Being Healthy (Junior Cert Home Economics): Revision Notes

Being Healthy

Health is determined by three key factors:

1. Genetics:

• Biological traits passed from parents to children.
• Some diseases, such as heart disease, type 1 diabetes, and certain cancers, have strong genetic links.

2. Environment:

• The surroundings where we live, including air quality, housing, and access to healthcare.

3. Lifestyle:

• The daily habits and choices we make, such as diet, exercise, and rest.

Lifestyle Factors that Contribute to Good Health

To improve your chances of living a long, healthy life:

• Take precautions against illness:
  • Keep up to date with vaccinations, like childhood immunisations.
• Maintain personal hygiene:
  • Follow daily hygiene practices to prevent infection and stay healthy.
• Exercise regularly:
  • Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens the body, and reduces stress.

• Eat a balanced diet:
  • Include a variety of nutrients to fuel your body and protect against disease.
• Avoid risky behaviours:
  • Stay away from smoking, excessive alcohol, or other habits harmful to health.
• Get sufficient rest:
  • Sleep enough to allow your body and mind to recover.
• Relax and manage stress:
  • Take time to unwind through hobbies, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle:
  • Combine all these factors to promote mental and physical well-being.