Chapter 2 Flashcards
What is Wellness?
Wellness is an active process in which people take steps to become more aware of, and make choices toward,
a healthy and fulfilling life.
Why Does Wellness Matter?
Sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits, harmful addictions, excess stress and insufficient sleep are all major contributors of the leading causes of death we as Canadians are now facing.
What are the 6 dimensions of Wellness?
6 dimensions: social, spiritual, physical, emotional, environmental and intellectual.
What’s Spiritual Wellness
Searching for meaning and purpose in human existence. When your actions become more consistent with your beliefs and values promoting feelings of love, joy & peace.
What’s Social Wellness
Getting along with others and developing satisfying interpersonal relationships. When you can successfully interact with others asking and giving support when needed
What’s Environmental wellness
Contributing to society’s efforts to reduce & eliminate environmental hazards and to preserve the beauty and balance of nature. When you improve the environment you work and live in.
What’s Physical Wellness
Adopting an active and healthy lifestyle which optimizes health. When your diet, sleep, exercise and lifestyle choices support your wellness.
What’s Intellectual Wellness
Thinking critically about issues. Keeping an active, curious, and open mind. When you can think clearly, listen to others opinions and expose yourself to new ideas. Being open-minded and non-judgmental.
What’s Emotion Wellness
Being aware of your feelings, while remaining positive and enthusiastic about yourself and life. When you can control and express your emotions appropriately.
What are the benefits of a healthy lifestyle?
1) Feeling Good (Inside and Out)
- Being active, eating healthy and managing your stress helps you resist fatigue, avoid injuries and work more efficiently. “National surveys indicate that active people sleep better, do better in school, and experience less depression than people who are less active.” (Le Masurier 30) Exercise can help you feel good about yourself on the outside by looking your best. It can also make you feel good on the inside by improving your self-esteem and uplifting your mood with the release of endorphins.
2) Learning Better Studies show that you score better on tests, are more alert at school and less likely to be tired in class or be absent if you are active and eat regular meals (especially breakfast). In addition, regular exercise and good fitness are associated with high function in the parts of the brain that promote learning.
3) Enjoying Life Are you too tired to enjoy life to the fullest on most days? Being fit and healthy gives you the energy to pursue your goals and passions.
4) Meeting Emergencies Sometimes challenging situations arise and being fit and healthy allows you to be prepared to deal with these emergencies as they come up. You could run for help, offer assistance, or change a flat tire.
Alcohol Risks
Binge drinking,Drinking alcohol with caffeinated beverages or energy drinks,Alcoholism .
Alcohol Effects
Alcohol is a depressant but has the initial effect of making drinkers more animated and less reserved. It slows down your brain chemistry which can have a calming effect that can be pleasant in a safe environment. However, it can be catastrophic if quick reaction time (driving a car) or good judgment is required (resolving conflict). Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short amount of time (drinking games) can lead to acute alcohol poisoning. Fortunately, the body usually reacts to too much alcohol by causing you to vomit. The body may also react by passing out (losing consciousness) in which case you should call 911 immediately and never leave that person alone.
Binge drinking risks
increases your risk of injuries, falls, drowning, burns, vehicle accidents, physical fights, violent acts, and risky sexual behavior (unprotected sex). Excessive alcohol use accounts for about 6,700 deaths in Canada. Long-term heavy drinkers increase their risk of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and liver disease. Common consequences of chronic drinking include family problems, broken relationships, job and career difficulties and a risk of unintentional injury
Risk of Drinking alcohol with caffeinated beverages or energy drinks
causes you to drink more because you feel less intoxicated. University students stated these mixed drinks taste better, gives them energy and allows them to stay awake to party longer. However, people mixing alcohol with stimulants are 4 times more likely to drive while intoxicated and run into more problems than drinking alcohol alone. The caffeine masks the effects of the alcohol but does not reduce the physiological effects on the body.
Risk of Alcoholism
a disease in which a person is dependent on alcohol. Symptoms include strong cravings for alcohol, loss of control over how much alcohol is consumed, high tolerance of alcohol and physical dependence on alcohol. They crave alcohol and don’t feel right unless they drink it. Many programs are available to help people stop drinking like AA groups. It is difficult to change an addictive behavior. You should seek help from others (school counselor).
