Chapter 12-Infectious Conditions

This chapter is quite fitting with the Global Pandemic we are living through wit the Covid-19 virus outbreak. I ave heard of lots of the things this chapter talks about, but was one where I read lots of things that were new to me such as the in depth details and affects of these infectious conditions. When we get sick, I thought almost everything was a form of bacteria or virus that got into our system. However there are five major types of pathogens that infect us, that include bacteria, viruses, fungus’s, protozoans, parasitic worms, and prions. Covid-19 is a virus and it is new so there is no vaccine or treatments. The best way to prevent this virus is to stay home and and to boost your immune system. The immune system detects an antigen once it breaches the initial defense layer, then produces antibodies that attack the antigen. Some ways to boost your immune system include reducing stress, eating healthy foods, include vitamins in diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. There is a belief that vaccines cause autism, but health officials stand by that this is false. Vaccines train your immune system to recognize and target bacteria and viruses quicker and more effectively. Certain molecules of the antigen are found in the vaccines so the body is familiar with it. Some viruses and other infections are regarded as super bugs since they can mutate and are not affected by vaccines or treatments. Lastly, Sexually transmitted infections are such a common yet harmful form of infections as there are over 20 known types. Everyone is at risk for these if practicing any type of sexual contact. The best ways to limit your risk is to use protection, discuss any previous infections, or no physical sex at all.

As for my health aspect, well things are continuing to be hard with the lock down. No gym calls for more at home workouts where it is hard to stay motivated at times. There’s something about going to a real gym that keeps me motivated. At home, I will look around mid workout and see my roommate watching a good movie and I will be tempted to just be lazy. The rainy weather is certainly not helping as I cant even go outside to workout or go for a scooter ride as my bike is now broken. For the healthy eating aspect, well that is also hard because we are in a pandemic and sometimes its nice to pig out on some greasy food. Everyone telling me, we are in quarantine, eat whatever you want. I have been less hard on myself and eating treats more but I didn’t come this far just to come this far. The journey is just getting started. I miss playing basketball since my town took off the rims at the park so here is an old picture of me dunking on 9 feet.