What is true health?

Life orientation

Grade 8

Physical development and movement

Module 15

What is true health?

Activity 1:

To make you aware that there are factors that are either advantageous or disadvantageous to all living organisms

[lo 1.3]

• Read the passage below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

A human being is an entity consisting of body, mind and spirit

This module focuses on the physical development of the human being. Because a human being consists of far more than simply a body, we cannot concentrate only on the physical aspects of our being. I can still remember my old school motto (although I am not so sure of the Latin spelling): Mens sana in corpore sano . This means: “A sound mind in a sound body.” I believe very strongly in this saying, even if my Latin isn’t so wonderful!

• Back to the module…

What is true health? It is the pleasure of having a full life, because the body, the mind and the spirit function optimally. It is the ideal state in which every living organism should exist. But as we know only too well, ideal and reality do not always agree. There are all kinds of pests, diseases, too little time to exercise or to relax, pollution, stress…. All these things rob us of optimal health. And it is not only

human beings that are affected – all organisms on earth are harmed by these factors.

There are, however, ways of getting closer to optimal health. First of all we should examine the everyday things that are more or less under our control. To follow a healthy lifestyle, the following is essential: a balanced diet, sufficient and regular exercise, sufficient sleep and rest, stress management mechanisms, good interpersonal relationships and a visit to a health care professional when necessary.

• Answer the following questions:

1. Name the factors that could prevent one from having optimum health. Use your own words if possible to show that you really understand the passage.

2. Is it only humans who are harmed by the above-mentioned factors? Discuss this matter in class and then give your answer. A “Yes” or a “No” is not enough.

3. What is necessary for one to have a healthy lifestyle? Do some research and then compile a list of at least 10 points.

4. Class discussion. Is the average South African a “couch potato” or not, and if he/she is, what should we try to do about it? Write a summary of the class discussion in the space below.

Assessment

Learning outcomes (LOs)

LO 1

Health promotion

The learner will be able to make informed decisions regarding personal, community and environmental health.

We know this when the learner:

1.3 describes what a healthy lifestyle is in own personal situation, as a way to prevent disease.

LO 4

Physical development and movement

The learner will be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and participate in, activities that promote movement and physical development.

We know this when the learner:

4.1 plans and participates in as adventurous recreational outdoor activity;

4.4 designs and plays target games;

4.5 investigates and reports on gender equity issues in a variety of athletic and sport activities.