The three elements of health—physical, mental/emotional, and social—are interconnected, like the sides of a triangle. When one side receives too much or too little attention, the whole triangle can become lopsided and unbalanced.

Physical Health Your physical health has to do with how well your body functions. Being physically healthy involves: Being physically active on a regular basis. Practicing good hygiene. Getting regular medical and dental checkups. Your Health Triangle

Mental/Emotional Health People with good mental/emotional health are in touch with their feelings and can express them in appropriate ways. People with good mental/emotional health: Enjoy challenges and see mistakes as opportunities to grow and change. They can usually deal with the frustrations of life without being overwhelmed by them. Your Health Triangle

Social Health Your social health involves the way you get along with others. It includes your ability to: Make and keep friends to work and play in cooperative ways. Seek and lend support when necessary. Communicate well and show respect and care for yourself and others. Your Health Triangle

Keeping a Balance Each side of your health triangle is equally important to your health. When you work to keep your physical, mental/emotional, and social health in balance, you are much more likely to function at your highest level. Your Health Triangle

Influences on Your Health There are several important influences on your health: Heredity Environment Media and technology Values Attitude Behavior Influences on Your Health

The first step in taking responsibility for your health is to develop health skills. Health Skills Building Health Skills

Interpersonal Communication One of the traits of a health-literate individual is having effective communication skills. Interpersonal communication involves not only making yourself heard but also being a good listener. Interpersonal Skills

Refusal skills can be used to handle situations in which you are asked do something that you know is harmful or wrong. Sometimes you must reinforce your decision to say no. Refusal Skills Interpersonal Skills

In addition to practicing effective refusal skills, it is important to develop and apply strategies for dealing with conflicts or disagreements and avoiding violence. The key to conflict resolution is respecting others’ rights and your own. Conflict Resolution Skills Interpersonal Skills

Steps When Dealing with a Conflict Situation Take time to calm down and think through the situation. When discussing the conflict, speak calmly and listen attentively, asking questions when appropriate. Use a polite tone and try to brainstorm solutions where no one loses respect. Interpersonal Skills

Practicing Healthful Behaviors Self-Management Skills Eat nutritious foods. Get regular medical and dental checkups. Express your feelings in healthful ways. Build your self-esteem. Maintain healthy relationships.

Managing Stress Stress, the body’s and mind’s reactions to everyday demands, is a natural part of life. Learning stress management will become increasingly important as you assume more responsibility for your health and take on additional roles as an adult. Self-Management Skills

Analyzing Influences Factors Influencing Your Health Internal influences include your knowledge, values, likes, dislikes, and desires. These are based on your experiences and your perspective on life. Internal Influences External Influences External influences come from outside sources. These include your family, your friends and peers, your environment, your culture, laws, and the media.

Parents, guardians, and other trusted adults Library resources Reliable Internet sites Newspapers and magazines Government agencies and health organizations Reliable Sources of Health Information Accessing Information

Advocacy enables you to positively influence the health of those around you. You can help others become informed and publicly support health causes that concern and interest you. Encouraging family, friends, peers, and community members to practice healthful behaviors is one way to practice health advocacy. What Is Advocacy? Advocacy

What Are Decision-Making Skills? Decision-making skills are designed to help you make decisions that protect your rights and health while respecting the rights and health of others. Often, you will find it helpful to seek advice from those with more experience, such as parents and guardians. Doing so can provide valuable feedback and strengthen family bonds and values. The Decision-Making Process

Steps of the Decision-Making Process 1.State the situation. 2.List the options. 3.Weigh the possible outcomes. 4.Consider values. 5.Make a decision and act on it. 6.Evaluate the decision. The Decision-Making Process

Setting goals can help you shape your life in positive ways. Goals Setting Personal Health Goals Types of Goals Goals are of two types: 1.Short-term goals: Often, short-term goals are steps in a plan to achieve a long-term goal. 2.Long-term goals: A long-term goal may take months or even years to accomplish.

To achieve a goal, create an action plan. Follow these steps: Achieving Your Goals Setting Personal Health Goals Set a specific, realistic goal, and write it down. List the steps you will take to reach your goal. Identify sources of help and support. Set a reasonable time frame for reaching your goal. Evaluate your progress by establishing checkpoints. Reward yourself for achieving your goal.