Student Health Service - A Little Encyclopedia of the Body

Healthy Living

A Little Encyclopedia of the Body

Human body is composed of many organs, including the brain, lung, heart, colon, stomach, etc. If we want to stay healthy, we have to take good care of our organs. Some lifestyle and high risk factors (e.g. smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity) are related to diseases of various organs. It will be beneficial to our health if the unhealthy habits are corrected. Let's take a look at some common diseases of our organs, their risk factors and preventive measures.

Organ	Common diseases	High risk factors	Preventive measures
Brain	Stroke	Smoking Alcohol consumption Obesity High blood cholesterol High blood pressure Diabetes mellitus Lack of exercise	Quit smoking and alcohol Do adequate exercise Have balanced diet Maintain a healthy body weight
Heart	Coronary heart disease	Smoking Obesity Chronic stress High blood cholesterol High blood pressure Diabetes mellitus Lack of exercise	Quit smoking Maintain a healthy body weight Eat low fat food Do adequate exercise Stay relaxed
Bowel	Bowel cancer	Lack of dietary fibre Smoking Alcohol consumption High fat food intake Obesity High red meat and processed food consumption	Eat more fruits and vegetables Reduce red meat and processed food intake Quit smoking and alcohol Do adequate exercise Maintain a healthy body weight
Lung	Chronic respiratory disease Lung cancer	Smoking Second-hand smoking Air pollution Chemicals e.g. asbestos	Quit smoking Create a smoke-free environment Breathe fresh air
Liver	Hepatitis Cirrhosis Liver cancer	Hepatitis virus infection Alcohol consumption Drugs Natural toxins from food e.g. aflatoxin	Hepatitis B vaccination No alcohol No drug abuse Not taking drugs without doctor’s prescription Don’t eat moldy peanuts
Stomach	Gastritis Gastric ulcer	Helicobacter pylori infection Alcohol consumption Drugs Chronic stress	No alcohol Don’t take drugs without doctor’s prescription Seek medical advice if not feeling well Have a peaceful mind Have regular diet
Skin	Sunburn Skin cancer	Over-exposure to sunlight	Wear broad brim hat Use umbrella Use sunblock Stay in the shade

(Revised in June 2022)

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