Standard of Learning

8.1   The student will analyze and evaluate the relationship between health-risk behaviors and the onset of health problems that can impact health and wellness during the adolescent years. Key concepts/skills include

1. the pathogenic, genetic, age, cultural, environmental, and behavioral factors that influence the degree of risk for contracting specific diseases;
2. the roles of preventative health measures, immunization, and treatment in disease prevention;
3. the short- and long-term health issues related to alcohol abuse and tobacco use;
4. the impact of failing to recognize issues related to emotional and mental health;
5. the health risks associated with feelings of immortality and invincibility;
6. the consequences of involvement in potentially dangerous situations;
7. the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle;
8. the risk factors associated with communicable and noncommunicable diseases.

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Understanding the Standard

The student will understand the health risks associated with involvement in potentially dangerous situations.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• identify and explain risk-taking behaviors. (behavior that may cause injury or harm to you or others – risk-taking behaviors usually have consequences)
• discuss potentially dangerous situations and subsequent consequences associated with these behaviors.
• provide information relative to avoiding involvement in high-risk behaviors. (good judgement, attitude, maturity, self image, self control, etc.)

Sample Lessons

Group Rope Squares
Grades 5-12
This lesson will further reinforce group cohesion and communication skills as well as problem solving and cooperation. In teaching a drug prevention program, it is important to introduce activities like this that illustrate to students that Together they can help solve each other's problems, depend on one another, and communicate their needs to others.
Sponsor: Ask Eric
Contact: http://www.eduref.org (select lesson plans – health – substance abuse prevention)
Free

LifeSkills Training
Grades: 6-8
Model substance abuse prevention and competency enhancement program focusing on the major social and psychological factors causing substance use and abuse. Teaches drug resistance skills, personal management skills, and general social skills. Includes self-image, self-improvement, decision-making, anger management, assertiveness, communication, media, and conflict resolution issues.
Contact: http://www.lifeskillstraining.com
Cost

Project Towards No Tobacco Use (TNT)
Grades 5-10
Model program to prevent or reduce tobacco use in youth. Ten core and 2 booster lessons. Includes effective refusal and coping skills; effects of media and advertisers; methods to build self-esteem; and strategies for advocating no tobacco use.
Sponsor: Department of Preventive Medicine, USC
Contact: http://www.etr.org
Cost

Additional Instructional Resources

• Avoiding Risky Behaviors – http://www.healthierus.gov/behaviors.html
• Centers for Disease Control – http://www.cdc.gov
• National Center for Injury Prevention and Control – http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc

Assessment Ideas

The student will:

• role play situations in which teens choose to avoid high-risk situations.
• in small groups, write an ad urging other teens to avoid high-risk behaviors.
• evaluate media advertisements purporting safe behaviors.

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