Health Impacts of Technology, Substance Use, and Lifestyle

What does holistic health refer to?

The overall well-being of a person, including mental, social, and physical health.

How can excessive screen time affect mental health?

It can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances due to constant stimulation and blue light exposure.

What impact does social media have on self-esteem?

It may cause low self-esteem due to comparison or cyberbullying.

What are the social health effects of too much technology use?

It can lead to social isolation and reduce interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

What physical health issues can prolonged device use cause?

Sedentary behavior, weight gain, poor posture, eye strain, and muscle stiffness.

How does lack of physical activity from screen time affect health?

It increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity.

What are the four phases of the cycle of abuse?

1. Tension-building phase 2. Incident of abuse 3. Reconciliation 4. Calm/honeymoon phase.

What is one strategy for breaking the cycle of abuse?

Education and awareness: Recognizing warning signs of abuse.

What role do support systems play in breaking the cycle of abuse?

They provide avenues for talking to trusted adults, counselors, or support groups.

What are the risks associated with tobacco use?

Increases risk of lung cancer, COPD, heart disease, stroke, premature aging, yellow teeth, and bad breath.

How does alcohol affect brain function?

It acts as a depressant, slowing brain function and affecting judgment, coordination, and reaction time.

What are the potential consequences of drug use?

Addiction, mental health disorders, accidents, and even death.

What are some prevention strategies for substance use?

Refusal skills, healthy coping mechanisms, education about risks, and school programs.

What are the risks of peer pressure?

Pressure to try substances, impaired decision-making, legal trouble, and addiction.

How can one avoid high-risk situations related to peer pressure?

Know your values, use refusal skills, avoid high-risk places, choose supportive friends, and have an escape plan.

What does body composition refer to?

The percentages of fat, muscle, bone, and water in the body.

What are common assessments for body composition?

BMI (Body Mass Index), body fat percentage, and waist circumference.

How can family history impact health?

Certain diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure can run in families.

What are some management tips for preventive care and healthy lifestyle choices?

Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and yearly checkups and health screenings.

What is the definition of overweight?

Having more body weight than is healthy, often due to excess body fat.

What is the definition of obesity?

A chronic condition involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems.

What BMI range indicates overweight?

BMI 25-29.9.

What BMI value indicates obesity?

BMI 30 or higher.

What are some causes of overweight and obesity?

Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, genetics, emotional factors, and medications.

What percentage of U.S. adults are overweight or obese?

Over 70%.

How have childhood obesity rates changed in the last 30 years?

Childhood obesity rates have tripled.

What factors contribute to the weight epidemic in America?

Fast food culture, lack of physical activity, screen time, and food deserts.

What are some physical health risks associated with being overweight or obese?

Increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, joint problems, and certain cancers.

What mental health issues are more prevalent among those who are overweight or obese?

Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

What social impacts can result from being overweight or obese?

Bullying, discrimination, and lower performance in school or work.

What is a drug?

Any substance that causes a physiological effect on the body when introduced.

What are some examples of drugs?

Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, illicit drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.

What key effect do most drugs have on the brain?

They stimulate the release of dopamine.

What role does dopamine play in the brain?

It helps brain cells communicate and is linked to emotion, motivation, cognition, movement, and pleasure.

How do drugs affect dopamine production over time?

They lead to reduced natural dopamine production, resulting in addiction, tolerance, and dependence.

What are some immediate benefits of quitting smoking?

Heart rate and blood pressure drop within 20 minutes, and lung function improves within days.

What are the risks associated with prescription drug abuse?

Overdose, addiction, organ damage, and death.

What are common classes of abused prescription drugs?

Opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants.

How have physical activity levels changed over the past 30 years?

People had more active lifestyles due to less screen time and more manual labor.

What health issues are contributed to by sedentary behaviors today?

Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

What is body composition?

Everything your body is made of, including muscle, fat, bone, organs, and fluids/tissues.

Why is body composition more accurate than weight or BMI alone?

It provides a better assessment of health by indicating the amount of lean tissue (muscle) versus body fat.

What changes occur in body composition during puberty?

During puberty, individuals gain muscle mass (especially males), increase body fat (especially females), and grow in height and bone density.

What are the limitations of BMI (Body Mass Index)?

BMI does not measure body composition and can misclassify muscular individuals as overweight; it may not reflect fat distribution.

What health risks are associated with abdominal fat?

Abdominal fat is linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

What are the at-risk waist size measurements for men and women?

Men: 40 inches or more; Women: 35 inches or more.

What are the basic steps to prevent the spread of disease?

Wash hands often, visit the doctor regularly, practice safe sex, maintain hygiene, avoid contact with sick individuals, and stay home when ill.

What are essential actions to take in a first aid emergency?

Call 911, control bleeding, use CPR or an AED, and treat burns, fractures, or allergic reactions.

What does the R.I.C.E. method stand for in injury treatment?

R: Rest, I: Ice, C: Compress, E: Elevate.

What are the benefits of seeking a second opinion from a doctor?

It can confirm a diagnosis, offer new treatment options, and help you feel more confident in your decisions.

What is health literacy?

Your ability to understand and use health information to make informed decisions.

What are some benefits of health literacy?

Better communication with healthcare providers, understanding insurance and medical instructions, managing chronic diseases, and making informed decisions about nutrition, exercise, and medication.

What does self-advocacy in health mean?

Speaking up about your health needs and choices.

What proactive steps can individuals take for health prevention?

Get regular checkups, live a balanced lifestyle, and learn about risk factors and prevention strategies.

Why is sleep important for teens?

Adequate sleep (about 8-10 hours) is crucial for mental clarity, immune function, emotional regulation, and growth and repair of tissues.

What are the risks associated with lack of sleep?

Increased risk of depression, obesity, high blood pressure, and weakened immunity.

What constitutes dating violence?

Dating violence includes physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse in a romantic relationship.

What are the key components of a healthy relationship?

Mutual respect, trust, consent, and equality.

What are some red flags in a relationship?

Jealousy, control, isolation, or threats.

What should victims of abuse remember about their situation?

Victims cannot change abusers and it is not their job to fix or help them.

What are some support options for victims of abuse?

Counselors, family, trusted adults, and hotlines like the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

What is depression?

A mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and changes in sleep or appetite.

What are some treatments for depression?

Therapy (e.g., CBT), medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes (exercise, nutrition).

What are some warning signs of suicide?

Talking about death or hopelessness, withdrawing from loved ones, and giving away possessions.

How can suicide be prevented?

With early intervention from mental health professionals, crisis hotlines, and emergency services.

Who should you talk to if you or someone else is struggling?

A trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, counselor, coach, or doctor.

What are some positive ways to use technology for health?

Fitness trackers, workout apps, meditation or sleep apps, and nutrition planners.

What are the negative effects of too much screen time?

It can harm face-to-face communication, create distractions, and reduce empathy.

What should you consider before posting online?

Privacy, tone, and truth regarding the content.

How can you evaluate the credibility of online sources?

Check the author's credentials, publication date, use .edu, .gov, or .org sources, and compare multiple sources.

What are the benefits of a positive mindset?

It can reduce stress, improve resilience, encourage healthy choices, and strengthen emotional well-being.

How can your social environment influence your health?

It shapes your behaviors, beliefs, and lifestyle choices.

What is caloric balance?

The relationship between the number of calories you eat and the number you burn through exercise, metabolism, and daily activities.

What happens if you consume more calories than needed?

Weight gain.

What happens if you consume fewer calories than needed?

Weight loss.

What types of foods should you choose for better health?

Nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins over empty calories like sugary drinks and junk food.