Chapter 2 Making Healthful Choices
Presenters Denise Albro Brittany Clarke Kristyn Kimmel Kendall Sanders
Grade level: 7 th grade Average age: 12
“Fading Out” “packing my bags and heading out on my own making choices that will shape the future days I have to come and I could choose the easy road but I have to be strong cause I don't want to spend a lifetime knowing that I've chosen wrong”
Building Health Skills But what are health skills? Health skills are specific tools and strategies that lead to better and more informed health choices.
Types of Health Skills Social Mental & Emotional Total
Social Health Skills Communication skills Refusal skills
Question: What does communication mean? Answer: A process through which you send messages to and receives messages from others.
Communication Skills Clearly say what you mean Pay attention to how you say something Be a good listener Be aware of your facial expressions and gestures
Communication Skills Speaking Skills --“I” messages -- Clear, simple statements -- Honest thoughts and feelings -- Body language -- Importance of intonation/ a manner of producing or uttering tones, esp. w/ regard to accuracy of pitch
Communication Skills Listening Skills -- Body language -- Conversation encouragers -- Mirror thoughts and feelings -- Ask questions
Refusal Skills Techniques that can help you refuse when you are urged to take part in unsafe or unhealthful behaviors
Refusal Skill Strategies 1. Say no 2. Explain why you are refusing 3. Suggest alternatives to the proposed activity 4. Back up your words using body language 5. Leave if necessary.
Refusal Skill Strategies
Mental and Emotional Health Skills Building self-esteem Stress management skills
Building Self-Esteem Self-esteem is the confidence and worth that you feel about yourself. Examine the messages you send yourself. Focus on the things you do well.
Practicing Healthful Behaviors You can raise your self-esteem by taking these actions: -- Set realistic goals -- Focus on your strengths -- Ask for help when you need it -- Accept constructive feedback -- Learn from your mistakes
Stress Management Skills Stress - the body’s and mind’s reactions to every day demands Solutions: -- Rechaneling your energy -- Relaxing -- Laughing
Total Health Skills Accessing reliable information Getting help
Accessing Reliable Information Consider the source --Pay attention to reputation of a given media source Consider the “angle” -- Ask yourself: ~ Are the publishers of this information trying to sell me something? ~ Do they have my best interest in mind?
Getting Help Meeting life’s demands means facing problems when they arise. When the problems are big, this means being able to reach out and ask for help!!!
Getting Help When you need help with a problem: -- Think of people in your life who can offer assistance. -- Learn about resources in your community. -- Learn about print and electronic resources.
…So Why Is All Of This Important?