NCERT Class 8 Science Curiosity Chapter 03 Health The Ultimate Treasure PDF Download

Chapter 3: Health: The Ultimate Treasure

Probe and ponder

• How does your body respond to an infection such as common cold?
• We rarely see cases of smallpox or polio these days, but diseases like diabetes and heart problems are more common. Why?
• Could climate change lead to new types of diseases?
• How do emotions like stress or worry affect us and make us sick?
• Why do some groups of people get affected more than others during disease outbreaks?
• Share your questions

3.1 Health: Is It More Than Not Falling Sick?

What do the news clippings on the notice board tell you about people's health in our country? Is being healthy just about not having diseases? Health also includes feeling good physically, staying positive, and having strong relationships. A healthy person takes care of their body, maintains a positive mindset, and enjoys social life. Let us now explore what it truly means to be healthy.

Activity 3.1: Let us read

A Grade 8 student moved to a new school in another city. With no friends in his new environment and busy parents, he felt lonely. To cope, he spent more time on his phone and social media, but this made him feel worse. He stopped trying to make friends, had headaches, lost weight, and could not sleep well. A doctor advised less screen time and meeting a counsellor. The school counsellor arranged help to support him in making friends and improving his health.

Think and Reflect

What was the cause of the boy's health problems? How did his habits and surroundings affect his well-being?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as a 'state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease' (Fig. 3.1). A healthy person can generally perform various tasks more efficiently and cope well in different and difficult situations. A healthy person can adjust well with peer groups and other members of society. Let us understand more about health.

Our scientific heritage

Ayurveda teaches us that true health is a balance of body, mind, and surroundings. Following dinacharya (daily routine) and ritucharya (seasonal routine) helps maintain this balance. Eating fresh, wholesome food suited to one's prakriti (body constitution) is essential. Regular exercise, cleanliness, restful sleep, and a calm mind support overall well-being. This can also be achieved through practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.

[Figure 3.1: Aspects of health, See in your textbook]

Teacher's Note

Health is not just about the body. Notice in the WHO definition that it includes physical, mental, and social wellbeing all together. In Activity 3.1, the boy had no disease but was unhealthy because of loneliness and anxiety. When you answer questions about health, always remember all three parts - your body, your mind, and your relationships with others.

3.2 How Can We Stay Healthy?

For staying healthy we must eat nutritious food, maintain hygiene, stay in a clean place, exercise regularly, get proper sleep, spend time with family and friends, and have a positive attitude. What should we do and what should we avoid to keep ourselves healthy?

Activity 3.2: Let us list

• List some good habits that your parents, teachers, or elders often encourage you to follow. How many of these are already a part of your daily routine? Which ones would you like to start following? Add to the list below:
  • Keep yourself clean by maintaining personal hygiene.
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Make time to relax or meditate every day.
• Now, think about habits that are not good for your health. Add more to the list below:
  • Spending too much time on mobile phones or other digital screens.
  • Eating fast food and other junk food every day.
  • Sleeping very late or not getting enough sleep.
  • Skipping meals, especially breakfast.

Taking care of our body and mind is important. Healthy habits support a healthy body as well as a healthy mind.

Discuss your findings with your friends and teacher. From the activity you participated in and the discussions, you may have realised that our health depends on many factors. These factors include our lifestyle (how we live) and our environment (our surroundings).

3.2.1 Maintain a healthy lifestyle

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Avoid processed, fatty, or sugary food and drinks.
• Stay physically active by playing outdoors, walking, running, cycling, or exercising.
• Limit screen time and spend more time in nature.
• Get enough sleep to help your body and mind rest and recover.
• Practice yoga or simple breathing exercises like pranayama regularly.
• Say 'NO' to harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and addictive drugs (Fig. 3.2).

[Figure 3.2: How to be healthy, See in your textbook]

Teacher's Note

Look at the list in section 3.2.1 - these are the main lifestyle habits you need to remember. In many exams, you will be asked to name healthy habits or explain why one habit matters. Pick any three from this list and be ready to say why it keeps you healthy: for example, sleep helps your brain focus better, exercise strengthens your heart, and avoiding junk food gives your body proper fuel.

Key Points

• Health means being well in three ways: your body, your mind, and your relationships - not just being free from disease.
• A healthy lifestyle includes eating balanced food, exercising regularly, sleeping enough, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol.
• Your environment and daily habits have a big effect on your health, so choose good habits like limiting screen time and spending time with friends and family.
• Ancient practices like yoga, meditation, and following daily routines can help maintain balance and support overall wellbeing.

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