Chapter 1 Living a Healthy Life - McGraw-Hill Ryerson

physically active on a regular basis. It also includes practising goodhygiene and getting regular medical and dental checkups and treatmentswhen you need them. Good physical health also involvespaying attention to what you put into your body. It means avoidingharmful substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.Mental/Emotional HealthYour feelings about yourself, how well you meet the demandsof daily life, and your ability to process information are all importantparts of your mental/emotional health. People with good mental/emotional health enjoy challenges, like learning new things, andsee mistakes as opportunities to grow and change. They alsoaccept responsibility for their actions and stand up for theirbeliefs and values.People with good mental/emotional health are in touchwith their feelings and can express them in appropriateways. They can usually deal with the frustrations of lifewithout being overwhelmed by them. They avoiddwelling on negative thoughts. Instead, they considertheir situation and then use positivethoughts and actions to move forward.The health triangle is madeup of three elements—physical, mental/emotional,and social health. Howmight something affectingthe physical side of yourhealth triangle—an injury,for example—affect theother two sides?Social HealthYour social health involves the wayyou get along with others. It includesyour ability to make and keepfriends and to work and play incooperative ways, seeking andlending support when necessary.It involves communicatingwell and showingrespect and care foryourself and others.Lesson 2Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle ● MHR11