha 87

promotion of greenery in the community.
e. Proper management of sewage, drainage and waste management

system in community.
f. Effective immunization programs for all infants, children and

pregnant mother according to the National Immunization Schedule.
g. Conduction of health awareness program with health education

related to diseases, modes of communication, and their prevention
and control methods.
h. Integrated program to tackle hunger and starvation should be
launched in the community.
i. Proper management of safe drinking water in the community.
Protection of water resources in the community.
j. Cooperationofcommunitymembersforthepromotionofcommunity
health issues.
k. Elimination of superstitious beliefs and unscientific health practices
from the community.

88 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Exercise
1. Write “T” for true and “F” for false statement.

a. Almost all the people in the world live in the family.
b. Family health is improved by proper care of babies at home.
c. Malnutrition is one of the major problems of family health in

Nepal.
d. Infectious diseases are comparatively less in Nepali

communities.
e. Drainage, sewage and such waste management systems are not

necessary to strengthen community health.
2. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

a. Community health is a process of uplifting the health status of
............... through a combined effort.

b. According to Census 2011 AD, population growth rate of Nepal
was .............. percent per annum.

c. Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, ................, .............. and water
are the major six categories of nutrients.

d. The elements of .................. health encompass supply of safe
drinking water and drainage.

3. Define family. Describe the meaning of family health?

4. Describe any three functions of family health in short.

5. What is family planning? Why is it important for a family?

6. What do you mean by community health? What are its advantages?

7. How does community health promote people’s health in a
community? Describe with examples.

8. What is community health problem? List any five community
health problems in Nepal.

9. What is the situation of malnutrition among children in Nepal?
Describe.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 89

10. What are the features of infectious diseases? Give any five examples
of infectious disease.

11. What types of health services and facilities are available in Nepal?
Explain briefly.

12. Describe any five ways to minimize the community health problems
in the context of Nepal.

90 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

Part-II
Physical Education

Pustak Prakashan Griha 91

Unit:10 PHYSICAL EXERCISE

10.1 Introduction to Physical Exercises

Something is related to our
body is referred to 3as physical.
Exercise means something done or
performed as a means of practice
or training. Thus, physical exercise
is the movement of body as a
practice or training the body for
its flexibility and better health. In
broader sense, physical exercise can
be defined as scientific movement
of the body that is performed
to attain its smooth functioning and sound health. Physical exercises
improve the immunity, agility and strength of the body. Physical exercises
include predetermined activities to be performed by our body parts on
a guided pattern. Physical exercises make our body ready to play games
and perform athletics and gymnastics effectively makes our body systems
healthy. Some of the physical exercises are performed in pair and some
performed singly.
Physical Exercises performed singly: Cartwheel, walking on hands, heaving
exercise, etc.
Physical Exercises performed in pair: Carrying on back, front bend in pair,
arm wrestling, etc.
Facts to be considered while doing exercises
While performing physical exercises, we should consider the following
guidelines cautiously.
i. Physical exercises should be performed at right time. Early in

the morning after elimination of excreta is considered the most

92 Health and Physical Education, Grade 7

appropriate them. We should not perform exercises immediately
after having food.
ii. There are certain patterns pre-designed for the performance of
physical exercises. We should perform them accordingly.
iii. Heavy exercises may be harmful for health. It may cause damage
to our body tissues. Therefore, it should be performed in limited
pattern.
iv. The level of exercises should be controlled in problematic health
conditions and difficult weather.
v. We should perform short warming-up exercise before starting the
main physical exercises.

Arms cross chest Full arm circles Hip rotations

10.2 Warming-up Exercises

The light exercises performed before starting major physical exercise or
games are called warming-up exercises. They are performed in order to
prepare the body for further exercises or games. They include simple
movements of limbs and body parts. Some of the warming up exercises
are jogging, skipping, stretching, etc.

a. Jogging with motion

It is a kind of light run along a track.
It increases agility of the body parts
particularly that of limbs, waist and spine.

b. Jogging at standing place

It is very similar to jogging with motion.

Pustak Prakashan Griha 93