U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

English

UNF Digital Commons

HEALTH STYLE i:1t U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEAL TH AND HUMAN SERVICES • Public Health Service How This Booklet Can Help You All of us want good health . But, many of us do not know how to be as healthy as possible. Good health is not a matter of luck or fate . You have to work at it. Good health depends on a combination of things ... the environment. in which you live and work . . . the personal traits you have in-herited . . . the care you receive from doctors and hospitals . . . and the personal behaviors or habits that you perform daily, usually without much thought. All of these work to-gether to affect your health. Many of us rely too much on doctors to keep us healthy, and we often fail to see the importance of actions we can take ourselves to look and feel healthy. You may be surprised to know that by taking action individually and collectively, you can begin to change parts of your world which may be harmful to your health . Every day you are exposed to potential risks to good health. Pollution in the air you breathe and unsafe highways are two examples. These are risks that you , as an individual, can't do much about. Improving the quality of the envi-ronment usually requires the effort of con-cerned citizens working together for a healthier community . There are, however, risks that you can con-trol: risks stemming from your personal behaviors and habits. These behaviors are known as your lifestyle . Health experts now describe lifestyle as one of the most important factors affecting health. In fact , it is estimated that as many as seven of the ten leading causes of death in the United States could be reduced through common sense changes in lifestyle . That's what the brief test contained in this booklet is all about. The few minutes you take to complete it may actually help you add years to your life! How? Well to start, it will enable you to identify aspects of your present lifestyle that are risky to your health. Then it will en-courage you to take steps to eliminate or mini-mize the risks you identify . All in all , it will help you begin to change your present lifestyle into a new HEALTHSTYLE. If you do , it's possible that you may feel better , look better , and live longer too . Before You Take the Test This is not a pass-fail test. Its purpose is simply to tell you how well you are doing to stay healthy. The behaviors covered in the test are recommended for most Americans. Some of them may not apply to persons with certain chronic diseases or handicaps. Such persons may require special instructions from their physician or other health professional. You will find that the test has six sections: smoking, alcohol and drugs, nutrition, exercise and fitness, stress control, and safety . Com-plete one section at a time by circling the number corresponding to the answer that best describes your behayior (2 for "Almost Always", 1 for "Sometimes", and O for "Almost Never"). Then add the numbers you have circled to determine your score for that section. Write the score on the line provided at the end of each section. The highest score you can get for each section is 10. A Test for Better Health e Cigarette Smoking If you never smoke , enter a score of 10 for this section and go to the next section on Alcohol and Drugs . 1. I avoid smoking cigarettes. 2. I smoke only low tar and nicotine cigarettes or I smoke a pipe or cigars . Smoking Score: ., Alcohol and Drugs 1. I avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or I drink no more than 1 or 2 drinks a day . 2. I avoid using alcohol or other drugs (especially illegal drugs) as a way of handling stressful situa-tions or the problems in my life. 3. I am careful not to drink alcohol when taking certain medicines (for example , medicine for sleeping , pain , colds , and allergies) . 4. I read and follow the label directions when using prescribed and over-the-counter drugs. v., v., .... :::,, (U (U 0 .§ => 3 ~ <i: Q) E t:i t:i 0 0 0 VJ E E < <i: 2 1 0 2 1 0 ~ ~ t 2 .§ ~ <:t:: Q) ~ ..... E ..... v., 0 v., ~ VJ ~ <i: < 4 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 Alcohol and Drugs Score : ____ _ 0 Eating Habits 1. I eat a variety of foods each day , such as fruits and vegetables , whole grain breads and cereals , lean meats , dairy products , dry peas and beans, and nuts and seeds. 2. I limit the amount of fat , saturated fat , and cholesterol I eat (including fat on meats , eggs, but-ter , cream , shortenings , and organ meats such as liver). 3. I limit the amount of salt I eat by cooking with only small amounts , not adding salt at the table, and avoiding salty snacks. 4 . I avoid eating too much sugar (especially frequent snacks of sticky candy or soft drinks) . V) :>, 0 3 ~ V) 0 E ~ 4 2 2 2 V) ~ .§ ~ E 0 V) 1 1 1 1 .... ~ ::::, z ti 0 E ~ 0 0 0 0 Eating Habits Score: ____ _ 0 Exercise/Fitness 1. I maintain a desired weight, avoiding overweight and under-weight. 2. I do vigorous exercises for 15-30 minutes at least 3 times a week (examples include running , swimming , brisk walking). 3. I do exercises that enhance my muscle tone for 15-30 minutes at least 3 times a week (examples include yoga and calisthenics) . 4. I use part of my leisure time participating in individual, family, or team activities that increase my level of fitness (such as gardening, bowling , golf, and baseball) . V) :>, 0 3 ~ V) ~ .§ ~ E V) 0 0 V) E ~ 3 1 3 1 .... ~ ::::, z V) 0 E ~ 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 Exercise/ Fitness Score : ____ _ ~ Stre.ss Control 1. I have a job or do other work that I enjoy. 2. I find it easy to relax and ex-press my feelings freely. 3 . I recognize early, and prepare for, events or situations likely to be stressful for me. 4. I have close friends, relatives, or others whom I can talk to about personal matters and call on for help when needed. 5. I participate in group activities (such as church and community organizations) or hobbies that I enjoy. Cl) Cl) ... ::,,, ~ ~ o E ::. 3 ·- ~ ~ ~ 2':; ..... E Cl) 0 ~ C/) ~ Cl) 0 E ~ 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 Stress Control Score : ____ _ - Safety 1. I wear a seat belt while riding in a car. 2. I avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol and other drugs . 3. I obey traffic rules and the speed limit when driving. 4. I am careful when using potentially harmful products or substances (such as household cleaners, poisons, and electrical devices). 5. I avoid smoking in bed. Cl) Cl) ... ::,,, ~ ~ o E ::. 3 ·- ~ ~ ~ ~ ..... E t; 0 E Cl) 0 ~ C/) ~ ~ 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 Safety Score: ____ _ Your HEAL THSTYLE Scores After you have figured your scores for each of the six sections, circle the number in each column that matches your score for that section of the test. 'tt- 'tt-'1::::-Q, -~O; Ct . "Q, " ~ ~Qi '2F' ~ ~ . ~O;-i:i~" r..c.," q," "" ~o #, G'-OJ~~ ~C)<J~ «.,,~~'rf «_,#«.,~~ ~~\p"' ~~ Remember, there is no total score for this test. Consider each section separately. You are trying to identify aspects of your lifestyle that you can improve in order to be healthier and to reduce the risk of illness. So let's see what your scores reveal. What Your Scores Mean to YOU Scores of 9 and 10 Excellent! Your answers show that you are aware of the importance- of this area to your health. More importantly , you are putting your knowledge to work for you by practicing good health habits . As long as you continue to do so , this area should not pose a serious health risk . It's likely that you are setting an example for your family and friends to folio""! . Since _you got ·a very high score on this part of the test, you may want to consider other areas where your -?cores .indicate ·room for improvement. "'.core~ nf f'I tn 8 Your health practices in this -area are good, ·but there is room for improvement. Look again at the items you answered with a "Sometimes" or "Almost Never" . What changes can you make to improve. your score? Even a small change can often help you achieve better health. s s 3 5 Your health risks are showing! Would you like more information about the risks you are facing and about why it is important for you to change these behaviors. Perhaps you need help in deciding how to successfully make the changes you desire. In either case , help is available . See the last page of this booklet. Scores :of O to 2 Obviously , you were concerned enough about your health to take the test , but your answers show that you may be taking serious and unnecessary risks with your health . Perhaps you are not aware of the risks and what to do about them . You can easily get the information and help you need to improve , if you wish . A source of contact appears on the last page . The next step is up to you. YOU Can Start Right Now! In the test you just completed were numerous suggestions to help you reduce your risk of disease and premature death . Here are some of the most significant: e Avoid cigarettes. Cigarette smok-ing is the single most important pre-ventable cause of illness and early death . It is especially risky for preg-nant women and their unborn babies. Persons who stop smoking reduce their risk of getting heart disease and cancer. So if you're a cigarette smoker , think twice about lighting that next cigarette . If you choose to continue smok-ing, try decreasing the number of cigarettes you smoke and switching to a low tar and nicotine brand. • Follow sensible drinking habits. Alcohol produces changes in mood and behavior. Most people who drink are able to control their intake of alcohol and to avoid undesired , and often harmful, effects. Heavy , regular use of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, a leading cause of death. Also , statistics clearly show that · mixing drinking and driving is often the cause of fatal or crippling accidents. So if you drink, do it wisely and in moderation. • Use care in taking drugs. Today's greater use of drugs-both legal and illegal- is one of our most serious health risks. Even some drugs prescribed by your doctor can be dangerous if taken when drinking alcohol or before driving. Excessive or continued use of tranquilizers (or "pep pills")can cause physical and mental prob-lems. Using or experimenting with illicit drugs such as marijuana , heroin , cocaine , and PCP may lead to a number of damaging effects or even death . 0 Eat sensibly. Overweight in-dividuals are at greater risk for diabetes, gall bladder disease , and high blood pressure . So it makes good sense to maintain proper weight. But good eating habits also mean holding down the amount of fat (especially saturated fat), cholesterol , sugar and salt in your diet. If you must snack , try nibbling on fresh fruits and vegetables. You'll feel better-and look better , too. 0 Exercise regularly. Almost every-one can benefit from exercise-and there's some form of exercise almost everyone can do . (If you have any doubt , check first with your doctor.) Usually , as little as 15-30 minutes of vigorous exercise three times a week will help you have a healthier heart, eliminate excess weight, tone up sagging muscles , and sleep better. Think how much difference all these improvements could make in the way you feel! 0 Learn to handle stress. Stress is a normal part of living ; everyone faces it to some degree. The causes of stress can be good or bad , desirable or undesirable (such as a promotion on the job or the loss of a spouse) . Properly handled , stress need not be a problem. But unhealthy responses to stress-such as driving too fast or erratically, drinking too much , or prolonged anger or grief-can cause a variety of physical and mental problems. Even on a very busy day, find a few minutes to slow down and relax. Talking over a problem with someone you trust can often help you find a satisfactory solution. Learn to distinguish between things that are "worth fighting about" a:nd things that are less important. • Be safety conscious. Think "safety first" at home , at work , at school , at play, and on the highway. Buckle seat belts and obey traffic rules . Keep poisons and weapons out of the reach of children , and keep emergency numbers by your telephone . When the unexpected hap-pens, you'll be prepared. Where Do You Go From Here? Start by asking yourself a few frank ques-tions: Am I really doing all I can to be as healthy as possible? What steps can I take to feel better? Am I willing to begin now? If you scored low in one or more sections of the test , decide what changes you want to make for improvement. You might pick that aspect of your lifestyle where you feel you have the best chance for success and tackle that one first. Once you have improved your score there, go on to other areas. If you already have tried to change your health habits (to stop smoking or exercise regularly, for example) don't be discouraged if you haven't yet succeeded. The difficulty you have encountered may be due to influences you've never really thought about-such as advertising-or to a lack of support and en-couragement. Understanding these influences is an important step toward changing the way they affect you. There's Help Available. In addition to per-sonal actions you can take on your own, there are community programs and groups (such as the YMCA or the local chapter of the American Heart Association) that can assist you and your family to make the changes you want to make. If you want to know more about these groups or about health risks contact your local health department or mail in the card contained in this booklet. There's a lot you can do to stay healthy or to improve your health- and there are organizations that can help you . Start a new HEAL THSTYLE today! U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Office of Health Information, Health Promotion and Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 81-50155 •• Blue Cross Blue Shield ot F1onda 

Health Style- A Self-Test

https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3019&amp;context=flablue_text

Health Style- A Self-Test

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

UNF Digital Commons