1 of 19

CHOOSING WHAT‘S BEST FOR YOUR HEALTH

Project Number: 2021-1-CZ01-KA220-SCH-000024190

MAKING GOOD DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

2 of 19

INTRODUCTION

Your health is one of your most precious assets, and the choices you make every day can either enhance or diminish it.

In this guide, we'll explore how to navigate the path to good health by making informed decisions that promote your overall well-being

Making good decisions about health involves a combination of critical thinking, evidence-based information, and a thoughtful approach.

3 of 19

Healthy decision making is a planned process of selecting from two or more possible options in order to solve a problem or set a goal. Healthy decision making allows students to feel empowered, realize their goals and change unhealthy habits.

What is a healthy decision?

These decisions can encompass a wide range of behaviors, including dietary choices, physical activity, stress management, seeking medical advice when needed, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol.

4 of 19

Facts to know…

According to European Commission - Sport and Physical Activity, in 2017, only 38% of adults in the EU reported that they engaged in physical activity at least once a week.
According to World Health Organization, Overweight and obesity affect almost 60% of adults and nearly one in three children (29% of boys and 27% of girls) in the WHO European Region
Each year 38.2% of the EU population suffers from a mental disorder. Adjusted for age and comorbidity, this corresponds to 164.8million persons affected.

These statistics highlight the importance of promoting healthy living and addressing various health challenges in Europe and across the world

5 of 19

In 2019, 1 in 3 people (33%) in the EU reported not consuming any fruit or vegetables daily and only 12% of the population consumed the recommended 5 portions or more daily. On average, over half of the EU population (55%) said they ate between 1 and 4 portions of fruit and vegetables daily.

6 of 19

Why making good decisions is important for your health?

7 of 19

Empowerment: Understanding how your choices impact your health empowers you to take control of your well-being. It puts you in the driver's seat of your own health journey.

Well-Being: Your health directly affects your overall well-being and quality of life. Making informed decisions helps you maintain physical, mental, and emotional health, leading to a higher quality of life.

Prevention: Many health issues can be prevented or mitigated through proper decision-making. Knowledge about healthy choices can help you reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases and other health problems.

8 of 19

Longevity: Good health decisions contribute to a longer and more active life. They can help you maintain your independence and enjoy life as you age.

Informed Choices: When you're well-informed, you're less likely to be influenced by misinformation or trends. You can make decisions based on reliable information and expert advice.

Cost Savings: Preventive measures and healthy choices can lead to reduced medical expenses in the long run. By avoiding health issues, you can save money on treatments and medications.

9 of 19

Personal Growth: Learning about health and wellness fosters personal growth and self-awareness. It encourages you to continuously learn, adapt, and improve.

Productivity: Good health supports your ability to work effectively, think clearly, and engage in daily activities without limitations.

Positive Role Model: By making healthy choices, you set a positive example for your friends, family, and community. Your decisions can inspire others to prioritize their health as well.

10 of 19

Ask yourself:

Does a decision need to be made?
Stop and think before you act. What information do you need to make a healthy decision?
Do you need help with this decision? Who can help?
What choices do you have?
What are the possible outcomes for each of these choices?
What’s the healthy and safe choice for you? Why?
How could you evaluate the results of your decision?

The right questions can help before making a great decision.

11 of 19

Teachers and parents.

Parents know you well and can offer support, share perspectives, and provide valuable insights when you're faced with important decisions.

Teachers can offer advice on educational, health and personal matters. They can help to set goals and navigate challenges.

WHO CAN HELP YOU MAKE EFFECTIVE DECISIONS?

12 of 19

Books and Self-Help Resources.

Reading books and self-help resources on decision-making and personal development provides valuable insights.

Learn from Mistakes.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace them as part of the decision-making process.

13 of 19

Pay attention to what you eat. Avoid eating in front of screens (TV computer, smartphone) to prevent overeating.

Include physical activity most days of the week such as sports, dancing, hiking or even walking with dogs.

Set limits on screen time for activities like watching TV, playing video games, or using smartphones.

Prioritize sleep. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night to support physical and mental well-being.

Practical examples for making healthy choices

14 of 19

Stay informed about health-related topics. Read reputable sources, medical journals, and articles written by experts to understand various health conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures.

Focus on your strengths and talents rather than comparing yourself to others. Self-acceptance is essential for a healthy self-image.

Learn stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga to cope with the pressures.

Practical examples for making healthy choices

15 of 19

Group activity

Make pairs or small groups

Share with your partner/group a story about a healthy choice you made

Share at least one story with their partner/group

Share with the class some of the healthy choices you heard from your partner/group.

16 of 19

Exercise Apps can guide you through exercises and workouts, helping you stay physically active.

Tools that can contribute to health information knowledge

7 Minute Workout

This app tracks your sleep patterns and wakes you up during your lightest sleep phase, helping you wake up more refreshed and maintaining a healthy sleep routine.

Sleep Cycle

These meditation and mindfulness apps can help you manage stress, improve focus, and maintain good mental health.

Headspace / Calm:

17 of 19

Apps like "WaterMinder" or "Plant Nanny" can help you stay hydrated by reminding you to drink water throughout the day. Link: https://waterminder.com/

Water Reminder Apps

Following reputable health blogs and podcasts can provide you with valuable information for making informed decisions. TED Talks on a wide range of health-related topics, from mental health to medical advancements. Link: https://www.ted.com/podcasts/ted-health.

Health Blogs and Podcasts

Wysa is an AI-powered mental health chatbot that offers emotional support, coping techniques, and self-help exercises. Link: https://www.wysa.com/

“What's Up?" or "Wysa."

18 of 19

Together, let us remember that every healthy decision we make is a step towards a brighter and more vibrant future, not just for ourselves, but for the communities and loved ones we inspire along the way!