Health / Unit 1: Health and Wellness Basics
1.3 Risk and Protective Factors
Notes
A risk factor raises the chance of a health problem. A protective factor lowers it. A risk behavior is an action that could cause harm to you or others.
- Some risks can be changed (not wearing a seat belt) and some cannot (family history, age).
- Protective factors include supportive family and friends, regular activity, enough sleep and knowing refusal skills.
- Risks can add up. Several risk factors together raise the chance of harm more than one alone.
- Prevention means taking action before a problem starts, such as wearing a helmet or getting vaccinated.
- Example: wearing a helmet while biking is a protective behavior. Riding without one on busy streets is a risk behavior.
Practice
Which is a protective factor?
Supportive relationships lower the chance of harm.
What is the best definition of prevention?
Prevention stops or reduces problems before they begin.
Which of these risk factors CANNOT be changed by a person?
Family history is inherited; the others are behaviors.
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