Your Health Report Card
Now that you have an idea of the most important factors that can influence an individual's overall health, here is an opportunity to rate your own. The following quiz is not meant to be a substitute for a doctor's assessment. However, it may serve as a useful starting point for a discussion with your physician. In addition, your score may prompt you to make some sensible improvements to your lifestyle.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Knowing about the important factors that influence your health can help you make sensible improvements to your lifestyle. |
- Is there a history of heart disease, cancer, stroke, or other inherited illnesses in your family?
- Do you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products?
- Do you drink more than two alcoholic beverages daily?
- Do you use illegal drugs?
- Have you engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse?
- Do you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
- Do you always wear your seat belt?
- Do you engage in a program of regular exercise?
- Do you eat a healthy diet?
- Are you within five pounds of your recommended weight for your height and age?
- 90-100 = A
- 80-90 = B
- 70-80 = C
- 60-70 = D
- below 60 = F (a failing grade)
Once you know where you stand you can reassess how your lifestyle is affecting your health. If your score is not where you would like it to be, what changes can you make to improve it? Which categories need the most work? Use this report card as a starting place to discuss your overall health with your physician and to make necessary lifestyle changes.
There are many things you can do, and many more things you can avoid, to keep yourself in tip-top health. Vist the links below for more information.
- A good way to spot early warning signs and potential problems is to perform regular self diagnostics. Learn more in How to Administer Self-Exams.
- Secondhand smoke can be hazardous to your health. To learn about the risks, visit How Secondhand Smoke Works.
- Excessive alcohol intake can cause liver damage, ulcers, high blood pressure, and other long-term ailments. Learn more in How Alcohol Works.
The American Institute for Preventive Medicine, located in Farmington Hills, Michigan, is dedicated to helping people change to a healthier lifestyle through successful wellness programs, products, and publications. It works with over 5,000 hospitals, HMOs, corporations, and government agencies throughout North America. The Institute has been honored and recognized by the Department of Health and Human Services and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports for its innovative health programs.
ABOUT THE CONSULTANTS
Don R. Powell, Ph.D., is the founder and president of the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. He is a licensed psychologist who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and taught in the University's psychology department. He is an authority on the design, marketing, and implementation of community and corporate health education programs. Dr. Powell has won numerous awards for his work in the field of health promotion and has appeared on hundreds of television and radio talk shows.
Brianna Politzer is a freelance writer specializing in health, fitness, nutrition, and technology. She has contributed to many consumer publications, including The Home Remedies Handbook, Women's Home Remedies Health Guide, and The Medical Book of Health Hints and Tips.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
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