ROAD TO A BETTER HEALTH
The concept of health can be divided into different categories. You can talk about physical, mental
or intellectual , emotional, social and spiritual health. Anyone can take certain actions to stay
healthy in these areas. However, teens should pay attention to certain guidelines.
Physical health: taking care of our body • Exercise regularly. Teens should be physically
active for at least 60 minutes a day. • Follow a healthy diet. Having a healthy diet is an important
part of your growth and development. You should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains,
different sources of protein, and low-fat dairy.
•Keep a healthy weight. Obese children and adolescents are more likely to be obese in adulthood.
They are also at increased risk for other chronic illnesses, depression, and bullying at school.
• Get enough sleep. Most teens need 9 to 9 1/2 hours of sleep a night. Many only sleep an
average of 7 hours. Sleep has a strong effect on concentration ability and school performance.
Comply with vaccines. It is important to get a flu shot every year. If you don't have the HPV
vaccine yet, ask your parents and doctor about it. This vaccine can prevent HPV and other
cancers, such as cervical cancer.
• Brush your teeth and floss. If it becomes a habit now, you can prevent dental and gingival
problems in adulthood.
•Use sunscreen. Sunburn in childhood or adolescence, even once, increases the risk of
developing skin cancer in adulthood.
• Don't listen to loud music. This can damage hearing for the rest of life.
Mental and intellectual health: taking care of our mind
• Learn ways to manage stress. You can't avoid stress, so you have to learn how to manage it.
This will help you stay calm and be able to act in stressful situations.
• Study and do well in school. There is a strong link between health and academic success.
E motional health: taking care of our feelings • Know the signs of mental illness. These are
a s follows: or anxiety or depression or excessive tiredness or loss of self-esteem or loss of
interest i n things that previously interested you or loss of appetite or weight gain or loss or strange
c hanges in personality. • Pay attention to mood and feelings. Don't assume that your negative f
eelings or thoughts are part of adolescence. If you are concerned about something, get help. •
D on't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. If you cannot speak to your parents, speak to a
n earby teacher or a school counselor. Find an adult you can trust. If you feel very sad or think
a bout hurting yourself, ask for help right away. • Accept yourself. If you have low self-esteem or
p roblems with your body image, talk to someone about it. Even talking to a friend can be helpful. •
D o not harass other people. And if you are harassed, talk to your parents, teachers, or other
a dults. This includes harassment online or over the phone.
Social health : Try to maintain a good relationship with parents. Remember that they want
the best for you. Try to analyze the rules that are imposed on you.
. Create a good balance between school, work and social life. ,
Intellectual health . read and stay informed, do crossword puzzles and study judiciously
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HEALTHY HABITS READING :
1.What are some different types of health?
A. Physics , social , intellectual , spiritual and working health
B.Spiritual , social , physics , emotional and practical health
C.Working , mental , social , physics and spiritual health
D.Intellectual, physics , spiritual, social and emotional health
2. 5 ways to be physically healthy are …. :
A.Read a book , take a shower, eat 3 meal a day and practice soccer
B.Do exercise frequently,follow a healthy diet,sleep well and brush the teeth
C.Study a lot , read newspapers , take a bath and play basketball 3 days a week
D.Take a walk once a day , brush your teeth, wash your hands and take a breath
3.Two activities to be a mental health are :
A.Handle stress situations and study too much in your school
B.Manage social situations and stay update everyday of your life
C.Take a breath every night and do exercises four days a week
D.Drink water frequently and practice yoga three days a week
4. Some recommendations for emotional health are:
A.Have many friends , love somebody ,talk with your family and have a good self-esteem
B.Communicate with your friends, visit the family and relatives and stay healthy
C.Ask for help to other people ,take care of your feelings and have a good self-esteem
D.Talk with your partners, stay healthy , call your parents and learn and study too much
5.Some activities to have social and mental health are :
A.Do crosswords , have good relationship with your parents , read and study a lot
B.Don´t listen music loud , visit your friends almost once a week and read newspapers
C.Stay updated , rest for a long time , practice sport twice a week and sleep well
D.Work hard six days a week, practice sport frequently and call your family and relatives
