Students Take Charge No. 1

It’s time to take charge of our health! I’m serious!! NOW!!! If you’re on board, read on …

This semester, at Porterville College, a group of high school juniors are taking my health class. They’re already blending into the college scene with their first assignment. Each week, students choose a lifestyle habit to change, modify or develop. Actions are taken and results are noted in weekly Health Experiences. Ideas are gleaned from textbooks, lecture information, and handouts.

It’s refreshing to see young people taking charge of their health. As I share their work with you, imagine having one of these kids under your roof. How would you feel? What would you say to them?

Student: The experiment I did this week was eating breakfast every day. Action … waking up earlier and managing my time. … hard at first. My results were great. I felt energized, in a positive mood and happier overall.

Teacher: Many people want energy and think coffee will do it. A fortune is spent, but health is gradually lost. You’re building yours.

Student: Not eating breakfast is a bad habit teens tend to create. … higher chance of having constant headaches … no energy to stay productive …. I started meal planning. Healthy portions became my top priority. My results included more focus in class instead of worrying about my stomach growling. I had a better attitude with my peers.

Teacher: Your take charge actions are blossoming to encompass more areas of your lifestyle!

Student: My experiment this week was drinking water. I reminded myself to drink even if I wasn’t thirsty. … added a little lemon. My results … restroom more than usual, but … urine was much clearer.

Teacher: So true! As you continue drinking water, your body cells will begin to open up and absorb the water. Bathroom trips will become less.

Student: The experiment I did this week was “improving my physical activity.” I was more active during the summer. I focus on homework, so I made working out my homework. The actions I took were walking to and from school; getting 2 miles in, doing 30 minute workout videos, and began babysitting … chasing kids around all day. My results were positive … energy … wanting to work out. At the beginning, I was sore and low in energy; however, as the week progressed, energy increase. I could improve my results by including weight lifting to build muscle.

Teacher: Great ways to make activity constructive. Instead of paying for a gym membership, you have figured out a way to be paid to exercise. Pretty smart, I’d say!

Student: My experiment this week was managing stress … aware of tight feelings in my stomach and observing them change and leave. I struggle with stress, because I wasn’t in control of my emotions. My actions included pausing every time I felt stress, observing every feeling that was different from its usual state, noting which emotion was most related to the stress, and observing my body sensations until they went away. My results were I stopped fearing doing challenging activities because they might cause stress. I began to expect stress so I didn’t feel out of control when it inevitably came. I saw stress as outside of myself so I didn’t feel bad for experiencing a negative emotion. I felt less overpowered by stress and felt more in control of my emotions.

Teacher: With this kind of Take Charge action, stress won’t be sneaking up on you.

Student: The experiment I did this week was improving my sleep. The action I took was going to bed earlier. My sleeping schedule before was up all night and asleep till noon. Now, I’m up in the morning. The day felt longer. I felt less tired and not like staying in bed all day.

Teacher: How many people wish they could feel the way you are by simply adjusting the time you sleep?

Student: The experiment I did this week was “improving … my REM sleep.” The actions I took were 1) complete my homework earlier, 2) put a sleep timer on my phone so I wouldn’t be on it late at night, and 3) be ready for bed by 8 and asleep by 9. My results were very positive. I felt energized, well rested, and in a better mood.

Teacher: Perfect!! Think how happy you’ll to be after 14 more weeks of taking charge.

Student: The experiment I did this week was to reduce my sugar intake. The actions I took were eating only two small candies and not drinking soda. I kept out unhealthy choices, and picked snacks like carrots or apples instead of a honey bun or crackers. My results were more energy and better sleep.

Teacher: This was so powerful! Imagine what you will be able to accomplish in three months.

You! My Readers: Reach out to these students. Leave a message for them at familyhelm. com or call me at 559-7934314. They’re creating a healthier community. Let’s not be left behind!

Until then … TAKE CHARGE! … Sylvia