A Self-Test
Health Factors You Can Control
All of ua want good health, but many people do not know
that they really can make a significant contribution to their
own health. In fact, health experts now say that lifestyle is one
o f the most Important factors affecting seven of the ten lead
ing causes of death.
This brief test will tell you how well you are doing to stay
Stress Control
//
//?
o
Eating Habits
▼
1. I have a job or do other
work that I enjoy.
2. I find it easy to relax.
3. I prepare for events or
situations that are likely
to be stressful for me.
4. I have close friends,
relatives or others whom
I can talk to about
personal matters and
can call on for help
when needed.
5. I participate in group
activities (such as church
and community organi
zations) or hobbies that
I enjoy.
1.
2.
3.
4.
2
Stress Control Score:
Exercise
and Fitness
1. I avoid becoming over
weight or underweight.
2. I exercise vigorously for
15-30 minutes at least
three times a week.
3. I do exercises that en
hance my muscle tone
for 15-30 minutes at
least three times a week.
4. I use part of my leisure
tim e p a rticip a tin g in
in d ivid u a l, fam ily or
team fitness activities.
1
0
I eat a variety of foods
from each of the major
food groups each day.
I limit the amount of fat,
saturated fat and chol
esterol I eat.
I limit the amount of salt I
eat by cooking with only
small amounts, not add
ing salt while eating and
avoiding salty snacks.
I limit the amount of
sugar I consume by
cooking with only small
amounts, not adding
sugar while eating and
avoiding snacking on
candy and soft drinks.
I drink two or fewer
cups of coffee per day.
1. If you never smoke,
score 10 and go to the
next section.
2. I avoid smoking ciga
rettes.
3. I smoke only low tar
and nicotine cigarettes
or I smoke only a pipe
or cigars.
Smoking Score:
Scores of 6 to 8
Your health practices in this area are good, but there is room
for improvement. Look again at the items you answered with a
"Sometimes" or "Almost Never." Even a small change in these
items can often help you achieve better health.
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Safety
7
1
1. I wear a seat belt while
riding in a car.
2. I avoid driving while
under the influence of
alcohol and other drugs.
3. I observe traffic rules
and drive defensively.
4. I am careful when using
potentially harmful pro
ducts or substances
(such as poisonous sub
stances or e le ctrica l
devices).
5. I avoid smoking in bed.
0
//
1
0
Safety Score:
2
1
0
Alcohol
and Drugs
Cigarette
Smoking
Scores of 9 and 10
Excellent!* Your answers show that you are aware o f the
importance of this area to your health. More importantly
though, you are putting your knowledge to work by practicing
good health habits. As long as you continue to do so, this area
should not pose a serious health risk.
(continued from page 5)
of insuring state employes. In
/
Eating Habits Score:
Exercise and Fitness Score:
New
Programs
healthy. It will also give you an idea of what you need to do to
increase your “wellness."
The behaviors covered in this test are recommended for
most people. However, persons with certain chronic diseases
or handicaps, or pregnant women may require special in
structions, in some areas, from their physicians.
this vein, BUBB has committed
itself to initiating new cost
containment programs. Fore
most in its new agenda for
controling costs are participa
tory wellness programs and
education.
1
0
1. I avoid drinking alco
holic beverages or I
drink no more than 1 or
2 drinks a day.
2. I avoid using alcohol
or drugs as a way of
handling stressful situa
tions or other problems.
3. I do not drink alcohol
when taking medicines
or when pregnant.
4. I follow the label direc
tions when using pre
scription and over-the-
counter drugs.
1
0
1
0
Alcohol and Drugs Score:
Scores of 3 to 5
,
You are running a risk to your health. You can easily get
information about the risks you are facing in these areas and
about why it is important for you to change these behaviors.
Scores of 0 to 2
Obviously, you were concerned enough about your health to
take this test, but your answers show that you may be taking
serious and unnecessary risks with your health. You should
obtain the information and help you need to improve this area
of your health. The next step is up to you.
The outcome of these pro
grams w ill be tied closely to the
amount of participation by
state employes. Long-term
participation will mean state
employes, as a group, will be
healthier, resulting in fewer
insurance claims and smaller
increases in benefit costs.
Mr. Crooks is editor of The
Oregon Public Employe.