Leading a Healthy Life

Define health. What does it mean to you?

Health in the Past Historically, what used to be the most common causes of death?

Think infectious diseases… In the 1800’s and early 1900’s the leading causes of death were such diseases caused by pathogens, such as bacteria - diseases that can be passed from one person to another. They were a constant threat. Examples?

INFECTIOUS DISEASES = Polio Tuberculosis Pneumonia Influenza (flu) That’s why people thought being healthy as being free from disease.

Health Today Currently, what are the most common causes of illness or death? Think lifestyle…

Over the years, medical advances, better living conditions and a focus on preventative medicine have helped bring infectious diseases of the past under control. Today those diseases of the past can be prevented and/or cured. Most of the health problems in the U.S. are related to the way we live. They are diseases influenced by the choices we make that affect our health.

What are they? Turn to your neighbor and share.

Lifestyle Diseases Diabetes (Type 2) Heart Disease (some types) Cancer (some types)

Health Risk Factors A risk factor is ANYTHING that increases the likelihood of injury, disease or other health problems. Examples include: –History of heart disease in the family –A high-fat diet –Stress –Being overweight –Smoking –Lack of exercise **Notice that some of these CAN BE CONTROLLED BY BEHAVIOR.

Controllable Risk Factors Give some examples of a positive behavior that can decrease the risk of disease.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors Age Race Gender Heredity Things we cannot control, but can impact our overall health.

We can protect our health by focusing on controllable risk factors, which we can change through our behavior. The leading causes of death for people your age in the US are: 1.Motor vehicle accidents 2.Homicide 3.Suicide 4.Other accidents These four causes of death make up almost 3/4 of all teen deaths.

What behaviors can you focus on at this point in your life? Your health behaviors TODAY affect not only your health today, but also your future health.

Leading causes of Death for All Ages 30% Heart disease 23% Cancer 7% Strokes, cerebrovascular disease 5% Respiratory disease 35% Other causes Ideas of what these “others” might be?

6 Health Risk Behaviors The following behaviors cause the MOST serious health problems for individuals. Turn to your neighbor. What might they be?

Sedentary Lifestyle Not taking part in physical activity on a regular basis. Can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes…

Alcohol & other drug use Can cause liver disease, certain types of cancer, heart disease, and brain damage. Are also major factors in car accidents, physical fights, depression, suicide and mental disorders. They are also factors in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexual Activity Outside of a mutually exclusive, committed relationship, such as marriage, puts people at risk for health problems such as STD’s, HIV infection, unplanned pregnancy… What else?

Behaviors that cause injuries What do you think these might be? Think back to the most common causes of death for teens…

Not wearing a seatbelt or helmet. Carrying a weapon Use of substances And?

Tobacco Use Smoking is the single leading preventable cause of death in the US. Smoking is a controllable risk factor for heart disease, cancer and respiratory disease. The choice to smoke often occurs in high school or before. Smoking as a teen greatly increases the risk for the 3 leading causes of death.

Poor Eating Habits Our eating habits can either increase or decrease our risk for certain diseases. Give one example of each:

Eating 5-7 servings of fresh fruit/veges can lower our chances of cancer, diabetes. Eating a high fat diet increases our risk of heart disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes…

Health is… Primarily about choices. Every day we have the opportunity to increase our health and longevity or decrease it. Why do we often times make choices that do not benefit our long-term health?