The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is an organization that aims to protect American citizens from health and safety threats. This includes not only infectious diseases, such as influenza and Ebola, but also the lifestyle choices we all make. The CDC has identified six Critical Health Behaviors that can greatly affect your quality of life.

 

1. Alcohol and Drug Use

Using alcohol or drugs has a negative effect on your health. It can also lead to poor decision-making that can put you at risk for injury or death. Alcohol use is more common than tobacco and drug use among teens. Alcohol use can impair your judgment and cause you to make poor choices, especially when it comes to driving while impaired. According to the CDC, almost one-third of all traffic-related deaths are the result of drunk driving.

 

2. Injury and Violence

One of the more common types of violence facing youth today is bullying. Bullying can be the result of physical violence, which can lead to physical injury and emotional problems. It can also be done electronically through online messaging, social media, and text messages in what is known as cyberbullying.

 

3. Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is unsafe in any form at any age. Although you might not notice any effects of tobacco use right away, there are several long-term effects including shortness of breath, throat cancer, and lung cancer, just to name a few. Tobacco use by teenagers has also been linked to other risky behaviors including violence and drug use.

 

4. Nutrition

Nutrition is an important part of healthy living. The types of foods you choose to eat and the amount of food you choose to eat affect how you feel and how your body functions. Eating healthy foods also helps you to make healthy choices.

 

5. Physical Activity

Your body is designed to move, and you need to move in order to live a healthy lifestyle. Children and adolescents should be involved in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Activities could include walking, running, and mountain biking. Team activities, such as soccer and basketball, are also great ways for you to be active. Physical activity can help you develop strong bones and muscles.

 

6. Risky Sexual Behavior

Teens who send sexually explicit images and text messages are more likely to engage in sexual activities. Engaging in risky sexual behavior can have a negative effect on your health including unwanted pregnancy and infection. Every year, roughly 10 million people ages 15-24 are infected with a sexually transmitted disease.

 

- Guide to Community Preventive Services. Improving adolescent health. www.thecommunityguide.org/adolescenthealth/index.html. Last updated: 10/25/2013.