Question

understanding health and wellness
your total health
total health
directions: your total health is made up of three equally important areas: physical, mental/emotional, and social. if one area of your health suffers, your total health will also suffer. for each of the following cases, decide which area(s) of each teens health is being negatively affected and describe how each teen could improve his or her situation.

1. a 15 - year - old boy has come to the office complaining of a stomachache. he has a math test during the next class period. you have noticed that he comes to the office with a stomachache every time he has a math test.
2. a ninth - grade girl missed a week of school for her grandmothers funeral. now, she wants to talk with someone because she is having a hard time catching up with her schoolwork.
3. two tenth - grade boys have been sent to the office for fighting. they have minor injuries and appear to be very angry. both have been in fights before.
4. a ninth grader is unhappy about her weight problem. she says she is sick of being teased by the other kids.
5. a senior wrestler has skipped lunch every day this week, replacing food with a dietary supplement. he is worried that he will not make weight for tonights big match.

Explanation:

1. The boy's stomach - aches before math tests suggest mental/emotional stress. He could practice relaxation techniques like deep - breathing or positive self - talk, and also study more regularly to reduce test anxiety.
2. The girl is facing mental/emotional and social challenges. She could talk to a school counselor for emotional support and ask teachers or classmates for help to catch up on schoolwork.
3. The boys' fighting indicates mental/emotional (anger management) and social issues. They could attend anger - management classes and learn conflict - resolution skills.
4. The ninth - grader's unhappiness due to weight and teasing involves mental/emotional and social aspects. She could talk to a trusted adult, practice self - acceptance, and consider joining a positive social group.
5. The wrestler's skipping lunch and worry about weight are physical and mental/emotional concerns. He could consult a nutritionist to plan a healthy diet and talk to a coach or counselor to manage his pre - match anxiety.

Answer:

1. Affected area: Mental/Emotional. Improvement: Practice relaxation and study regularly.
2. Affected areas: Mental/Emotional, Social. Improvement: Talk to counselor and classmates for help.
3. Affected areas: Mental/Emotional, Social. Improvement: Attend anger - management classes and learn conflict - resolution.
4. Affected areas: Mental/Emotional, Social. Improvement: Talk to trusted adult, practice self - acceptance.
5. Affected areas: Physical, Mental/Emotional. Improvement: Consult nutritionist and talk to coach/counselor.