Signs of health problems
I can describe the bodily signs that signal a potential health issue and explain what to do if I spot them.
Signs of health problems
I can describe the bodily signs that signal a potential health issue and explain what to do if I spot them.
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Lesson details
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.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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.
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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.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
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
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
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