Adolescence and Risk Behaviors BEFORE THE BELL RINGS: 1.GET OUT YOUR JOURNAL AND A WRITING UTENSIL. 2.Make sure you have your workbook…if you don’t get it NOW!!!!!

Journal 1. What is the best age? Why? (3-4 sentences) 2. What are some risk behaviors of teenagers? (make a list of at least 5)

The teen years involve changes that affect all sides of your health triangle. Adapting to and coping with changes during the teen years can make you feel physically tired and emotionally stressed. Page 7

During adolescence, the time of life between childhood and adulthood, hormones will cause many changes in each part of your health triangle. Hormones: chemical substances, produced in glands, that help to regulate many body functions Adolescence is one of the fastest periods of physical growth. Page 7

-Both girls and boys experience changes during adolescence. -Keep in mind that everyone experiences these changes and that they are completely normal. During adolescence, you will experience changes in the way you think. Now you will be able to solve increasingly complex problems. Page 7

Adolescence is also a time of great emotional changes, including: -mood swings -new feelings toward others -increased romantic interest -increased interest in what is important to you Page 8

Social growth involves relating to the people in your life in different ways: -Your family: you begin to act more independently and make decisions for yourself. -Your friends and peers: you may prefer to share your thoughts and feelings with peers rather than family. -Your community: you will begin to recognize your role in the larger community. Page 8

You might be surprised to learn how lifestyle factors affect your health. Lifestyle factors are behaviors/habits that help determine a person’s level of health. 1.Eating nutritious foods, including a healthy breakfast. 2.Avoiding tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. 3.Getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night. 4.Getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. 5.Preventing injuries 6.Spending time with friends. 7.Developing skills and talents. Page 8

Risks are an unavoidable part of life. However, some actions involve a high level of unnecessary risk. These are called risk behaviors. Certain risk behaviors are strongly associated with teens, including the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs; an unhealthy diet; and a sedentary lifestyle. Developing a healthy lifestyle can counteract these risks. Page 9

Risk Behaviors and Consequences All risk behaviors carry consequences- some minor and some major. -Many risk behaviors result in serious and far- reaching consequences. These types of behaviors are self-destructive- harmful to your physical, mental/emotional, and social health. -The combination of risk behaviors creates cumulative risks, which increase in effect with each added risk. Page 9

Strategies to help you avoid serious consequences: -Taking precautions. -Practicing healthful behaviors. -Practicing abstinence. By practicing abstinence, you protect all three sides of your health triangle. Abstinence: to abstain; to do without Page 9

You need to believe that making wise choices and developing good health habits can have a positive effect on your health. -Having a positive attitude and using self- control will help show that you are ready to take on greater responsibility. -Being responsible for your own health is an important step toward becoming an adult. Page 10

Learning how to get and stay healthy should be an important part of your life. Health education is more than just learning health facts. It can help you gain the tools you need to maintain and improve your total health and wellness. Page 10

Resources for building a healthy lifestyle: -parents -relatives -teachers -coaches -school counselors -health care providers (nurse, doctor) -religious leaders -hospitals -SRO -police department -nutritionist -counselor -community center (Inside Cover)

TO DO: 1.Complete Choices Assignment. Turn in to the basket. 2.Work on Health Alphabet, pg. 4 wkbk. Think of topics that we might talk about this semester…the more words for each letter, the better… 3.Turn in your Syllabus…

Exit Slip (Half-sheet of paper…your ticket out the door.) 1.What is another word for teenager? 2.List 3 risk behaviors. 3.What does abstinence mean?