Lesson 3 Skills for Healthy Living Self-Assessment 3 Skills for Healthy Living Self-Assessment L E S S O N

Journal Question Have you ever completed a health or wellness self-assessment? If so, what was it and how did it help you? If you have not done a self-assessment, what would you like to learn more about from a self-assessment?

Consider Self-Assessments of Both Health and Wellness Tests of health and wellness assess your state of being. Examples include blood pressure tests, skin cancer screenings, checks for tooth cavities, and wellness questionnaires.

Consider Self-Assessments of Health and Wellness Determinants You can also self-assess the various determinants of health and wellness. –Lifestyle choices –Your social interactions and personal actions –Factors related to health care and the environment that affect your health and wellness

Use a Variety of Self-Assessments Using a variety of self-assessments helps you get a comprehensive profile of your health and wellness and the factors that determine them.

Use Self-Assessments for Personal Improvement Once you have learned to use self- assessments, repeat them from time to time to monitor your progress. Avoid making assessments too often, but check yourself periodically to see how you are doing.

Use Recommended Health Standards Instead of Comparing Yourself With Others Compare yourself to health standards. This type of comparison helps you stay realistic.

Keep Self-Assessment Results Confidential Self-assessments are personal and confidential. The decision to share or not share health information is up to each person. In some cases you are asked to share information with the teacher so that you can get feedback and advice. In some cases you may work with a partner to perform a self-assessment. Partners should agree on confidentiality, and the agreement should be taken seriously.

Learn From and Periodically Check With an Expert Before performing a self-assessment, learn from an expert. Your health or physical education teacher can help you with tests of fitness and assessments of your diet. Periodically it is good to have an assessment by an expert to ensure that you are making your assessments accurately.

Take Advantage of Health Screenings Health agencies frequently do free health screenings to help people detect health problems. Watch for health fairs and other opportunities to get free or reduced-price screenings.

Seek Advice From a Professional, a Parent or Guardian, or a Teacher Self-assessments help you to set goals and to see if you have met goals. Incorrect interpretations of information gained from self-assessments can lead to anxiety and unnecessary concerns. If you have questions about self- assessment results, seek help from a professional, parent or guardian, or teacher.