Personal Health Care
Name one routine personal health habit teens should do daily.
Habit: daily hygiene (brushing teeth), handwashing, regular sleep.
Name the body system responsible for breathing and gas exchange.
Respiratory system
True or False: Smoking tobacco increases the risk of lung disease.
True.
At what minimum age is it illegal for teens to purchase alcohol in the U.S.?
In the U.S., minimum legal age is 21.
Define the term "illicit drug" in one sentence.
Illicit drug = illegal substance (e.g., heroin, methamphetamine).
Why are regular dental check-ups important for teens?
Dental check-ups prevent cavities, detect problems early.
Which body system controls hormones and growth?
Endocrine system controls hormones.
Name one health risk associated with vaping or e-cigarette use for teens.
Vaping risks: nicotine addiction, lung injury, unknown long-term effects.
Name one short-term effect of alcohol on judgment or coordination.
Short-term effect: slowed reaction time, impaired judgment, slurred speech.
Name one commonly abused prescription medication among teens.
Commonly abused prescriptions: opioids (painkillers), stimulants (ADHD meds), sedatives
Explain why vaccines are part of personal health care.
Vaccines prepare the immune system to fight infections.
Explain how the circulatory and respiratory systems work together during exercise
Circulatory carries oxygenated blood from lungs to muscles; respiratory supplies oxygen.
Explain one reason why nicotine is addictive.
Nicotine activates reward pathways, causing dependence
Explain why alcohol has a greater effect on teens than on fully grown adults (one sentence).
Teen brains are still developing; alcohol affects development and has stronger behavioral impacts.
Explain the difference between misuse and proper use of prescription medicines.
Misuse = taking more than prescribed, using someone else’s meds; proper use = taken as directed by provider.
Describe what it means to have a regular health care "medical home" and one benefit it provides.
Medical home = regular primary care provider coordinating care; benefit: continuity and preventive care.
Describe the basic function of the immune system in one sentence.
Immune system defends against pathogens.
Describe one strategy to refuse tobacco or vaping when offered by peers.
Strategy: refuse firmly, suggest alternative activity, prepare a refusal script.
Describe how alcohol use can increase risk-taking behaviors.
Alcohol lowers inhibitions leading to riskier choices.
List three signs that someone may be abusing drugs.
Signs: sudden mood changes, decline in grades, withdrawal from activities, physical changes.
Create a one-week self-care plan that includes sleep, hygiene, nutrition, and stress-management activities for a teen.
Example week: Sleep 8–10 hrs/night, brush twice daily, balanced meals, 30 min exercise, 10 min journaling.
Explain how the nervous system responds to a sudden loud noise (sequence of events).
Loud noise → ear detects sound → auditory nerve sends signal to brain → startle response → release adrenaline → increased heart rate/breathing.
Explain short-term and long-term effects of nicotine on teenage brain development.
Nicotine interferes with brain development, affecting attention, learning, mood regulation.
Explain why mixing alcohol with other drugs or medications can be dangerous (give an example).
Mixing alcohol with medications (e.g., opioids, antidepressants) can cause dangerous sedation, slowed breathing, or other adverse reactions.
Describe one evidence-based approach schools use to prevent drug use among students.
Prevention: education, counseling, school policies, parental involvement, access to extracurriculars.