week one paper

❯ Although we all recognize the importance of being healthy, it can be a challenge to sort out which behaviors are most likely to cause problems or which ones pose the greatest risk. Before you decide where to start, it is important to look at your current health status.By completing the following assessment, you will have a clearer picture of health areas in which you excel and those that could use some work. Taking this assessment will also help you reflect on components of health that you may not have thought about. Answer each question, then see your total score for each sec- tion on the Personal Checklist at the end of the assessment. Think about the behaviors that influenced your score in each category.

Would you like to change any of them? Choose the area that you’d like to improve, and then complete the Behavior Change Contract at the front of your book. Use the contract to think through and im- Assess yourself How Healthy Are You? plement a behavior change over the course of this class. Each of the categories in this question- naire is an important aspect of the total dimensions of health, but this is not a substi- tute for the advice of a qualified health care provider. Consider scheduling a thorough physical examination by a licensed physi- cian or setting up an appointment with a mental health counselor at your school if you need help making a behavior change. For each of the following, indicate how often you think the statements describe you. 1 Physical Health 3. I try to be a “better person” and decrease behaviors that have caused problems in my interac - tions with others. 1 2 3 4 4. I am open and accessible to a loving and responsible relation - ship. 1 2 3 4 5. I try to see the good in my friends and do whatever I can to support them and help them feel good about themselves.1 2 3 4 Total score for this section: ____________ 3 Emotional Health 1. I find it easy to laugh, cry, and show emotions such as love, fear, and anger, and try to express these in positive, con - structive ways. 1 2 3 4 2. I avoid using alcohol or other drugs as a means of helping me forget my problems.

1 2 3 4 3. I recognize when I am stressed and take steps to relax through exercise, quiet time, or other calming activities. 1 2 3 4 Never Rarely Some of the Time Usually or Always Never Rarely Some of the Time Usually or Always 1. I am happy with my body size and weight.

1 2 3 4 2. I engage in vigorous exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or running for at least 30 minutes per day, three to four times per week.1 2 3 4 3. I get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

1 2 3 4 4. My immune system is strong, and my body heals itself quickly when I get sick or injured.1 2 3 4 5. I listen to my body; when there is something wrong, I try to make adjustments to heal it or seek professional advice.1 2 3 4 Total score for this section: ____________ 2 Social Health 1. I am open, honest, and get along well with others. 1 2 3 4 2. I participate in a wide variety of social activities and enjoy being with people who are different from me.1 2 3 4 Name: __________________________________________________________________\ ____________________ Date: _________________________________ Instructor: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Section: _______________________________ ❯ 4. I try not to be too critical or judgmental of others and try to understand differences or quirks that I note in others.1 2 3 4 5. I am flexible and adapt or adjust to change in a positive way. 1 2 3 4 Total score for this section: ____________ 4 Environmental Health 1. I buy recycled paper and purchase biodegradable deter - gents and cleaning agents, or make my own cleaning prod- ucts, whenever possible. 1 2 3 4 2. I recycle paper, plastic, and metals; purchase refillable containers when possible; and try to minimize the amount of paper and plastics that I use.1 2 3 4 3. I try to wear my clothes for longer periods between wash - ing to reduce water consump- tion and the amount of deter- gents in our water sources. 1 2 3 4 4. I vote for pro-environment can - didates in elections. 1 2 3 4 5. I minimize the amount of time that I run the faucet when I brush my teeth, shave, or shower. 1 2 3 4 Total score for this section: ___________ 5 Spiritual Health 1. I take time alone to think about what’s important in life —who I am, what I value, where I fit in, and where I’m going. 1 2 3 4 2. I have faith in a greater power, be it a supreme being, nature, or the connectedness of all living things. 1 2 3 4 3. I engage in acts of caring and goodwill without expecting something in return.1 2 3 4 4. I sympathize and empathize with those who are suffering and try to help them through difficult times.1 2 3 4 5. I go for the gusto and experi - ence life to the fullest. 1 2 3 4 Total score for this section: ____________ 6 Intellectual Health 1. I carefully consider my options and possible consequences as I make choices in life. 1 2 3 4 2. I learn from my mistakes and try to act differently the next time.

1 2 3 4 3. I have at least one hobby, learning activity, or personal growth activity that I make time for each week, something that improves me as a person.1 2 3 4 4. I manage my time well rather than let time manage me.

1 2 3 4 5. My friends and family trust my judgment.1 2 3 4 Total score for this section: ____________ Although each of these six aspects of health is important, there are some factors that don’t readily fit in one category.

As college students, you face some unique risks that others may not have. For this reason, we have added a section to this self-assessment that focuses on personal health promotion and disease prevention. Answer these questions and see your results to the Personal Checklist in the following section. 7 Personal Health Promotion/ Disease Prevention 1. If I were to be sexually active, I would use protection such as latex condoms, dental dams, and other means of reducing my risk of sexually transmitted infections. 1 2 3 4 2. I can have a good time at parties or during happy hours without binge drinking.

1 2 3 4 3. I have eaten too much in the last month and have forced myself to vomit to avoid gaining weight. 4 3 2 1 4. If I were to get a tattoo or piercing, I would go to a repu- table person who follows strict standards of sterilization and precautions against blood- borne disease transmission. 1 2 3 4 5. I engage in extreme sports and find that I enjoy the highs that come with risking bodily harm through physical performance.

4 3 2 1 Total score for this section: ____________ Never Rarely Some of the Time Usually or Always Never Rarely Some of the Time Usually or Always How Healt Hy are you? Scores of 10–14: Your health risks are showing! Find information about the risks you are fac- ing and why it is important to change these behaviors.

Perhaps you need help in decid- ing how to make the changes you desire.

Assistance is avail- able from this book, your professor, and student health ser- vices at your school.

Scores below 10: You may be taking unnecessary risks with your health. Perhaps you are not aware of the risks and what to do about them. Identify each risk area and make a mental note as you read the associated chapter in the book. Whenever possible, seek additional resources, either on your campus or through your local community health resources, and make a serious commitment to behavior change. If any area is causing you to be less than functional in your class work or personal life, seek professional help. In this book you will find the information you need to help you improve your scores and your health. Remember that these scores are only indicators, not diagnostic tools. Personal Checklist Now, review your total scores for each section and compare them to what would be considered optimal scores. Are you surprised by your scores in any areas?

Which areas do you need to work on?

Ideal Score Your Score Physical health 20 __________ Social health 20 __________ Emotional health 20 __________ Environmental health 20 __________ Spiritual health 20 __________ Intellectual health 20 __________ Personal health 20 __________ promotion/disease prevention Scores of 15–20: Outstanding! Your answers show that you are aware of the importance of these behaviors in your overall health. More importantly, you are putting your knowledge to work by practicing good health habits that should reduce your overall risks. Although you received a very high score, you may want to consider areas in which your scores could be improved. How Healt Hy are you? To submit the completed worksheet, save it to your computer and email it\� to your instructor or upload it to their digital dropbox as directed.