Chapter 2
Taking Charge of Your Health
Learning Health Skills
health skills – specific tools and strategies to maintain, protect, and improve all aspects
of your health
· used throughout life to stay healthy (a.k.a life skills)
v Communication Skills – how you give and receive information
o involves carefully choosing words and expressions to clearly say what you mean
o listen closely to others
o use interpersonal communication (exchange of thoughts, feelings, and beliefs between two or more people) to build strong relationships
§ use “I” messages to express your feelings (focus on your emotions without placing blame)
§ communicate with respect and caring
§ be an active listener
o refusal skills – communication strategies that can help you say no when you are urged to take part in behaviors that are unsafe or unhealthful, or that go against your values
§ helpful refusal strategies:
– Say no in a firm voice
– Explain why
– Offer alternatives
– Stand your ground
– Leave if necessary
o conflict resolution – process of ending a conflict through cooperation and problem solving
– step away from an argument, allow the conflict to subside, use good interpersonal communication skills, maintain an attitude of respect for yourself and for the other person
v Accessing Information
– know how to find and evaluate health information
– must determine reliability of the group or individual sharing the info
– valid sources:
o health care providers and professionals
o valid Internet sites, such as those of government agencies and professional health organizations
o parents, guardians, and other trusted adults
o recently published material written by respected, well-known science and health professionals
v Analyzing Influences (people make better decisions when they understand the influences
that affect their decisions)
*Factors that influence your health:
· personal values
· personal beliefs
· perceptions
· curiosity/fears
v Self-Management Skills
- taking charge of your own health
- 2 self-management skills::
o Practicing healthful behaviors
o Managing stress
§ reaction of body and mind to everyday challenges and demands
§ normal part of life
§ too much unrelieved stress can lead to illness
§ must learn stress management skills – help you reduce and manage stress in your life
v Advocacy – taking action to influence others to address a health-related concern to
support a health-related belief
· allows you to encourage others to practice healthful behaviors
Decision Making
· values – ideas, beliefs, and attitudes about what is important that help guide the way you live
· decisions reflect your personal values and the values of your family
· values are first learned from family
The Decision-Making Process
· Step 1 – State the Situation
· Step 2 – List the Options
· Step 3 – Weigh the Possible Outcomes
o Use the HELP strategy:
§ H (Healthful)
§ E (Ethical) –reflect what you value
§ L (Legal)
§ P (Parent Approval)
· Step 4 – Consider Values
· Step 5 – Make a Decision and Act on It
· Step 6 – Evaluate the Decision
Goal Setting
- goals, those things you aim for that take planning and work
- how successful you are at reaching them depends on the plans you make now
- short-term goal: can reach in a short period of time
· may be a stepping stone for a long-term goal
- long-term goal: plan to reach over an extended period of time
· need more time and planning
- need an action plan to help you identify and achieve your goals
o set a specific, realistic goal and write it down
o list the steps you will take to reach your goal
o identify sources of help and support
o set a reasonable time frame for achieving your goal
o evaluate your progress by establishing checkpoints
o reward yourself for achieving your goal