NCERT MCQ Solutions for Class 8 Science Curiosity Chapter 3 Health: The Ultimate Treasure

According to WHO, health is not just freedom from disease but a balanced state of physical, mental and social well-being. This means a healthy person can perform tasks efficiently, adjust with society and stay positive, making health a holistic concept beyond just absence of illness.

Ayurveda teaches health as a balance of body, mind and environment. Following “dinacharya” (daily routine) and “ritucharya” (seasonal routine), eating fresh food and practising yoga or mindfulness support overall well-being, making Ayurveda a key component of India’s scientific health heritage.

The importance of eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It advises against junk food and irregular eating. Balanced meals support digestion, growth and energy, contributing to physical and mental health, making it a core aspect of healthy living.

Symptoms are the internal feelings experienced by a patient such as pain or tiredness. These differ from signs which are measurable like fever or rashes. Recognising symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and treatment of diseases in healthcare.

Non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart conditions are not caused by germs. Instead, they develop due to poor diet, lack of exercise, pollution and stress. They are now more common due to lifestyle changes and are preventable with healthy habits.

Communicable diseases are caused by pathogens and can spread from one person to another. Measles, caused by a virus, is one such disease. In contrast, asthma and diabetes are non-communicable and do not spread. It classifies diseases clearly based on their causes and spread.

The Odisha case study highlights that building and using toilets reduced open defecation and improved child health by lowering diarrhoea and infections. This shows how sanitation plays a crucial role in preventing communicable diseases and reflects the importance of community health initiatives.

It lists ascariasis as a disease caused by roundworms living in the intestine. These parasites absorb nutrients and cause symptoms like diarrhoea, weight loss and anaemia. It spreads through contaminated food, water and soil, highlighting the need for hygiene and proper sanitation.

Mosquitoes transmit diseases like malaria and dengue by carrying pathogens. These insects bite infected individuals and spread germs through their saliva. Controlling mosquito breeding and using repellents are essential prevention methods mentioned in the chapter.

Antibiotics target structures found in bacterial cells. Since viruses are structurally different and reproduce inside host cells, antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like flu or colds. Using antibiotics only when prescribed to prevent misuse and resistance.

Vaccines train the immune system to recognise and fight specific germs without causing illness. This acquired immunity prepares the body to respond faster during actual infection. Vaccines are made from weakened or dead pathogens or their harmless parts.

Edward Jenner discovered the smallpox vaccine using cowpox virus. He noticed that milkmaids exposed to cowpox did not get smallpox. This laid the foundation for modern vaccination and helped eradicate smallpox globally.

When antibiotics are overused, some bacteria develop ways to survive despite treatment. These resistant bacteria spread, making infections harder to treat. The chapter explains how misuse in humans and animals contributes to resistance and advises taking antibiotics only when prescribed.

Immunity is the body’s natural defence against infections. The ability to resist or recover from illness. A strong immune system protects us from falling sick often and helps recover quickly from disease exposure.

Diabetes is a lifestyle-related disease. It often arises from poor diet and lack of physical activity. Preventive steps include eating a balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining healthy weight. Proper habits reduce risk and help manage the condition.

A healthy lifestyle that includes yoga, deep breathing, drinking clean water, and proper sleep. Skipping sleep disrupts the body’s rhythm and can lead to physical and mental stress. Adequate rest is essential for overall health and is part of daily and seasonal Ayurvedic practices.

“Dinacharya” means daily routine in Ayurveda. It includes practices like waking early, brushing teeth, bathing, exercising, and eating at regular times. Following this helps maintain harmony between body and environment and prevents illness through regular habits and cleanliness.

Cholera is a waterborne communicable disease caused by bacteria. It spreads through consuming food or water contaminated with infected faeces. It can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration and is prevented by clean drinking water and sanitation.

“Asha didis” as key community health workers in villages. They educate people about disease prevention, nutrition, vaccination and hygiene. Their efforts help reduce illness, especially among women and children, and improve overall health at the grassroots level.

Planting trees reduces pollution. Air pollution from factories, vehicles and burning waste to breathing problems like asthma. Clean air improves health and planting trees helps absorb pollutants, making it a solution rather than a cause of health problems.

Personal hygiene such as washing hands, bathing and cutting nails removes dirt and disease-causing microbes. These practices prevent infections like diarrhoea, skin diseases and respiratory issues and form the first line of defence against communicable diseases.

Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow while sneezing prevents germ spread. Using hands may transfer germs to objects. This practice is a simple way to control disease transmission, especially respiratory infections like cold or flu.

Vaccination protects children from dangerous diseases like polio, measles and diphtheria. Following immunisation schedules provided by health workers. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to build defence against specific germs without causing the disease.

Ayurveda is based on natural remedies and body energy balance. It as part of India’s scientific heritage that includes herbs, diet and lifestyle to treat and prevent disease. It focuses on harmony with nature and individual constitution for maintaining health.

Weakness, tiredness and underweight as signs of malnutrition. Children lacking essential nutrients may fall sick often, grow slowly or feel fatigued. A balanced diet with proteins, vitamins and minerals is necessary for healthy growth and disease resistance.

Clean drinking water is crucial to prevent diseases like cholera, diarrhoea and typhoid. Boiling water or using filters to remove microbes. Safe water protects children from infections and improves overall health and nutrition outcomes.

Asthma is a non-communicable disease linked to pollution, dust, smoke and lifestyle. It affects breathing and can be managed with medication and clean air. It is not caused by germs and cannot spread from one person to another.

Traditional practices like gargling with warm salt water to ease throat irritation and clear germs. Such remedies are simple, cost-effective and part of home-based care that supports respiratory and oral hygiene.

Social well-being is defined in the chapter as being able to maintain healthy relationships and adjust within the community. It involves cooperation, kindness and peaceful interaction, making it a vital part of complete health as per the WHO definition.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan that aim to build toilets, ensure clean streets and raise hygiene awareness. These efforts reduce disease spread and promote public health, especially in rural and underserved areas.