Building Health Skills Ch. 2 Lesson 1 Prepared by V. Morrissey

EQ: How do health skills contribute to total health? Objectives: Explain how health skills contribute to total health Describe how effective communication skills and the use of refusal skills can benefit one’s health

What Are Health Skills? Tools and strategies that lead to better health choices. Health skills are also known as life skills. These skills provide immediate and long term benefits to your physical, social and mental/emotional health.

Three Categories of Health Skills Social Health Skills Mental Emotional Health Skills Total Health Skills Additional skills fall under each of these categories of health skills.

A. Communication Skills Social Health Skills A. Communication Skills Communication – send messages to and receive messages from others One of the traits of being a health literate person is being an effective communicator. Communicating effectively means being able to express your knowledge, beliefs, and ideas in many different ways. It also includes the ability to say no to behaviors that threaten your well-being. Learning and applying this skill is essential to good social health.

Social Health Skills The skill of communicating includes: Saying what you mean How you say something Being a good listener Facial expressions and gestures Write “Did Maya finally call Noah?” on the board. Ask students to take turns reading it, with each student emphasizing a different word. Which sounded like a straightforward question, which sounded angry or emotional. Tone and inflection can relay emotions. Ask students to recall a time when they felt that someone (parent, friend) wasn’t listening to them. Why did they think that (body language).

Social Health Skills Refusal Skills Refusal Skills – techniques that can help you say no Spending time with people who share the same likes and interests is important for your social development. It is important, however, to know when another person’s needs and desires conflict with your own. This is when refusal skills can be vital to your well-being. Imagine a situation where you are asked to do something that you think is wrong.

Social Health Skills Refusal Skills Say “no”

Social Health Skills Refusal Skills Explain why you are refusing Suggest alternatives Back up your words using body language Leave if necessary

Mental and Emotional Health Skills A. Building Self-Esteem Self-esteem – how you feel about yourself. Another trait of a health literate person is being a responsible, productive citizen. This includes respecting yourself and others. This health skill can help, especially during the teen years.

Mental and Emotional Health Skills Building or Improving Self-Esteem Examine the messages you send yourself Focus on the things you do well Ask : “How do we form our self concept?” We judge ourselves based on how we are treated by others. Discuss how and what other people say and do to you affects how you view yourself. Child abuse – low self esteem, they think they deserve it. People telling you that you can’t. Write down five words that describe your personality and characteristics. (From Journal) How many of these words paint a positive picture? How many are based on how others see you?

Mental Emotional Health Skills Stress Management Skills Stress – the body’s and mind’s reactions to everyday demands. Ask students for a situation or event that might cause “butterflies.” (Public speaking, test, a date) What symptoms accompany these experiences (dry throat, trembling, feeling flushed, nauseated). These are all symptoms of stress.

Mental and Emotional Health Skills Stress Management Skills Rechannel your energy Relaxing Try laughing

1. Accessing Reliable Information Total Health Skills 1. Accessing Reliable Information Consider the source Consider the “angle” Another trait of a health-literate person is being a self-directed learner – having the ability to gather and use reliable health information. Mastering this skill, and seeking help when you have a problem can benefit your total health and well-being.

Total Health Skills 2. Getting Help People in your life Community resources Electronic resources Avoid giving out personal information to anyone on the internet. Don’t include personal information in a personal home page. Stay away from discussion logs which may keep records of your conversations for years afterwards.