1. MAKING HEALTHFUL CHOICES CHAPTER 2

2. SELF-INVENTORY: HOW DO YOU RATE? 1. I am able to communicate my thoughts and feelings to other people. 2. I am aware of sources of stress in my life and have developed ways of reducing those stresses. 3. I think carefully about media messages before making decisions based on those messages. 4. I can list at least three adults I feel comfortable turning to for help with my problems? 5. I can make important life decisions carefully. 6. When faced with a difficult choice, I list my options before going ahead and deciding. 7. Before making a decision, I try to anticipate the short and long term consequences. 8. I have thought about the life goals I hope to achieve. 9. I am aware of the short term goals I will need to reach on the road to achieving my life goals. 10. I have established a time table for reaching my life goals.

3. WHAT ARE HEALTH SKILLS? Health skills are specific tools and strategies that lead to better and more informed health choices. Used throughout your life. Like other skills, takes time and practice.

4. SOCIAL HEALTH SKILLS Communicating effectively means you are able to express your knowledge, beliefs, and ideas. It also includes the ability to say no to behaviors that threaten your health and well-being. Communication Skills Communication – process through which you send messages to and receive messages from others. Clearly say what you mean Pay attention to how you say something Be a good listener Be aware of your facial expressions and gestures Refusal Skills Techniques that can help you refuse when you are urged to take part in unsafe or unhealthful situations. 1. Say no. 2. Explain why you are refusing. 3. Suggest alternatives to the proposed activity. 4. Back up your words with body language. 5. Leave if necessary.

5. MENTAL/EMOTIONAL HEALTH SKILLS Building Self-Esteem Self-esteem: confidence & worth that you feel about yourself. It affects everything you do, think, feel, and are. Examining the messages you send yourself Focusing on the things you do well Stress Management Skills Stress: the body’s and mind’s reactions to everyday demands. Unavoidable part of life. Solutions: Rechanneling your energy Relaxing Laughing

6. TOTAL HEALTH SKILLS Accessing reliable information Consider the source: Pay attention to the reputation of a given media source. WIKEPEDIA Consider the angle: Are the publishers trying to sell something? Do they have your best interest in mind? Getting Help Think of people in your life who can offer assistance. Learn about resources in your community. Learn about print and electronic resources.

7. MAKING RESPONSIBLE DECISIONS Making decisions about major life issues must be done carefully and deliberately. Look in all directions! The Decision-Making Model 1.State the situation 2.List the possible options 3.Weight the possible options 4.Consider your values 5.Make a decision and take action 6.Evaluate your decision

8. SETTING GOALS Life should be viewed as a work of art that you are constantly shaping and creating. Think about your plans for the future. What do you want to do with you life? Goal setting is one way to help shape you life in a positive direction. Goal: something you aim for that takes planning and work. Short term goals: day/week Long term goals: month/year/years Many long term goals are best achieved by breaking them down into short term goals. Example: long term goal = medical doctor Short term goals = ???

9. S.M.A.R.T GOAL SETTING

10. GOALS AND AN ACTION PLAN Action plan is a multi-step strategy for identifying and achieving goals. Action Plan 1.Select a goal to work on. 2.List what you will do to reach the goal. 3.Identify sources of help and support. 4.Set a reasonable time frame for reaching your goal. 5.Establish checkpoints to evaluate your progress. 6.Reward yourself after reaching your goal.