8.PCH.2

What does this standard mean a child will know and be able to do?

8.PCH.2.1 Critique medical information resources in terms of reliability, unreliability, accuracy, and significance.
There are limitless sources of health information. Students need to become wise consumers by being able to identify credible sources of health information. Statistics are powerful. They can be used or misused to support a particular product, person, or service. All statistics are not fact. Students often assume that what they read or hear in the news is credible. Some sources of information about health are far more reliable than others, and students should seek to distinguish between those that are accurate and those that offer information that is not reliable or founded in science. Just because something is written, published, on television, or available on the internet, does not mean it is true.
 * The student will be able to differentiate between accurate health reports and those that are misleading.
 * The student will become a more critical observer of health information that they receive from the media.

8.PCH.2.2 Judge the effects of popular fads on health (tattooing, piercing, artificial fingernails) and methods for protecting oneself from these dangers.
Tattooing, piercings, and artificial fingernails are several fads that are popular today. These fads have some associated health risks that young people should be aware of so that they can make more informed decisions about whether they will participate in a current fad or not. Some of the health risks associated with these fads are the risk of infection, risk of HIV infection, exposure to harmful bacteria, pain/discomfort and Hepatitis B & C. There is also the risk that a person will one day regret ever getting a tattoo or a piercing or they run the risk of being judged by others who view these fads negatively.
 * The student will describe the health risks associated with current fads such as tattooing, piercing and getting artificial nails.
 * The student will explain the importance of knowing the facts and risks associated with current fads for decision making.
 * The student will conclude that some people who participate in these fads come to later regret that decision.