Web Links

Unit 1: You and Your Health

Mayo Clinic: Compiling Your Family Medical History
http://www.mayohealth.org/home?id=HQ00458
You have learned that heredity can influence your future health, but how much do you know about your family health history? This Web site explains the importance of acquiring that information now so that you can develop habits that lead to a healthier life. Following the guidelines provided, compile your own family medical history. Which health habits should you consider developing or changing?

CDC's Adolescent and School Health Information
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/index.htm
Six types of risk behavior are linked to the leading causes of death in the United States. Visit this Web site to learn about these risk behaviors and steps that students, parents, and teachers can take to help young people adopt healthy habits. Read about the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. Complete the questionnaire to find out how you could improve your health behavior.

Mind Tools — Goal Setting
http://www.mindtools.com/page6.html
What are your goals for this month? This year? Next year? At this Web site, learn how to choose goals, set goals effectively, and achieve goals. Using the tips provided, decide on a lifetime goal for yourself. What short-term goals would help you achieve this goal?

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Unit 2: Physical Fitness and Nutrition

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
http://www.fitness.gov/activelife/activelife.html
Are you physically fit? Do you take part in regular physical activity? At this Web site, learn the benefits of regular exercise, how to start a fitness program, and ways to train effectively. Using the information provided under "Fitness Fundamentals," design your own fitness program. What are your short-term and long-term goals? In which activities will you participate? What types of equipment will you need?

Food Guide Pyramid
http://www.nal.usda.gov:8001/py/pmap.htm
What is the recommended number of daily servings from the vegetable group? Why are whole fruits more nutritious than fruit juices? Visit this Web site to learn about the five food groups and the Food Guide Pyramid. Create a healthful menu for one day's breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making sure to include the recommended number of servings from the five food groups.

Shape Up America! Support Center
http://www.shapeup.org/support/info/basics.htm
Are you able to maintain a healthy weight? Do you or someone you know need to lose weight? Visit this Web site to learn the basics of weight management, including strategies for decreasing food intake and increasing physical activity. Click on the "Making Lifestyle Changes" link. Create a list of tips for people who are trying to lose weight.

American Dental Hygienists Association
http://www.adha.org/index.html
How healthy are your teeth and gums? Visit this Web site to learn proper brushing and flossing techniques, the warning signs of periodontal disease, and the role of the dental hygienist. Click on the "Career Information" link. Compile the information presented into a brief pamphlet for teens who are considering a career in dental hygiene.

American Optometric Association
http://www.aoanet.org
Can you imagine life without your eyesight? Visit this Web site to learn how to care for your eyes and protect them from injury. Find out about eye conditions and diseases, vision correction techniques and procedures, and the responsibilities of eye care professionals. Create a health brochure that explains the different options for correcting vision problems.

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Unit 3: Mental and Emotional Health

Mind Tools — How to Master Stress
http://www.mindtools.com/smpage.html
How do you react physically and mentally to stressful situations? Visit this Web site to learn how to recognize stress, understand how it affects you, and manage it more effectively. Keep a stress diary for three days. What did you learn about the causes of stress in your life? How do you handle stress? What changes could you make to better manage stress?

NIMH: Anxiety Disorders
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety/library/brochure/anxbrch.htm
Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental disorder? At this Web site, find out about anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and phobias, and available treatments. Write a short story about a teen who is dealing with an anxiety disorder.

National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety/anxiety/index.htm
"Today we have a better picture of mental illness," according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Choose one of the scanned images on the first page of this Web site and investigate it by following all the links. Explain what disorders mental health professionals are able to study through use of these imaging techniques.

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Unit 4: Family and Social Health

Living with Parents
http://www.fcs.wa.gov.au/_content/parenting_information/lwp/commgame.htm
Communication, compromise, and cooperation are essential ingredients in healthy relationships. At this Web site, learn how to improve these skills for healthier relationships with parents and other family members. If you would like, you can type in your answers to the questions and print your responses. What areas of communication can you improve?

National Crime Prevention Council: Teens
http://www.ncpc.org/teens.htm
Have you ever had a conflict with a friend or family member? How was it resolved? At this Web site, learn about ways to resolve conflicts peacefully, stop school violence, and stay safe in your community. Click on the Info Center and test your "Street I.Q." How did you do? Read on to learn about ways to reduce the risk of violent crimes.

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Unit 5: Body Systems

Human Anatomy On-line — InnerBody.com
http://www.innerbody.com/htm/body.html
Can you name the bones in the skeletal system? Do you know where the digestive system begins? At this Web site, find drawings and overviews of body systems, discussions of organ functions, and a variety of body animations. Create a chart of the body systems, including their functions and structures.

Explore the Brain and Spinal Cord
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/introb.html
"I think, therefore I am." This quote by French philosopher René Descartes illustrates the importance of the brain. Visit this Web site to explore the brain and spinal cord, sensory systems, and effects of drugs on the nervous system. Click on "Brain Basics" and select "Brain Fitness — Your Guide to Good Brain Health." Design a poster to inform young children about these guidelines for good brain health.

The Heart Preview Gallery
http://sln2.fi.edu/biosci/preview/heartpreview.html
You know that your heart beats faster during physical activity, but do you know why? Visit this Web site to learn about the functions of the heart, blood, veins, and arteries. Click on the "Learn" button and choose "Activities." Then complete the Healthy Heart exercise.

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Unit 6: Growth and Development

March of Dimes
http://www.modimes.org/healthlibrary2/home.html
Since 1960, the rate of infant deaths due to birth defects has been reduced by half. Visit this Web site to learn about prenatal care, care of newborns, and birth defects. Go to the Resource Center, and click on "Having a Healthy Baby." Read "Deliver the Best," and create a booklet for couples who are expecting their first child.

National Society of Genetic Counselors
http://www.nsgc.org/
What do genetic counselors do? What educational background do they have? Who do they work with? Find the answers to these questions at this Web site. Click on the "Careers Information" link. Compile the information presented into a career profile for students who might be interested in genetic counseling.

Alzheimer's Association
http://www.alz.org/
You probably know that Alzheimer's is a disease that affects mainly older people, but did you know that about 4 million Americans have it? This Web site provides Alzheimer's information, including symptoms, treatment, and research into the cause and cure. What is Alzheimer's disease? What are the warning signs? What treatments are available?

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Unit 7: Medicines and Drugs

Mothers Against Drunk Driving
http://www.madd.org/
"It is estimated that 2,125 persons aged 16-20 died in alcohol-related crashes in 1999." This Web site presents many sobering statistics about drinking and driving. Learn about alcohol myths and facts, the negative effects of alcohol, and advice for teens about avoiding alcohol. Create a public service announcement that informs people about the dangers of drinking and driving.

National Institute on Drug Abuse: Infofax
http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/Infofaxindex.html
Drug abuse is a complex topic. Do you have unanswered questions? Visit this Web site to learn about the health effects of crack and cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and other drugs. Read the article about steroids. Create a pamphlet for parents and peers that explains the hazards of steroid abuse in athletes and teens.

P.R.I.D.E. — Parents' Resource Institute for Drug Education
http://www.pridesurveys.com /
You know that drugs can be dangerous, but do you know how they alter the body and the mind? At this Web site, find out about the physical, mental, and social effects of drugs. Click on "Drug Info." Create a chart that outlines the short-term and long-term physical and mental effects of five illegal drugs.

National Inhalant Prevention Coalition
http://www.inhalants.com/body.html
Educate yourself and protect yourself and your friends by finding out the facts about inhalants. The NIPC has provided information on this Web site to bring awareness of the very damaging effects of inhaling common substances. Review the information under FAQs, and prepare a Fact Sheet that can be posted or distributed at your school.

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Unit 8: Diseases and Disorders

CELLS alive!
http://www.cellsalive.com/
Have you ever looked at cells under a microscope? At this Web site, find animations of human cells that show how the body defends itself against invaders such as bacteria and viruses. What are the four phases in the life cycle of bacteria? What are the differences between bacteria and viruses?

CDC Influenza Home Page
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/fluvirus.htm
"I've got the flu" is a commonly heard complaint, especially during the winter. This Web site provides detailed influenza information, including symptoms, treatments, and vaccinations. What are the three types of influenza viruses, and how do they differ from one another? For whom is the influenza vaccine specifically recommended?

American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/
Are you "heart smart"? Visit this Web site to learn how to lower your risk of heart disease and recognize warning signs of heart attack and stroke. Click on the "Exercise" link in the Family Health area. Read the articles about physical activity, and then take the Healthy Heart Workout Quiz to see how much you have learned.

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
Did you know that about 171,000 cancer deaths were estimated to be caused by cigarette smoking in 2000? Another third are related to dietary factors. At this Web site, learn how many of these deaths could be prevented by better health habits. What are the dietary guidelines of the American Cancer Society? What are the guidelines for physical activity and weight control?

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Unit 9: Consumer and Environmental Health

Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Protection
http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm
Have you ever felt like you were ripped off after purchasing a health product that did not fulfill its advertising promises? Visit this Web site to learn how to avoid product scams and to protect your consumer rights. Click on the "Diet, Health, and Fitness" link and read the article called "Miracle Health Claims: Add a Dose of Skepticism." Summarize the information in an article for your school newspaper.

U.S. EPA Student Center
http://www.epa.gov/students
Do you know the expression "Waste not, want not"? This Web site shows how to limit the amount of waste you create by reducing, reusing, and recycling. Also learn about other environmental issues, such as air and water pollution. Click on the "Waste & Recycling" link, and read the Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste. Return to the "Waste & Recycling" page and test your knowledge by solving the "Waste No Words" crossword puzzle.

Surfrider Foundation USA
http://www.surfrider.org
Think of all the reasons we need clean water - for drinking, cooking, and bathing, to name just a few. Visit this Web site to understand the importance of clean water not only for our own health but for the health of the entire planet. Click on the "Programs" page and read the information under "Volunteer Menu Book." Create a poster that identifies ways volunteers fight water pollution.

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Unit 10: Injury Prevention and Safety

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/pub_idx.html
Although most people consider their home and community a safe place, there can be hidden dangers. At this Web site, find safety tips for reducing the risk of injury or death from consumer products. Go to the Library area, and click on the "CPSC Publications" link. Read some of the articles under "Child Safety," and create a handbook that helps babysitters and other caregivers keep children safe.

American Red Cross Disaster Services
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/
A natural disaster can occur just about anywhere and at any time. Visit this Web site to learn how to prepare for and stay safe during natural disasters. Click on "Disaster Safety," and choose one type of natural disaster that occurs in your area. Create a tip sheet that includes safety guidelines for before, during, and after a disaster strikes.

National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Did you know that wearing a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85 to 88 percent? At this Web site, learn about safety issues and injury prevention while on the road. Follow the "Injury Prevention" link under "Traffic Safety/Occupant Issues," and choose "Bicycles." Create a bicycle safety brochure, including tips for buying and wearing a helmet.

Health World Online: Emergency and First Aid
http://www.healthy.net/clinic/firstaid/index.html
Imagine that you and some friends are playing beach volleyball on a hot summer day. Suddenly, one of your friends collapses. What might have happened? What should you do? Visit this Web site to learn about first aid for emergencies such as broken bones, burns, cuts, and insect stings. Design a poster that identifies the steps to take if someone is choking.

Learn CPR
http://www.learncpr.org/
In an emergency situation, knowing how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can mean the difference between life and death. Visit this Web site to learn the steps for giving CPR to adults, children, and infants. What are the six steps of CPR for adults? What are the six steps of CPR for infants?

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