Year 7 Biology: Health and Drugs

Introduction to Health and Drugs

Hello Year 7! Today, we are going to talk about health and drugs. Understanding how our bodies work and how different substances affect us is really important. Let’s break it down into simple parts.

What is Health?

Health is how well our body and mind are functioning. A healthy person feels good physically, mentally, and emotionally. Here are some key points:

• Physical Health: This means your body is working well. It includes things like eating healthy food, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
• Mental Health: This is about how we think and feel. It’s important to talk about feelings and manage stress.
• Emotional Health: This involves understanding and expressing your emotions.

What are Drugs?

Drugs are substances that can change how our bodies work. Some drugs are used for medicine to help us feel better, while others can have harmful effects. Here are the main types of drugs:

1. Medicinal Drugs: These are used to treat illnesses or relieve pain. For example, paracetamol is a medicine that helps reduce pain and fever.
2. Recreational Drugs: These substances are taken for pleasure, like alcohol or cannabis. However, they can be harmful.
3. Illegal Drugs: These are drugs that are against the law, like heroin or cocaine. They can be very dangerous.

Why is it Important to Know About Drugs?

Knowing about drugs helps us make smart choices. Here are some tips:

• Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about a drug or medicine, always ask an adult or a doctor.
• Read Labels: When taking medicine, always read the instructions.
• Stay Informed: Learn about the risks of recreational and illegal drugs to protect yourself.

Key Rules to Remember

1. Medicines are not for sharing: What works for one person may not work for another.
2. Always follow the instructions: Take medicines as directed by a doctor or on the label.
3. Say No to Illegal Drugs: They can harm your health and can lead to serious consequences.

Tips for Staying Healthy

• Eat Well: Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
• Stay Active: Aim for at least 60 minutes of exercise every day.
• Sleep Well: Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
• Talk About Feelings: Share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust.

Questions on Health and Drugs

Easy Level Questions

1. What is health?
2. Name one type of medicinal drug.
3. What does physical health mean?
4. Why is sleep important?
5. What is an example of a recreational drug?
6. What should you do if you’re unsure about a medicine?
7. What is meant by mental health?
8. Why should medicines not be shared?
9. Give an example of a healthy food.
10. What is an illegal drug?
11. What does emotional health involve?
12. Can drugs change how our bodies work?
13. Name one benefit of exercise.
14. What is paracetamol used for?
15. How many hours of sleep do teenagers need?
16. Why is it important to read medicine labels?
17. What does staying informed mean?
18. What is a consequence of using illegal drugs?
19. How can we manage stress?
20. Name one thing you can do to stay healthy.

Medium Level Questions

1. How can recreational drugs affect mental health?
2. Describe the difference between medicinal and illegal drugs.
3. Why is it important to follow a doctor’s instructions when taking medicine?
4. What are some risks of sharing medicine?
5. How does exercise contribute to physical health?
6. Explain what emotional health means in your own words.
7. What are two examples of illegal drugs?
8. How can drugs impact your brain?
9. Why is nutrition important for overall health?
10. What are some signs that someone might be struggling with their mental health?
11. List three ways to maintain good physical health.
12. What are some common side effects of medicines?
13. How can you talk to someone about your feelings?
14. Why is it important to avoid peer pressure regarding drugs?
15. What can happen if someone takes too much medicine?
16. How can stress affect your health?
17. Describe a healthy daily routine.
18. What does it mean to be addicted to drugs?
19. Why are some drugs legal and others not?
20. How can families support each other’s health?

Hard Level Questions

1. Discuss the long-term effects of using recreational drugs.
2. How can illegal drugs impact a person’s life choices?
3. What are the ethical considerations surrounding drug use and health?
4. Explain the role of government in regulating drugs.
5. How does a balanced diet affect mental health?
6. Describe the relationship between sleep and academic performance.
7. What are the potential consequences of drug addiction on families?
8. How can exercise influence brain health?
9. Why is it important for teenagers to understand the effects of drugs?
10. Discuss the importance of mental health awareness in schools.
11. How can cultural attitudes influence drug use?
12. What are the effects of alcohol on the body?
13. Discuss the role of peer influence in drug use among teenagers.
14. How can you effectively communicate about drugs with friends?
15. Explain the concept of tolerance in relation to drug use.
16. What are some strategies to help someone who is struggling with addiction?
17. Discuss how advertising can impact drug use.
18. What are the signs of substance abuse?
19. Why is it important to consider both physical and mental health in overall health?
20. How can education about drugs help reduce their misuse?

Answers and Explanations

Easy Level Answers

1. Health is how well our body and mind are functioning.
2. An example of a medicinal drug is paracetamol.
3. Physical health means your body is working well.
4. Sleep is important for recovery and functioning well.
5. An example of a recreational drug is alcohol.
6. Always ask an adult or a doctor if unsure.
7. Mental health is about how we think and feel.
8. Medicines should not be shared because they may not be safe for others.
9. An example of healthy food is an apple.
10. An illegal drug is heroin.
11. Emotional health involves understanding and expressing your feelings.
12. Yes, drugs can change how our bodies work.
13. One benefit of exercise is stronger muscles.
14. Paracetamol is used to reduce pain and fever.
15. Teenagers need about 8-10 hours of sleep.
16. It’s important to read labels to use medicines safely.
17. Staying informed means knowing about risks and benefits.
18. Consequences of using illegal drugs can include health problems and legal issues.
19. We can manage stress by talking to someone or doing hobbies.
20. One way to stay healthy is to eat a balanced diet.

Medium Level Answers

1. Recreational drugs can cause anxiety and depression.
2. Medicinal drugs are safe and prescribed, while illegal drugs are harmful and banned.
3. It’s important to follow instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness.
4. Sharing medicine can lead to dangerous side effects or not working properly.
5. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and improves mood.
6. Emotional health means understanding and managing your feelings.
7. Two examples of illegal drugs are cocaine and ecstasy.
8. Drugs can change how the brain works and affect mood and behaviour.
9. Nutrition provides essential nutrients needed for body functions and energy.
10. Signs of mental health struggles include sadness, withdrawal, or mood changes.
11. Three ways to maintain good physical health are eating well, exercising, and sleeping enough.
12. Common side effects include drowsiness and nausea.
13. You can talk about feelings with someone you trust like a friend or family member.
14. Avoiding peer pressure helps keep you safe from trying drugs.
15. Taking too much medicine can cause overdose and serious health risks.
16. Stress can lead to headaches, fatigue, and poor health.
17. A healthy daily routine includes regular meals, exercise, and sleep.
18. Addiction means needing a substance to feel normal, leading to harmful behaviours.
19. Some drugs are legal because they are safe when used responsibly; others are not due to harm.
20. Families can support health by communicating and encouraging healthy habits.

Hard Level Answers

1. Long-term effects can include addiction, health issues, and changes in brain function.
2. Illegal drugs can lead to poor choices, affecting education and relationships.
3. Ethical considerations include the impact on society and individual rights.
4. The government regulates drugs to protect public health and safety.
5. A balanced diet provides nutrients that can influence mood and cognitive function.
6. Good sleep helps with memory and concentration, improving performance.
7. Addiction can create stress and financial issues for families.
8. Exercise releases endorphins, improving mood and cognitive function.
9. Understanding effects helps teenagers make informed decisions and avoid risks.
10. Mental health awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages support.
11. Cultural attitudes can either encourage or discourage drug use.
12. Alcohol can impair judgement, affect health, and lead to addiction.
13. Peer influence can encourage experimentation with drugs.
14. Communication about drugs is essential for making safe choices.
15. Tolerance means needing more of a drug to achieve the same effect.
16. Strategies include counselling, support groups, and education.
17. Advertising can glamorise drug use, influencing young people.
18. Signs of substance abuse include neglecting responsibilities and changes in behaviour.
19. Considering both aspects leads to a holistic approach to health.
20. Education helps inform about dangers and encourages prevention.

Feel free to use this guide to help you learn about health and drugs. Remember, knowledge is power!