Health/Hygiene
Into your elbow. Please. For the love of health and sanitation.
What are the two most well-known food-borne illnesses that can occur with undercooked meat, poultry, and/or eggs?
Salmonella and E. coli.
A first‑time try of a substance—often from curiosity, stress, or peer influence—best fits which stage?
True or false: Seeking help (counselor, treatment, calling a helpline) fits the “Crisis” stage
True!
Jenny doesn't think she has a problem with substance use, despite being let go from work and losing friends over her use. What stage of change is Jenny in?
Precontemplation.
What is the minimum amount of time, in seconds, that you should wash your hands?
20 seconds! This makes sure that all the germs actually get washed off your hands.
What are the two safest ways to defrost frozen meat?
2. In the microwave just before cooking.
A teen only uses at parties a few times a month to “fit in.” No big life problems yet. Which stage?
Stage 2: Experimentation.
True or false: "Risky Use” means the person already has physical dependence.
False. Risky use involves negative consequences due to substance use, but physical dependence is not necessarily present.
Kyle has been sober for a year. He attends NA meetings weekly, holds a steady job, and prioritizes spending time with friends who also value sobriety. What stage of change is Kyle in?
Maintenance.
True or False: hand sanitizer is effective against all harmful germs.
Why is unsafe to defrost meat under hot water or on the counter at room temperature?
It allows for any pathogens present to reproduce really fast, making it more likely to make a person sick, even after cooking thoroughly.
Continuing to use despite falling grades, fights with parents, or getting in trouble at school best fits which stage?
Stage 4: Risky Use.
Experimentation stage (because use occurred on two occasions). Steps Mia could take include talking with a trusted adult or counselor, strengthening refusal skills, or building non‑using friend activities.
Angie is considering change. She feels like her substance use has been negatively affecting her life, but she isn't sure she wants to commit to sobriety. What stage of change is Angie in?
Contemplation.
During menstruation (periods), pads and tampons should be changed how often?
Every 4-8 hours.
Tampons should never be left in longer than 8 hours.
Pads might need to be changed before 4 hours to prevent leaks and odor; tampons might need to be changed sooner than 4 hours as well, if flow is heavier than the absorption of the tampon. If your tampon is constantly leaking, you might want to try tampons with a heavier absorbency (ex. regular to super.)
Give an example of cross-contamination.
Cross-contamination occurs when germs from one surface transfer to another.
Examples: handling raw chicken and then touching the handle of the fridge without washing your hands first; sneezing into your hand and then touching a door handle.
Using every weekend and after hard days, with a predictable pattern (e.g., “after practice”) fits best with which stage?
Stage 3: Regular use.
Jordan now uses substances after stressful shifts and most weekends. Grades have dropped and arguments at home are frequent, but Jordan insists “it’s under control.”
Risky use, because use continues despite clear consequences at school/home.
Oliver is newly out of treatment and actively practicing his coping skills. What stage of change is he in?
Action
Toxic Shock Syndrome, or TSS. This syndrome can happen even if tampons are changed regularly, but the risk increases significantly if tampons are worn longer than 8 hours.
Why should raw meat be stored separately from ready-to-eat foods in the fridge?
To avoid cross contamination; if raw meat juices drip onto vegetables, for example, and then those vegetables are not cooked long enough or eaten raw, sickness can occur.
Feeling sick or edgy without the substance and needing more for the same effect are characteristics of which stage?
Stage 5: Dependence.
Spencer says, “I only smoke when I’m stressed or to sleep.” Which stage is Spencer likely in and why?
Regular Use because it is a pattern of use. Experimentation is typically random/at parties. Spencer has not had any negative consequences that we know of, so he doesn't fit the criteria for Risky Use.
Michelle is in treatment. It's hard work, but she's committed to learning the skills she needs to achieve sobriety. What stage of change is she in?
Preparation