Health Behaviors and Their Impact on Children

Study Notes

Focus has shifted from learning about body systems to applying knowledge about health behaviors and their effects on the body.
For example, the effects of tobacco, fast food, and lack of exercise on the body.

Life expectancy of Americans has increased, but health disparities persist based on factors like race, class, and geography.
Children born into poverty are at higher risk for health issues, often due to limited access to education and healthcare.

Adolescents are at increased risk of death, largely due to injuries, which are now the leading cause of death for children.
Motor vehicle accidents account for more than half of child injury deaths.
Chronic health conditions like asthma affect a significant portion of children.
The number of overweight children has more than doubled and the number of overweight adolescents has tripled since 1980.
There are disparities in these statistics based on race and income.

Hunger, abuse, and chronic illness can negatively impact school performance.
Health-risk behaviors like early sexual activity, violence, and physical inactivity are linked to academic failure.

Sleep is essential for normal brain and body function.
Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and infections.
Children and adolescents need at least 10 hours of sleep per night.
Sleep deprivation in children can lead to hyperactivity, irritability, and inattention.

The immune system recognizes germs (antigens) and produces antibodies to fight them.
Immunity is the result of memory cells defending against reinfection.
Vaccines contain antigens that cause disease.
When injected, they stimulate antibody production and create memory cells.

Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are leading causes of adult death and disability.
Although not contagious, they are highly preventable.
Healthy habits like eating well, exercising, and avoiding tobacco can prevent or control these diseases.

Brush and floss teeth daily.
Practice good hygiene.
Get sufficient sleep and rest.
Prevent vision and hearing loss.
Protect against sun damage.
Practice behaviors to prevent infectious diseases.
Practice behaviors to prevent chronic diseases.
Prevent health problems associated with common chronic diseases in youth (allergies, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy).
Prevent foodborne illness.
Seek help for common infectious diseases and chronic conditions.
Seek healthcare professionals for screenings and examinations.
Prevent health problems resulting from common chronic diseases and conditions.

Instruction should be tailored to the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development of students.
Create lessons that encourage practice of healthy behaviors.
Reinforce concepts and skills from other subjects.