" Making Health a Priority " It is key to living longer:
Running errands. Volunteering. Babysitting. You find time for all of these. So why can't you find even 10 minutes a day for a walk? It's easy to put other things ahead of your health. You likely don't give it much thought--until you or a loved one becomes ill. This essay will look at how to develop healthy habits and make health a priority--important steps toward a longer healthier life.

Find a motivator:
No one wants to become ill or disabled. That is one reason to work at being healthy. But you should also think of positive motivators. Perhaps you want to set a good example for someone. Or maybe you want to enjoy your adult years. Maybe you simply want to look and feel better. Whatever motivates you, use it to help you act on your desire to be healthier. You should start by developing a plan.

Assess yourself:
Begin your plan by assessing your current health habits. Choose one day out of your week, and write down all your major activities, including what you eat and drink. Then, ask a parent, sibling or friend to help you identify potential problem areas. Are you eating well? Do you exercise? Do you know your blood pressure and cholesterol level?

Knock down the barriers:
Once you have identified your problem areas, choose the one you're most interested in improving {add others as you progress}. Then, make a plan to alter the behavior. A "benefits-versus-barriers" list can help. If, for example, you want to improve your diet, write down all the reasons you should--and all the reasons you don't. Then, tackle each barrier. Be creative, if you know you should eat better but can't help having ice cream every night, plan a nighttime activity to keep your mind off eating. Or eat something better for you instead of ice cream. Better yet, do not keep ice cream at home.

Start small:
Behavioral experts say the key to developing better health habits is to make small enjoyable changes. If you decide to exercise more, set a small exercise goal. Be reasonable, and be sure to factor in fun. Treat exercise as an important appointment. Schedule it on your calendar. Use the same process for your other health habits. Enlist the support of family and friends {it might help them too}. Prepare healthy meals together. Walk places together. Enlist a partner to share your health goals.
Expect setbacks. However, do not let one off-day stop you. Just return to your healthy habits without punishing yourself.

Take charge resolve to be healthier:
Keep in mind that you are largely responsible for your own health. If you practice poor health habits you could be headed for illness. Likewise, healthful habits can help limit your health risks. Some ways to take responsibility for your health should include seeing your doctor for physicals and screenings, avoid cigarettes, alcohol and other harmful drugs, always wear your seat belt and manage stress. Stress can negatively affect your health. Make it your goal every day to find some time to relax. Use lists to help manage your time and identify what's important to do today.

Why wait?
You should not wait until you are sick to make your health a priority. Start today. Remember, it is your choice.

Questions:

1. Write a summary/response to the essay.
2. Identify 2 vocabulary words you did not know the meaning of. Include the meaning you learned.
3. What might motivate a person to want to improve upon his/her health?
4. Why is it important to always set reasonable goals when attempting to improve upon your health habits?
5. Identify several positive rewards that should help reinforce the continuation of a healthier lifestyle plan.
6. Do you feel that you are making health a priority in your own life? Why or why not?
7. How can the information provided in this essay be useful in your own life? Explain in full detail.