Introduction to Health

health: the condition of a person’s body, mind, emotions, and relationships
wellness: a way of living each day that is based on healthy attitudes
health triangle * three corners – physical, social, mental
ranges of health * exist on a continuum: * risk behaviors ←→ wellness behaviors * premature death ←→ optimal health
health status is a combination of the healthful and risk behaviors one selects during their life
steps to optimal health * determine current health status * obtain information on how to stay healthy * take action
value: a standard or belief that is important to an individual
character: a person’s use of self control to act on their values
goal: a desired achievement to which a person works * goal setting process: * state your goal — make sure it’s specific, measurable, and realistic * write it down and come up with an action plan (steps you need to reach the goal) * set a target date to accomplish the goal and revise it when necessary * keep track of your progress — this will encourage you to stick to your goal * identify possible obstacles and people who can help you achieve your goal

responsible decision making model: five steps

identify the problem
identify alternatives (solutions)
apply criteria — healthy, legal, safe, respectful of self, respectful of others, respectful of parents, demonstrative of good character
make a decision
evaluate pros and cons or two pros to the decision

example of responsible decision making

scenario: parents aren’t home, alcohol is present at a party (underage drinking, staying out of trouble)

2. solutions:	3. healthy?	legal?	respectful of self?	respectful of others?	respectful of parents?	good character?
stay and drink	no	no	no	yes	no	no
leave	yes	yes	yes	no	yes	yes
stay and don’t drink	yes	no	?	yes	no	yes

peer pressure

peer pressure: [usually negative] influence from members of one's peer group
takes many different forms (four major types) * friendly pressure: eventually saying yes, repetition * teasing pressure: making fun, degradation * heavy pressure: threats, experience loss * unseen pressure: one’s pressures on oneself
refusal skills (the ability to refuse actions that don’t fit with responsible decision making) helps combat peer pressure

personality

self esteem: confidence in self
self concept: perception of self
the three selves * private self: how one acts when by oneself or with people they feel comfortable with * public self: how one acts when they are with large groups of people or those they don’t know very well * ideal self: how one would like to be or be perceived as
personality types * type A: leaders; a temperament characterized by excessive ambition, aggressive attitude, drive, and a focus on quantity over quality * type B: followers; a temperament characterized by moderate ambition and drive, accommodating attitude, focus on quality over quantity, and generally easy going approach to life