Question

During a visit to a government office with his father, young Pratap saw dirty spittoons in every corner of the building. Some people were spitting paan and gutka through the window grills. As soon as he objected to their action, Pratap was scolded by some persons and the quarrel between the two parties became a matter of concern. The very next week Pratap was amazed to see the walls cleaned, no spittoons and a notification hung to maintain cleanliness and hygiene inside the office. The officer appreciated Pratap. 

a) What values are promoted through the incident? 

b) Which diseases are transmitted through droplets and air? 

c) How does chewing paan or gutka cause health hazard?

Answer 1

a) Self Awareness, boldness, insight and commitment towards community health 

b) Diphtheria, scarlet fever, Influenza, common cold, measles,mumps, tuberculosis

c) Gutka contains heavy amounts of magnesium as well as calcium carbonate which are very toxic chemicals. High amounts of magnesium carbonate in the human body can cause respiratory and cardiac dysfunction , while calcium carbonate or lime damages the mucosa, causing chronic mucosal injuries and ulcers in the mouth. Apart from this, gutka can also cause hypertension and cause reproductive health dysfunction. Possible problems: Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, nervous system disorders, liver and kidney diseases, reproductive health dysfunctions, oro-dental problems, metabolic disorders including diabetes and obesity, and psychological disorders including addiction, can be caused by excessive consumption of gutka.