This document provides an overview of health and wellness. It defines health as a combination of physical, mental/emotional, and social well-being. Wellness is described as an overall state of balance among these three components. Key aspects of each component are outlined, including maintaining physical health through nutrition, sleep, activity and hygiene; cultivating mental/emotional health by developing a sense of purpose and coping skills; and nurturing social health through relationships. Health and wellness exist on a continuum, and lifestyle factors like abstaining from risky behaviors and prevention methods can influence a person's position on this spectrum.

1. Chapter 1: Understanding Health and Wellness Lesson 1—Your Total Health

2. Vocabulary Health—the combination of physical, mental/emotional, and social well-being Spiritual Health—a deep-seated sense of meaning and purpose in life Wellness—an overall state of well-being or total health Chronic Disease—an ongoing condition or illness

3. The Health Triangle 3 Elements: Physical Health Mental/Emotional Health Social Health

4. Physical Health Physical health is all about how well your body functions 5 tips to maintain good physical health Get 8—10 hours of sleep each night Eat nutritious meals and drink eight cups of water daily Participate in 30—60 minutes of physical activity every day Avoid the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs Bathe daily, and floss and brush your teeth daily

5. Mental/Emotional Health Mental and emotional health is about your feelings and thoughts. How do you feel about yourself? How do you meet the demands of your daily life? How do you cope with the problems that occur in your life? What are some things that people who are mentally and emotionally healthy do on a day to day basis? Spiritual Health—involves having a feeling of purpose and a sense of values

6. Social Health Social health is getting along with others Family Friends Teachers Other Community Members Your Social Network Maintaining healthy relationships and caring for your social health involves: Seeking and lending support when needed Communicating clearly and listening to others Showing respect and care for yourself and others

7. Health v. Wellness Health is the combination of physical, mental/emotional, and social well-being Wellness is keeping a balance among the three components of health

8. Keeping a Balance Wellness comes from making decisions and practicing behaviors that are based on sound health knowledge and healthful attitudes

9. The Health Continuum Your health and wellness are ALWAYS changing Your health can be measured on a sliding scale Hint: Be able to label the health continuum diagram 

10. Life Style Factors Life style factors are repeated behaviors related to the way a person lives, which help determine his or her level of health

11. Risk Behaviors Risk behaviors are actions that can potentially threaten your health or the health of others. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has listed 6 risk behaviors that account for most of the deaths and disabilities among young people. Tobacco Use Unhealthy dietary behaviors Inadequate physical activity Alcohol and other drug use Sexual behaviors that result in STD’s, pregnancy, and HIV infection Behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence.

12. Abstinence Abstinence is a deliberate decision to avoid high-risk behaviors such as sexual activity and the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

13. Prevention Getting regular medical and dental checkups Wearing a seat belt Eating healthy Staying active Making your decision before faced with a choice