Using Medicines Wisely
What does "prescription" mean?
Prescription = medicine authorized by a clinician for a specific person.
Give one example of a communicable disease (simple).
The flu.
Give one example of a noncommunicable disease.
Diabetes, cancer, asthma, allergies, etc.
What should you do first if you find a small cut: wash, bandage, or ignore?
Wash the cut first.
Give one example of a "green" action students can do at school.
Use a reusable water bottle
Name two rules for taking medicines safely.
Rules: follow label/directions, do not share, store safely, check expiration.
Name two ways communicable diseases can spread.
Direct or indirect; Coughing/sneezing droplets; touching contaminated surfaces.
Name two lifestyle factors that increase risk for many noncommunicable diseases
Poor diet; physical inactivity.
Name two items that belong in a basic home first-aid kit.
Bandages and antiseptic wipes.
Name two benefits of recycling in a school community.
Cuts waste; saves money.
Explain why you should never take someone else’s prescription medication.
Taking others' meds can cause wrong dosing, interactions, or masking of symptoms.
Explain why handwashing is effective at reducing the spread of many infections.
Soap and water remove germs from your hands.
Explain the difference between communicable and noncommunicable diseases in one sentence.
Communicable = contagious; noncommunicable = not contagious.
Explain why wearing a seatbelt is important every time you ride in a car.
Seatbelts keep you restrained and reduce injury in a crash.
Explain how air quality inside a classroom can affect student health and learning.
Bad air can cause allergies, asthma, and trouble concentrating.
Describe how to store medicines safely at home to prevent accidental ingestion.
Keep medicines in original containers, up high/locked, away from kids.
Describe what a vaccine does in the body in one or two sentences.
A vaccine teaches your immune system to fight a germ.
Describe how regular physical activity helps prevent noncommunicable diseases.
Exercise strengthens heart, lowers risk, and helps control weight.
Describe how to perform a safety check before starting a bicycle ride.
Check tires, brakes, helmet, and that the bike fits and lights work.
Describe one way schools can reduce energy use.
Turn off lights/electronics when not in use.
Explain how antibiotics work and why it's important to finish a prescribed course (one or two sentences).
Antibiotics kill bacteria; finish the course to prevent resistance.
Outline steps a school should take during an outbreak of a contagious illness to protect students and staff.
Isolate sick people, notify parents/health officials, increase cleaning and hand hygiene.
Create a short health-promotion plan (3 items) aimed at reducing risk of heart disease for teens.
Three-step teen heart plan: exercise daily, eat more fruits/veggies, avoid sugary drinks and smoke.
Explain the steps of basic CPR for someone who is unresponsive and not breathing.
CPR overview: call 911, start chest compressions (push hard/fast), give rescue breaths if trained.
Design a short (3-step) classroom project that promotes environmental health and encourages student participation.
3-step classroom project: audit waste/energy, start recycling + lights-off routine, share results with the school.