9. Social Health

• Satisfying basic needs – food, clothing, shelter and medicines
• Education, and education and job opportunities
• Financial status
• Residential area, water, toilets, gardens and play grounds
• Transport facilities
• Social and physical conditions, and the social environment of the surroundings
• Social safety and social treatment (behaviour of others)
• Political conditions (views)

Mental stress, addiction, chronic diseases, and excessive use of communication media and modern technology disturb social health.

• Physical: tiredness, headache, insomnia, forgetfulness, tinnitus, joint pains and problems in vision.
• They become unaware of their surroundings and cannot concentrate on studies or work.
• They become solitary and self-centred. They cannot form good relations with family and others.
• They become less sensitive towards others and are not ready to help people in need.
• They may lose money and time on games, and may take risks like dangerous selfies.

• Money is withdrawn from bank accounts when PIN, card or Aadhaar details are misused.
• Consumers are cheated on shopping websites with inferior or damaged items.
• Fake social media accounts are used to tease girls or exploit people financially.
• Personal information and phone numbers spread to unwanted persons, bringing unnecessary messages.
• Harmful messages can damage or shut down mobiles and computers.
• Derogatory messages and vulgar pictures cause mental stress and loss of respect.

• Sharing our feelings with friends, teachers and parents reduces mental stress.
• It builds trust, friendship and good relations with others.
• Problems can be solved easily by discussion, and misunderstandings are avoided.
• We get help and guidance from others when we need it.
• Loneliness is driven away, and we stay socially healthy.

1. Continuous consumption of alcoholic and tobacco-materials → ADDICTION
2. This app may cause the cyber crimes → FACEBOOK
3. A remedy to resolve stress → SINGING
4. Requirement for stress free life → GOOD FOOD
5. Various factors affect ---- health → SOCIAL
6. Art of preparing food items → COOKING

• Talk to friends, peers, cousins, teachers and especially parents. Share your feelings with near and dear ones.
• Write down your feelings.
• Develop hobbies like reading, photography, drawing, rangoli, cooking, dancing and collecting things.
• Listen to music, sing, and play outdoor games.
• Do regular exercise, yoga, pranayam, deep breathing and meditation. Join a laughter club.
• Spend time in nature: gardening, bird watching, caring for pets.
• Plan your time and duties properly, and think positively.
• If stress continues, take medical advice and counselling.

Reading, photography, gardening (also drawing, music, cooking, bird watching).

AIDS, tuberculosis (T.B.) and leprosy (also mental disorders).

Headache, insomnia (sleeplessness) and problems in vision (also tiredness, tinnitus, joint pains).

Hacking of information, opening fake accounts on social media, and piracy of software, music or videos (also bank fraud using PIN, sending derogatory messages).

I will fix a short time limit for the phone and use it only for studies, essential needs and a little entertainment. I will spend more time playing outdoor games, reading and talking with family and friends. Why: too much screen time harms my eyes, sleep, studies and relations. It can become an addiction.

I will politely inform the child’s parents. I will explain to the child that tobacco causes cancer of the mouth and lungs. With the parents, I will seek help from a doctor or a de-addiction centre. Why: tobacco damages health, and the earlier the addiction is stopped, the easier it is.

I will spend time with her, talk to her gently, and try to understand her problem without forcing her. I will involve her in games, hobbies and family activities, and tell our parents. If needed, we will take her to a counsellor. Why: staying alone for long may be a sign of stress, and it can lead to serious problems like depression.

I will make a small kitchen garden or plant trees, and keep some space for children to play. Neighbours can use it for yoga or a laughter club in the morning. Why: it keeps the surroundings green and clean, and brings people together, which improves social health.

I will warn my friend about the dangers of taking selfies at risky places like the sea shore, valleys, railway tracks and roads. I will encourage safer hobbies like photography of nature. Why: a person busy with a selfie is unaware of the surroundings and may meet with a fatal accident (selfiecide).

I will talk to him, listen to his worries and encourage him. I will help him plan a timetable with enough time for rest, sleep, music and games, and suggest yoga, meditation and deep breathing. I will tell our parents, and if the stress continues, we will consult a counsellor. Why: exam stress is common. Timely support and relaxation help him study better and stay healthy.

Changes in the home:

• Family members have more responsibility of care, medicines and hospital visits.
• Expenses on treatment increase.
• Family members may feel tired, and stress may increase at home.
• The old person may feel lonely, neglected or a burden. Sometimes such persons are wrongly sent to old age homes.

How I will help:

• I will spend time with the old person, talk to them, read to them and listen to their experiences.
• I will help with small tasks like giving medicines on time and bringing water or food.
• I will share household work so that my parents are less tired.
• I will keep the atmosphere cheerful and treat the person with love and respect.