DO NOW Part of becoming an adult is learning

how to make responsible decisions.Journal #9

What decisions are you responsible for making at home?

RISKY BEHAVIORS

Mr. Morrell

UNDERSTANDING HEALTH RISK The first step in becoming responsible

for your health is to increase your awareness of risk behaviors in your life.

Risk Behaviors – actions that can potentially threaten your health or the health of others.

The second step is to examine your current behaviors and make any necessary changes.

RECOGNIZING RISK BEHAVIORS The Center for Disease Control (CDC)

have performed surveys of teens from across America about their personal risk behaviors

The following chart is a compilation of the data they found while conducting the survey.

TEEN RISK BEHAVIORS

CUMULATIVE RISKS AND CONSEQUENCES Cumulative Risk – related risk that

increase in effect with each added risk.What are some examples of a cumulative

risk?Smoking 1 cigarette Having 1 alcoholic beverageEating 1 high-fat mealHaving sun burn 1 time

CUMULATIVE RISKS AND CONSEQUENCES Cumulative Risks may also result from

combinations of risk factors. What are some examples of a

combination of risk factors? Driving over the speed limit + Not wearing a seat belt + Driving in poor weather conditions = Cumulative Risks

ABSTAINING FROM RISK BEHAVIORS The only way to avoid the consequences

of some of the most serious risk behaviors is to practice abstinence

Abstinence – avoiding harmful behaviors, including the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs and sexual activity

ABSTAINING Abstaining from tobacco, alcohol and

other drugs has many positive influences on a person’s health

What are some negative consequences if a person should not abstain from tobacco, alcohol and other drugs for each element of health?

Using these substances harms all aspect of your health. Physical, mental and social/emotional

Write your answers on the Worksheet.

ABSTAINING Abstaining from sexual activity is the

preferred choice of behavior for unmarried persons of high school age.

Abstinence from sexual activity protects teens against many negative consequences

What are the positives for teens who abstain from sexual activity?

Write your answers on the worksheet.

POSSIBLE ANSWERS What are some negative consequences

if a person should not abstain from tobacco, alcohol and other drugs for each element of health?

Physical – could do irreversible damage to the body or death

Mental – can become an addiction Social / Emotional – isolation from family

and friends

POSSIBLE ANSWERS What are the positives for teens who

abstain from sexual activity? Never have to worry about unplanned

pregnancy Will not be faced with difficult decisions

associated with unplanned pregnancy Will not have to take on the many

responsibilities of caring for a child Don’t have to worry about sexually

transmitted infections Are free of the emotional problems that

usually accompany sexual activity

WORRY FREE With the worry of having a sexual relationship

eliminated, you are free to establish nonsexual closeness with members of the opposite gender

Therefore relationships can develop based on genuine feelings of love, trust, and friendship

When you choose to abstain from sexual activity, you can focus on the real priorities of your life

Responsible teens abstain from high-risk behaviors.

Choosing abstinence will benefit your lifelong health.