Healthy Lifestyles Awareness Inventory A healthy lifestyle is a combination of positive beliefs and practices. How healthy is your lifestyle? What do your habits say about the life you lead? Complete the following inventory and see how your habits add up. Mark the response that best describes your behavior. Total your points after each survey. Add these subtotals and check your score with the corresponding feedback at the end of each section. The feedback provides a broad interpretation of how your behavior relates to a healthy lifestyle. Record your subtotals and totals on the scorecard. Occupant and Recreational Safety Part I: Occupant Safety 1. I wear a safety belt when driving or riding in a motor vehicle. 2. I obey traffic laws. 3. I honor pedestrian crosswalks. 4. I drive anticipating the errors of others. 5. I wear a helmet when I operate or ride on an open motor vehicle such as a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). 6. When going out, if I anticipate alcohol will be consumed, I make sure there is a designated driver. 7. I ride only with a driver who is not under the influence of alcohol or other substances that impair judgment or reactions. 8. I use turn indicators when turning or changing lanes. 9. When driving, I try to leave adequate room between my car and the car in front of me. 10. I obey traffic laws when cycling. 11. I keep my vehicle in good working order and have it inspected regularly. 12. I do not text or talk on the phone w driving and discourage others from these behaviors. Part I Subtotal: Part II: Recreational Safety 1. I keep recreational equipment in good working condition.
2. I wear a helmet when appropriate, such as for cycling. 3. I wear protective equipment to prevent injury when taking part in certain recreational activities. 4. I wear goggles when playing sports such as racquetball, squash or handball. 5. I wear a lifejacket for water activities such as boating, fishing and waterskiing. 6. I take lessons, know and follow the rules for my recreational activity. 7. I take part in recreational activities at a level appropriate to my skills and get training when needed. 8. I avoid swimming or diving after drinking alcoholic beverages or other substances that impair judgment or reactions. 9. I enter the water feet-first first time to check unknown water depths and conditions before diving. 10. When on a boat, I try to ensure lifejackets are worn by everyone. Part II Subtotal: Add subtotals I and II to determine your total score. OCCUPANT AND RECREATIONAL SAFETY Total: Occupant and Recreational Safety: Feedback >42 Good job! You are actively tuned in to dangers on the road and at play. Pay attention to those behaviors for which you scored 2 or less. 35 to 42 Close, but no prize! You can benefit by paying more attention to safety on the road and at play. Focus on those behaviors for which you scored 2 or less. 21 to 34 Who needs trouble? While you do pay attention to a few safety aspects on the road and at play, your current habits invite trouble. Safety procedures were designed to protect you. <21 You are an accident waiting to happen! Pay attention to all behaviors with a score of 2 or less and read Appendix A. It will help you incorporate these areas in your lifestyle. You are not invincible; act now. If you scored low, you are putting yourself and those around you at unnecessary risk. Take measures now to correct those items scored 2 or less. Your local Department of Motor Vehicles or Public Safety and your insurance company should also be able to provide you with information about occupant safety. If you scored low in the Recreational Safety section, remember that injury-prevention measures taken now can affect the rest of your life. In a split second, an innocent mistake like not wearing the appropriate safety gear or not following the rules can result in an injury that causes a lifelong disability. See Appendix A for more information about injury prevention. Consult your activity s rulebook for rules
to follow during participation. Ask a coach or reputable sporting goods dealer, or contact the organization that regulates your activity, to find out about recommended protective gear, equipment and conditioning exercises. Home and Work Safety True False N/A *Part III: Home Safety 1. I post the local emergency number(s) near my telephone(s). 2. I routinely change the batteries of smoke detectors where I live. 3. The stairs where I live are equipped with handrails. 4. All passageways where I live, including staircases, are adequately lighted. 5. I keep all medicines secured with childproof caps and safely stored out of the reach of children. 6. I keep cleansers and other poisonous material safely and securely stored, out of the reach of children and separate from medicines and foods. 7. The heating and cooling systems where I live are kept in good working order. 8. I read the manufacturer s instructions for tools and electrically operated appliances before operating them. 9. I follow the manufacturer s instructions for safe operation of space heaters. 10. When pots and pans are on the stove, I keep their handles turned in. 11. I turn off the oven and other appliances after use. 12. I keep irons and other heating appliances unplugged when I am not using them. 13. I keep a working fire extinguisher where I live. 14. I have an emergency plan in the event of injury; sudden illness; or disaster, such as fire, flood, tornado, hurricane, earthquake and terrorist act. 15. I practice these plans with my family/roommates. 16. I store firearms unloaded, in a locked place, out of the reach of children.
True False N/A 17. I store firearms so only an authorized person may access them. 18. When lifting objects, I use proper lifting techniques. 19. To obtain high, out-of-reach objects, I use a sturdy stool or stepladder. Part III Subtotal*: True False N/A Part IV: Work Safety 1. I follow safety procedures at work. 2. I know the emergency evacuation procedures at work. 3. I know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher at work. 4. I can quickly obtain first aid supplies at work if necessary. 5. I know the location of the nurse s office or the emergency response team at work. 6. I am aware of safety hazards that exist at work. 7. I wear recommended safety equipment at work, such as protective shoes, hard hats, gloves and goggles. 8. I practice good ergonomic habits when at my desk. 9. When lifting objects, I use proper lifting techniques. 10. To obtain high, out-of-reach objects, I use a sturdy stool or stepladder. 11. I know the location of and am trained to use the AED. Part IV Subtotal*: *In Parts III and IV, if you marked more than three responses N/A, give yourself 1 point for each N/A. Add subtotals III and IV to determine your total score. HOME AND WORK SAFETY Total: Home and Work Safety: Feedback >28 Two thumbs up! By following recommended safety practices, it looks as if you have made your home and work safe places to be. A safe home environment can prevent many mishaps.
13 to 28 It is a beginning! You have taken your first steps toward making your home and work environments safe. Give behaviors for which you scored less than 2 serious consideration. <13 You may be playing with fire, literally! Safety practices at home and work are important to your well-being. Read Appendix A and see how you can make your home and workplace safer. Then make changes to correct any behaviors with a score of less than 2. If you scored low in the Home Safety section, you have already identified areas for improvement. Refer to Appendix A for more tips on making your home a safe place. If you scored low in the Work Safety section, you need to learn how to make work a safer place. See Appendix A for more information. Your supervisor may also be available to provide helpful information. If your company has recommended safety practices follow them. Caring for Your Body Part V: Nutrition 1. I eat a balanced diet. 2. I limit my intake of saturated fats and cholesterol. 3. I limit my intake of salt. 4. I limit my intake of added sugars and refined grains. 5. I bake, broil or grill foods rather than frying them. 6. I eat fruits, vegetables and low-fat yogurts when snacking rather than junk food. 7. I read labels for information about the nutritional quality of food. 8. I maintain an appropriate weight. 9. If I need to lose weight, I avoid fads, starvation or miracle diets that are harmful to my health. 10. I drink water and other beverages with few calories rather than soda and other high-sugar/calorie beverages. Part V Subtotal: Part VI: Exercise 1. I participate in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes a day five times per week.
2. I include both aerobic and strengthening exercises in my exercise program. 3. I follow an exercise program appropriate for my level of fitness. 4. I warm up properly before vigorous activity and cool down afterward. 5. I use exercise equipment properly and safely. 6. I swim only when a lifeguard is present. 7. I wear highly visible clothing when exercising outdoors, such as walking, running or biking. Part VI Subtotal: Part VII: Managing Stress 1. I schedule my day to allow time for leisure activity. 2. I get an adequate amount of sleep. 3. I express feelings of anger or worry openly and constructively. 4. I say no, when necessary, without feeling guilty. 5. I make decisions with a minimum of stress and worry. 6. I set realistic goals for myself. 7. I accept responsibility for my actions. 8. I am aware of the signals of stress. 9. I seek professional help if stress becomes too difficult to manage. 10. I manage stress so that it does not affect my physical well-being. 11. I discuss problems with friends or family. 12. I relax with deep breathing, massage therapy, exercise, and/or by using positive thinking. Part VII Subtotal:
Part VIII: Work 1. For the most part, I enjoy the work I do. 2. I like my supervisors and coworkers. 3. I take advantage of learning opportunities at work. 4. I take advantage of opportunities for advancement at work. 5. I am satisfied with my balance of work and leisure time. 6. I take all my annual vacation in a given year. Part VIII Subtotal: Part IX: Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Substances 1. I do not smoke cigarettes, cigars, pipes or use other forms of tobacco, such as chewing tobacco or snuff. 2. I try to avoid inhaling the smoke of others. 3. I do not use illegal substances, such as marijuana, uppers and crack. 4. I drink fewer than five alcoholic beverages per week. 5. I do not drive a car or other motor vehicle or operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or other substances that impair judgment or reactions. 6. I do not ride in cars, in other motor vehicles or in boats with people under the influence of alcohol or other substances that impair judgment or reactions. 7. I do not drink alcoholic beverages or other substances while taking prescription or over-the-counter medications.
8. I keep all doctors informed of medications I am taking to avoid harmfully combining medications. 9. When taking prescription medication, I follow my doctor s instructions. 10. When taking over-the-counter medications, I follow the instructions on the label. Part IX Subtotal: Part X: Medical Care 1. I seek appropriate care or cut back on activities, as necessary, when I feel unwell or tired. 2. I maintain an accurate, written, current personal health history. 3. I brush my teeth at least twice a day. 4. I floss my teeth at least once a day. 5. I ask questions of health care providers. 6. I use a sunscreen with ultraviolet (UV) protection when spending time in the sun. 7. I wear sunglasses with UV protection when out in the sun. 8. I use adequate measures to protect myself and my partner(s) from sexually transmitted infections. 9. I bathe daily and wash my hands frequently. 10. I have regular medical checkups. 11. I have regular dental checkups. 12. I have regular eye examinations.
13. I routinely examine my testicles/breasts for the presence of masses or other unusual signs, and I have regular well-woman checkups at the gynecologist. 14. I stay current with recommended screenings and vaccinations. 15. I maintain adequate health insurance coverage. Part X Subtotal: Add subtotals V to X to determine your total score. CARING FOR YOUR BODY Total: Caring for Your Body: Feedback >110 At the top! You are taking great care of your body! Keep up the good work. Take note of the behaviors for which you scored 1 or less and make them regular habits in your life. 92 to 110 On your way! You are taking adequate care of your body but need some improvement. Check your answers and note the behaviors with a score of 2 or less. To perform at your maximum potential and minimize the risks of illnesses that may develop later in life, make these behaviors a more frequent part of your life. 55 to 91 On the edge! You are at risk. Although you may be taking moderate care of your body, it needs attention now! To help learn to take proper care of your body, refer to Appendix A. Any behaviors for which you scored 2 or less need improvement. <55 You are at risk! Sooner or later, your body will begin to show and feel signs of neglect. Perhaps you are unaware of how to care for your body. Appendix A details how you can take better care of yourself. If you are unsure about how to get started, consult a professional health-care provider. To perform at your maximum potential and minimize the risks of illnesses that may develop later in life, start caring for your body now. Your goal is to change habits in order to improve the quality of your daily life. If you scored low in this section, remember that there are many ways to change how you care for your body. Each of these areas addressed in this part of the inventory has an impact on your health. Changes you make in one area frequently will be beneficial in another area. Proper nutrition combined with exercise and adequate rest and relaxation will help keep your body in good condition and enable your body to respond and react most efficiently to demands placed on it. Eating a balanced diet also helps prevent disease. Exercise helps you relieve stress, increases your cardiorespiratory efficiency and helps you maintain your desired weight. All of these benefits serve to lower your risks of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns about nutrition or exercise. Do not forget relaxation! It is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Try to manage stress. Prioritizing daily activities, making time for yourself each day and exercising are three ways to help do so.
If you scored low in the Work section, remember that every job has its ups and downs. It may be necessary to evaluate your situation. Make a list of problems and possible solutions. By taking advantage of opportunities at work, you may be able to move into a job role that is more satisfying. This is important, since most adults spend at least 8 hours a day at work. Career counselors are one source of help available to you. If you scored low in the tobacco, alcohol and other substances section, you need to think seriously about the consequences of your actions. For example, when you choose to drink and drive, your actions affect other people. The same is true of smoking or using other substances. Not only are these actions detrimental to your health, they are potentially dangerous for others also. For more information, refer to Appendix A. If you scored low in the Medical Care section, remember that preventing disease is much more effective and less expensive in the long run than treating it. Look at the items on which you scored 2 or less and make a commitment to correct them. Taking care of yourself now is the first step toward preventing disease in the future.
SCORE CARD Occupant and Recreational Safety Part I: Occupant Safety Part II: Recreational Safety Home and Work Safety Part III: Home Safety Part IV: Work Safety Caring for Your Body Part V: Nutrition Part VI: Exercise Part VII: Managing Stress Part VIII: Work Part IX: Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Substances Part X: Medical Care Healthy Lifestyles Awareness Inventory Subtotal: Subtotal: Subtotal: TOTAL SCORE: