Standards for the Preparation of Michigan Health Education Teachers
Appendix A

Content Areas for K-12 Health Education
A Glossary of Terms

Injury and Violence Prevention

Includes the prevention of intentional and unintentional injury.  Important injury prevention concepts consist of the prevention of violence, including suicide; fire and water safety, first aid prevention, and care for injuries; pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety; and the use of protective equipment during work and sports and other leisure activities.

Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention

Refers to the prevention of all types of alcohol use, including beer and wine, and other drugs, including marijuana, steroids and inhalants.

Tobacco Use Prevention

Refers to the prevention of all types of tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, and spit tobacco; harmful effects for smokers and nonsmokers; influences that affect attitudes and decisions about tobacco use; and the positive benefits of being tobacco-free.

Sexual Health

Includes the physical, mental, emotional and social aspects of growth and development; influences on attitudes and decisions about sexual behavior; and effective methods of  avoiding unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including abstinence.

Nutrition

Refers to healthful eating that is balanced with physical activity, contributes to growth and energy and helps prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.   

Physical Activity

Refers to planning for and engaging in regular, lifelong physical activities that promote cardiovascular health.  Not to be confused with physical fitness or physical education.

Emotional Health

Includes concepts and skills that allow students to engage in effective communication; handle emotions in positive ways;  manage anger and stress;  resolve conflict peacefully; and build and maintain healthy relationships. 

Personal and Consumer Health

Refers to personal hygiene, including dental health, and selecting and using effective health care products and services that contribute to health.

Community and Environmental Health

Refers to the resources that communities provide to promote health, including hospitals, health departments, and  voluntary agencies.  Also refers to threats to community health such as alcohol and tobacco use,  lead, asbestos, and unclean water.

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This page last updated on: 05/17/06