316 Chapter 12 Health and Fitness
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Not all risks are bad. For example, you might risk being turned down
when inviting someone new to a school dance. Many risks, however, are
quite serious due to their consequences. They can result in physical or
mental harm to a person, cause injury or death, and even affect the lives
of innocent people. These consequences are severe.
Carefully analyze the risks you take and consider the possible
outcomes. Some risks, such as having sex, using illegal drugs, drinking
alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and driving while intoxicated, can have
lifetime consequences. Some risks can endanger the health and well-
being of others. No one has the right to take risks that might cause harm
to others.
For example, riding in a car is a routine risk, but doing so without
fastening your seat belt raises the risk factor for physical injury. Riding
with someone who has been drinking raises your risk factor and the
driver’s risk factor for serious injury or death. Going to a party and
using drugs increases your risk factor for physical and social-emotional
consequences. The use of illegal drugs can lead to serious health
consequences and even death. There is also the risk of possible arrest
for possession of drugs. When people are under the infl uence of drugs
or alcohol, they are also less able to make good decisions involving their
behavior. None of these consequences can lead to positive outcomes
concerning the quality of your life.
Some teens think they are immune to danger, but no one really
is. Consider any risk seriously. Then, if you choose to proceed with an
activity, plan ahead to reduce the gravest consequences. For instance,
if you want to raft a dangerous river, train for it and go with a team of
rafters who are also well trained. Before you take off, secure your helmet
and life vest, know how to avoid falling off, and know how to get back
on if you do.
Build Supportive Relationships
You will come in contact with many people throughout your life.
Some of these people will be very close to you. They are the people who
will love you, encourage you, support you, and make you feel worthwhile.
These are likely to be your parents, your close friends, a dating partner,
and may eventually include a marriage partner. Even in the workplace,
you may fi nd a mentor who will help you along in your career.
The relationships you share with these people have a great effect on
the quality of your life. You are healthier, both physically and mentally,
when you have these supportive relationships in your life. Your happiness
and success in life are closely related to your ability to form meaningful
relationships with others.
The caring people in your life will support you in times of stress,
12-6. They will help you solve problems and fi nd direction. Supportive
relationships go both ways. That means both people in the relationship
meet needs and contribute to the personal development of the other.
Compile a list of activities
that help promote wellness
and can be done by an entire
family. Examples include
walking, riding bicycles,
swimming, and preparing
healthy recipes. Try one of the
activities with your family
and share the experiences
in small groups or with the
entire class.
Wellness
Awareness