Notes
Growing up
- Puberty is driven by hormones and starts at different ages for different people. That variation is normal. Changes include growth spurts, body hair, sweat and oil changes, and development of the reproductive system.
- Adolescence also brings emotional and social changes: stronger emotions, more independence, identity questions and a developing brain. Body image is shaped by media and peers.
- Development occurs in physical, intellectual, emotional and social areas through all life stages.
Health care and community
- The health care system includes primary care, specialists, urgent care, emergency rooms, clinics, school nurses and insurance. Patients have rights to privacy and to ask questions.
- Public health protects communities through clean water, vaccination programs, food safety and laws. Health disparities are differences in outcomes between groups.
- Environmental health covers air, water, noise, heat and UV exposure. Individuals and communities can reduce pollution and protect health.
Topics in this unit
Each topic has its own short notes and practice.
Practice
Hormones control puberty.
Variation is normal; a doctor can check if needed.
Peers become more important.
Primary care covers routine care.
Water treatment protects whole communities.
Reducing pollution protects air quality.
Free response
Write your answer first, then open the scoring guide.
Free-response question
A town has noticed more children with asthma near a busy highway. A local clinic is far from the neighborhood, and many families lack insurance. Students want to help.
(a) Identify one environmental factor that may be affecting the children's health and explain how.
Show the answer and scoring guide
Air pollution from vehicle exhaust can irritate the airways and trigger asthma attacks.
Check off the points you earned:
(b) Describe two actions the community or local health department could take.
Show the answer and scoring guide
The health department could monitor air quality and add a clinic or mobile clinic in the neighborhood. The town could add trees, reroute trucks or offer help signing families up for programs like CHIP or Medicaid.
Check off the points you earned:
(c) Name one thing students can do to help and explain how it promotes community health.
Show the answer and scoring guide
Students can organize an information campaign about asthma triggers and local free clinics, which promotes health by sharing accurate information. They could also volunteer at a clinic or a tree planting.
Check off the points you earned: