Health


 * Be Aware:**

Malaria is a major health concern in the world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Though it does not affect students on a daily basis it does affect children just like them. The fact that so many children are suffering from this disease should make it seem relatable. Student thoughts might center around: What happens when someone my age gets sick? How can it be prevented? How can it be treated? How can I help? We are all part of the same world and helping others is something elementary students can and should do.

Recent Articles written about the fight against malaria: [] []l [] [] [] [] [] []


 * Be Informed**:
 * Malaria is caused by a parasite that is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
 * Symptoms include fevers, chills, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, and diarrhea
 * Can affect the kidneys, liver, and nervous system
 * Infects 300-500 million people a year
 * Kills over 1 million people a year
 * It is the leading cause of death among refugees.
 * A child dies every 30 seconds from the disease.
 * [] This map shows malaria zones.
 * Bed nets can help to prevent the disease.

Websites with more information about malaria

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website provides information about the disease, treatment, research, and resources for travelers. []

Website for the Nothing but Nets foundation has basic facts about malaria and the countries that are affected by this disease. []

World Health Organization website includes a malaria fact sheet, diagnosis and treatment information, and resources for travelers. []


 * Be Engaged:**

The UN Foundation's program Nothing But Nets ([|www.Nothingbutnets.net]) provides bed nets with insecticides to refugees in Africa. With each $10 donation one net can be purchased. Each net can be used for a family. A class could adopt this cause perhaps collecting loose change, having bake sales, or doing chores for family members to buy nets. An interactive map shows where nets have been distributed, where they are currently being distributed, and where they hope to be given out. Over the year as each $10 is raised, or even if only one net is purchased, the students will know that they helped to prevent a family from getting sick.

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This topic could be used to cover portions of these Maryland State Curriculum Standards: Content Standard 2.0A-Peoples of the Nations and World-Elements of Culture Content Standard 3.0A-Geography-Using Geographic Tools Content Standard 3.0B-Geography-Geographic Characteristics of Places and Regions Content Standard 3.0C-Geography-Movement of People, Goods, and Ideas Content Standard 3.0D-Geography-Modifying and Adapting to the Environment Content Standard 4.0A-Economics-Scarcity and Economic Decision-making Content Standard 6.0-Social Studies Skills and Processes