Reducing Health Risk

Factors Influencing Health Heredity (Family History): Race Sex Genetic Transmitted Disease

Factors Influencing Health (cont.) Access to Health Care Services: Availability Cost of services

Factors Influencing Health (cont.) Environment: Exposure to infectious disease Exposure to toxic substances Exposure to radiation Exposure to violence Cultural Differences Economic and educational difference

Factors Influencing Health (cont.) Behavior: Tobacco use Unhealthy diet Inadequate physical activity Alcohol and drug use Sexual risk behaviors Behaviors leading to intentional or unintentional injuries

Directions: Identify which category to place each risk factor. 1. What is your age in years?__55___ 2. What is your race? White ____ Black ____ Hispanic _____ Other____ 3. What is your gender? Male __x__ Female _____ 4. What is your occupation? A technician at Bear Mountain Nuclear Plant 5. Would you describe your health as good, poor, or fair? Fair 6. Do you have any specific health concerns? I often feel weak and trembly, sometimes dizzy, and I get headaches: I’ve lost weight lately and I haven’t been trying to do so: I have a rash on my arms and chest; some of my buddies at work have the same symptoms. 6b. Have you had a medical examination within the past five years? Yes____ No __x__ 7. Are you under a doctors care for any diagnosed condition? Yes____No_x____

8. Are you taking prescription medications? Yes____ No__x__ 9. What was your last blood pressure reading? 170/110, at a screening at the local mall. 10. Do you have a family history of any of the following? Heart Attack before age 50: yes, father and uncle Stroke: yes, father, uncle, brother 11. Do you use tobacco in any form? Yes, smoke cigarettes 12. Do you participate in vigorous physical activity at least three times a week? No 13. Do you eat and average of 5 fruits or vegetables a day? No 14. How often do you eat fried foods? About everyday 15. How often do you eat fast food? About 3 or 4 times a week

Discussion Whats the connection between smoking and lung cancer? What’s the connection between over exposure to sun and health status? What is the connection between sickle cell anemia and health status?