3.2. Understanding Cause and Effect (Reading)
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Define and identify cause and effect relationships in healthcare contexts.
- Analyze healthcare texts to find cause and effect relationships and understand their impact on patient health.
- Organize information visually using a cause and effect graphic organizer.
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Use a graphic organizer to connect causes and effects.
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Discuss how cause and effect impact patient care.
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Apply cause and effect thinking to real-world healthcare situations.
Part 1: Warm up
What Are Cause and Effect?
Write down the definitions of “cause” and “effect” in your own words:
- Cause: __________________________
- Effect: __________________________
Provide an example from your own life:
- Example: If I ______________________ (cause), then I _____________________________ (effect).
Share your example with the class. Write down one example shared by a classmate:
Classmate’s Example: _______________________________
Part 2: Introduction to cause and effect
Cause and Effect Presentation
Read the following text about smoking and lung disease, and answer the questions below.
Smoking and Lung Disease
Smoking is a significant health risk that affects many people worldwide. When a person smokes tobacco, harmful chemicals enter their lungs. These chemicals can damage lung tissue over time. As a result, smoking leads to various lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. COPD is a progressive lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe. It is primarily caused by long-term smoking. Lung cancer, another severe effect of smoking, occurs when the cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably due to the damage caused by these harmful substances.
Write 3 examples of cause and effect relationship
-
- Example 1: ___________________________________________
- Example 2: ___________________________________________
- Example 3: ___________________________________________
Part 3: Practice
Reading Comprehension
Read the passage ‘The impact of Lifestyle Choices on Health’. As you read, underline or highlight phrases that indicate cause and effect relationships.
In small groups, share the cause and effect relationships you identified.
The Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Health
Making healthy lifestyle choices is essential for maintaining good health and preventing diseases. Many factors contribute to our overall well-being, including diet, exercise, and habits like smoking or drinking alcohol. Understanding the cause and effect relationships between these choices and our health can help us make better decisions.
Diet plays a significant role in our health. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can lead to numerous health benefits. For example, if a person consumes a lot of sugary foods and drinks (cause), they may gain weight and develop diabetes (effect). Conversely, if someone chooses to eat nutritious foods (cause), they are likely to feel more energetic and maintain a healthy weight (effect).
Exercise is another critical factor. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and boosts mental health. If a person exercises regularly, they are less likely to experience heart disease. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to various health issues, including obesity and depression. For instance, if someone does not engage in physical activity, they may become overweight and experience low energy levels.
Habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have severe consequences for health. Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If a person smokes cigarettes (cause), they increase their risk of developing these serious conditions. Similarly, drinking too much alcohol can lead to liver disease and other health problems. If someone drinks excessively, they may suffer from liver damage.
Example 1:
- Cause: __________________________
- Effect: __________________________
Example 2:
- Cause: __________________________
- Effect: __________________________
Discuss with your group:
How do these cause and effect relationships impact patient health and care?
Your Answer: _______________________________________________
Comprehension Questions
- What are some lifestyle choices mentioned in the text that affect health?
- According to the text, what is the effect of consuming a lot of sugary foods and drinks?
- How does regular exercise impact heart disease risk?
- What are the potential effects of smoking mentioned in the text?
- Why is it important to understand cause and effect relationships in health?
Part 4: Cause and Effect Scenarios
In your group, you will be assigned a healthcare scenario.
Examples include:
- A patient who smokes.
- A patient with a poor diet.
- A patient who does not exercise regularly.
Create a cause and effect chart based on your scenario.
Identify:
- Potential Causes: What behaviors or factors contribute to the patient’s condition?
- Effects on Health: What are the consequences of these causes on the patient’s health?
- Possible Interventions: What steps can be taken to improve the patient’s health?
Example Chart:
| Cause | Effect | Intervention |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking | Lung disease | Encourage smoking cessation |
Part 5: Reflection
- What did you learn about cause and effect relationships in healthcare?
- Why is it important to understand these relationships as a CMA?
- How can understanding cause and effect help you provide better care to patients?
