Chapter 2Chapter 2

Making Healthful Choices

PresentersPresenters

Denise AlbroBrittany ClarkeKristyn KimmelKendall Sanders

Grade level: 7th grade Average age: 12

““Fading Out”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 SkillsBuilding 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 SkillsTypes of Health Skills

Social

Mental & Emotional

Total

Social Health SkillsSocial 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 SkillsCommunication Skills

Clearly say what you meanPay attention to how you say somethingBe a good listenerBe aware of your facial expressions and

gestures

Communication SkillsCommunication 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 SkillsCommunication Skills

Listening Skills

-- Body language

-- Conversation encouragers

-- Mirror thoughts and feelings

-- Ask questions

Refusal SkillsRefusal Skills

Techniques that can help you refuse when you are urged to take part in unsafe or unhealthful behaviors

Refusal Skill StrategiesRefusal Skill Strategies

1. Say no2. Explain why you are refusing3. Suggest alternatives to the proposed

activity4. Back up your words using body language5. Leave if necessary.

Refusal Skill StrategiesRefusal Skill Strategies

Mental and Emotional Health Mental and Emotional Health SkillsSkills

Building self-esteem

Stress management skills

Building Self-EsteemBuilding 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 BehaviorsPracticing 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 SkillsStress Management Skills

Stress- the body’s and mind’s reactions to every day demands

Solutions:

-- Rechaneling your energy

-- Relaxing

-- Laughing

Total Health SkillsTotal Health Skills

Accessing reliable information

Getting help

Accessing Reliable Accessing Reliable InformationInformation

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 HelpGetting 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 HelpGetting 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 So Why Is All Of This Important?Important?