1.2 Investigating a health problem

Life orientation

Grade 5

Health and diseases

Module 3

Investigating a health problem

Investigating an environmental health problem by making use of two information sources

Read the following report that appeared in a local newspaper. Plan a strategy to address the problem and identify two authorities that ought to be involved.

Reed River a health hazard after dumping of waste

According to Mr Jan Plaatjies, health inspector of Brightville, children who swam in the Reed River during the past two weeks are in danger of feeling very ill for quite a few days, with symptoms such as upset stomachs and severe headaches. It appears that, as a result of a technical error, the Brightville leather-tanning factory recently spilled some toxic chemicals in the Reed River. Laboratory tests that have been done on fish that were found on the riverbanks show signs of higher than normal toxic levels.

Although the problem was addressed immediately, the water will still be unfit for human consumption until the end of the month. Even by only swimming or playing in the water, people will be running the risk of becoming ill from the polluted water. The river is a popular recreational spot for the school children of Brightville.

Parents who are concerned because their children have been exposed to the contaminated water, can contact the local clinic for help. According to Plaatjies the water does not pose a threat to human life, but children could experience serious discomfort if they have been in contact with it.

Activity 1:

To plan a strategy that will address a problem

[lo 1.2]

The class divides into four groups. Group 1 represents the mayor and town council who have to handle the problem described in the newspaper report above. Group 2 represents the management and legal representative of the tannery. Group 3 is the concerned parent community of Brightville, and group 4 constitutes the medical staff of the local hospital or clinic. Each group meets and makes a list of grievances, problems and solutions concerning this matter. Do make time to have a mini court case and use material that was generated during the “meetings”.

Grievances:

Problems:

Solutions:

Activity 2:

To find a solution for a problem

[lo 1.3]

Find at least one newspaper report in which some or other environmental health problem is discussed. See if you can find a cause, a consequence and a possible solution for the problem in the report.

Assessment

LO 1

HEAlTH PROMOTION

The learner will be able to make informed decisions regarding personal, community and environmental health.

We know this when the learner:

1.1 explores and reports on ways to protect the quality of food and water in various contexts;

1.2 investigates a local environmental health problem using different data sources, and plans a strategy to address the problem;

1.3 recognises the symptoms and causes of locally occurring diseases and discusses prevention strategies;

1.4 explains the individual health and social effects of substance abuse.

Memorandum

Life Orientation for Grade 5 consists of a number of modules focussing on:

1. Health and diseases
2. Social development: rights and responsibilities
3. Personal development

4. Physical development and movement

The first modules, 1-7, prepare the learners to be responsible consumers and to make sound, informed choices regarding their own diets. They are also made increasingly aware of health risks in their own environment and of their responsibilities regarding the maintenance of balanced ecosystems. While there was merely a brief reference to certain children’s rights in Grade 4, the Grade 5 learners are now given the opportunity to focus on their rights and duties as citizens of the country. The sensitive issue of child abuse is also broached. Educators must realise that they have a great responsibility as consultants, confidants and counsellors in this regard. It is here that serious problems can be identified and prevented. It is essential that educators should know the correct procedure should they have to deal with a case of child abuse. During discussions on contagious diseases educators are also in a position to play an important role in preventing life-threatening diseases such as TB, cholera and aids by approaching these topics with the necessary seriousness.