Signs of health problems
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the bodily signs that signal a potential health issue and explain what to do if I spot them.
Key learning points
- It is important to know what is normal for your body and watch out for changes that don't go away after two weeks.
- Weight loss or gain without trying is a sign of a potential problem.
- Persistent tiredness is a cause for concern.
- If you experience changes to your bowel habits you should seek medical support.
- If you experience pain, abnormal bleeding or discharge from any area of the body you should seek medical support.
Keywords
Persistent - in this context, continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period
Abnormal - when something is not normal for you; this could be something that changes suddenly or over time
Acute - sudden, quick or sometimes severe
Chronic - persistent for a long time, or recurring
Common misconception
Only serious symptoms, like fainting or chest pain, mean something is wrong.
While serious symptoms are important, early or mild signs, like changes in sleep, appetite, or energy, can also signal a health issue. It’s best to notice and act early by speaking to a trusted adult or health professional.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to take all health concerns seriously, remind them that even small or vague symptoms are worth noticing and talking about with a trusted adult.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How many hours of sleep should a teenager get each night?
Q2.Feeling extremely thirsty, tired and a dry mouth could be a sign of...
Q3.The recovery position should...
Q4.An AED is a device that can be used to deliver an electric shock to the heart in case of a sudden cardiac arrest. They are also known as...
Q5.Match the words to the definitions.
a person who is in need of medical attention due to injury or illness
when bacteria or viruses enter your body and multiply, causing illness
a blockage of the airway that prevents normal breathing
a severe allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulties
when the heart stops beating unexpectedly
Q6.Complete the sentence: CPR is a life-saving technique used when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped, combining chest with rescue breaths if needed.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words to their definitions.
when something is not normal for you;
in this context, continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period
sudden, quick or sometimes severe
persistent for a long time, or recurring
Q2.It is important to know what is normal for your body and watch out for changes that don't go away after how many weeks?
Q3.Complete the sentence: Unexplained weight gain or should be referred to a healthcare professional.
Q4.Select the correct options to complete this sentence: Persistent tiredness...
Q5.Changes to bowel movements can be a sign of a health issue; things to look for include:
Q6.All health symptoms, not just serious symptoms like chest pain or fainting, should be seen by a doctor because...
To help you plan your 10 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Signs of health problems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Signs of health problems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 RSHE (PSHE) lessons from the Staying safe and healthy: How can I check my body is healthy? unit, dive into the full secondary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.