NCERT Class 8 Science Curiosity: Chapter 3 — Health: The Ultimate Treasure
This chapter, "Health: The Ultimate Treasure," from NCERT's Class 8 Science Curiosity book, explores the multifaceted nature of health beyond just the absence of disease. It emphasizes that true health encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being, as defined by the WHO. The chapter highlights how factors like diet, hygiene, exercise, sleep, and a positive mindset contribute to overall health. It also touches upon the impact of modern lifestyle issues such as excessive screen time, social media immersion, air pollution, and unhealthy eating habits on health. The text draws parallels with ancient Indian wisdom like Ayurveda, advocating for balanced routines and mindful living through practices like yoga and meditation to achieve holistic well-being. This chapter aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of health and practical ways to maintain it.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Curiosity |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Health: The Ultimate Treasure |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 639 |
Learning outcomes
- Define health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
- Identify factors that contribute to good health, including diet, hygiene, exercise, and sleep.
- Understand the negative impacts of unhealthy habits like excessive screen time and poor diet.
- Recognize the importance of mental and social well-being alongside physical health.
- Explore traditional practices like yoga and Ayurveda for maintaining health.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Well-being | The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. |
| Prevalent | Commonly found or widespread. |
| Vector-borne | Diseases spread by insects or other animals. |
| Holistic | Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole. |
| Ayurveda | A traditional Indian system of medicine. |
| Dinacharya | Daily routine in Ayurveda. |
| Ritucharya | Seasonal routine in Ayurveda. |
| Prakriti | Body constitution in Ayurveda. |
| Mindfulness | The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. |
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Practice questions
- According to WHO, what is health? Answer: Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease.
- What are some modern lifestyle factors that negatively impact health? Answer: Excessive screen time, immersion in social media, air pollution, and unhealthy diets (high in oil and sugar) are negative lifestyle factors.
- How does Ayurveda suggest maintaining health? Answer: Ayurveda suggests following daily and seasonal routines, eating wholesome food suited to one's body constitution, regular exercise, cleanliness, restful sleep, and a calm mind.
- What are the benefits of practices like yoga and meditation? Answer: Yoga and meditation can support overall well-being, reduce anxiety, and increase concentration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the WHO definition of health?
The WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease.
What are the key components of health mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter highlights physical, mental, and social well-being as key components of health.
How does excessive screen time affect children's health?
Excessive screen time can lead to dry eye disease, increased obesity, sleep disorders, and anxiety in children.
What role does social media play in health?
Immersion in social media can lead to feelings of loneliness and negatively impact mental well-being.
What traditional Indian practices are mentioned for maintaining health?
Ayurveda, including following daily (dinacharya) and seasonal (ritucharya) routines, and practices like yoga and meditation are mentioned.
Why is it important to maintain a positive mindset for health?
A positive mindset is crucial for overall well-being, helping individuals cope better in difficult situations and enjoy social life.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Science — Curiosity — Chapter 3 — Health: The Ultimate Treasure. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.