Taking Charge of Your Health Lesson One: Building Health Skills

Skills Health Skills Health Skills- Specific tools and strategies to maintain, protect, and improve all aspects of your health. Also called “life skills.” Goal Setting Decision Making Advocacy Stress Management Practicing Healthful Behaviors Analyzing Influences Accessing Information Conflict Resolution Refusal Communication The Health Skills

Communication Communication Skills Communication is more than just talking It is a combination of Interpersonal Communication, Refusal Skills, and Conflict Resolution. Interpersonal Communication- the exchange of thoughts, feelings and beliefs between two or more people. Helps build strong relationships with others. Refusal Skills- communication strategies that can help you say no when you are urged to take part in behaviors that are unsafe or unhealthful, or go against your values. Conflict Resolution- the process of ending a conflict through cooperation and problem solving.

3 Ways To Strengthen Your Interpersonal Communication Use “I” messages to express your feelings- focus on your emotions rather than placing blame on someone else HOW you feel and WHY you are feeling that way. Act out the following scenario Getting a teenage kid to clean room mom wants kid to clean room- explain how the room being clean is moms prob but needs your help to keep it clean.

Refusal Skills

Refusal Skill Practice 60 Second Activity STAND UP Face the person across from you What are other situations where you might be asked to do something against your values?

Accessing Information Knowing how to find and evaluate health information will help you make decisions that benefit your well-being. “Health Literacy” Some valid sources include… Health care providers and professionals Health care providers and professionals Valid Internet sites, such as those of government agencies and professional health organizations Valid Internet sites, such as those of government agencies and professional health organizations Parents, guardians, and other trusted adults Parents, guardians, and other trusted adults Recently published material written by well- known science and health professionals. Recently published material written by well- known science and health professionals.

Analyzing Analyzing Influences “Why do you do the things you do?” What are some factors that influence your health ?

Answers Personal Values Personal Beliefs Perception Curiosity/Fears Family and Culture Media and Technology Friends and Peers School and Community

Managing Stress Stress- the reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands. School, teachers, tests, relationships, family, work, chores, pets, future, college, career, etc. Stress is normal, but too much can lead to illnesses.

Management Stress-Management Skills Skills that help you to reduce and manage stress in your life -List examples

Advocacy Taking action to influence others to address a health- related concern or to support a health-related belief. Neighborhood watch Pledge to not txt and drive Teens against drunk driving

Lesson Two: Making Responsible Decisions and Setting Goals

Decision Making We make decisions everyday. Some are small, some are life changing. Consider your Values- ideas, beliefs, and attitudes about what is important that help guide the way you live.

Decision Making Process Decision Making Skills- steps that enable you to make a healthful decision. When weighing the options for any decision, ask yourself these questions: H E L P (Healthful) Does this choice present any health risks? (Ethical) Does this choice reflect what you value? (Legal) Does this option violate any local, state, or federal laws? (Parent Approval) Would your parents or guardians approve of this choice?

Goal Setting Goals- those things you aim for that take planning and work. This is how we plan for the future and reach our potential. Short-term goals- a goal you can reach in a short amount of time. Finishing a paper by Friday, eating healthy this week, etc. Long-term goals- a goal that you plan to reach over an extended period of time. Examples: Graduate from HS, go to college, save $$ for a trip, etc. Action Plan- A multistep strategy to identify and achieve your goals.

Lesson Three: Being a Health Literate Consumer

Making Informed Choices It is important to be a smart consumer (shopper), especially when your health is involved. Health Consumer- someone who purchases or uses health products or services. Its all about making good decisions. Advertising- a written or spoken media message designed to interest consumers in purchasing a product or service.

Hidden Messages in Advertising

Evaluating Products Product Labels- Labels give you important information about what a product contains. Name, intended use, directions, warnings, manufacturer’s information, amount in the container, ingredients INGREDIENTS are MOST IMPORTANT!

Comparison Shopping Comparison Shopping- judging the benefits of different products by comparing several factors such as quality, features, and cost. Cost & Quality- generic products may work the same as name brand products. Features- what are most important to you don’t waste money on features you don’t want Warranty- a company’s or store’s written agreement to repair a product or refund your mony if it doesn’t function properly

Safety- look to see if it is certified or tested for safety. Recommendations- listen to the opinions of people you trust who have used the product or service. Doctors, nurses, and pharmacist are also great sources for reliable health care information.