Lesson 3 Health Risks and Your Behavior Identifying
Lesson 3 Health Risks and Your Behavior
Identifying Health Risks • Risk Behaviors = actions that can potentially threaten your health or the health of others. • YOU can control most risk behaviors • Understanding risks associated with certain behaviors can influence safe and responsible decisions about risks to avoid
Recognizing Risk Behaviors • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified six risk behaviors that account for most deaths and disabilities of young adults. • These risk behaviors can lead to heart disease, cancer and other serious illnesses later in life: – – – Tobacco use Unhealthy dietary behaviors Inadequate physical activity Alcohol and drug use Sexual behaviors that may result in HIV infection, other STD’s and unintended pregnancies. – Behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence.
Risks and Consequences • Risk behaviors have serious impact on health • Behaviors carry consequences, either short-term or long-term, that can harm health, some may even be fatal. • Evaluate consequences before engaging in these risks
Risks and Consequences (Con’t) • Cumulative Risks = related risks that increase in effect with each added risk. • These can add up over time • Examples?
How to Avoid or Reduce Risks • You can take action to reduce your exposure to health risks by practicing positive health behaviors • One way to reduce health risks is through prevention ( taking steps to keep something from happening or getting worse. • Another way to reduce health risks is through abstinence (deliberate decision to avoid high-risk behaviors, including sexual activity, and the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs) • By abstaining from these behaviors, you show you value your well being, demonstrate maturity, and play an active role in maintaining your health.
Lifestyle Factors • Personal habits or behaviors related to the way a person lives • People who practice positive health habits tend to be healthier and live longer • These factors include: – – – – Getting 8 hours of sleep each night Starting each day with a healthy breakfast Eating a variety of nutritious foods each day Being physically active for 30 -60 minutes Maintaining a healthy weight Abstaining from smoking or use of other tobacco products Abstaining from the use of alcohol and other drugs
Group Work • In your group, make a chart that lists common risk behaviors and possible short and long term consequences as a result of engaging in that behavior. • Discuss at least 5 specific strategies individuals can use to reduce risks and enhance health
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