While all topics listed in the course description should be addressed, emphasis placed on each topic may vary according to local needs and resources. This course is one of the six FACS courses from which students may choose three to fulfill the required Health and Safety credit. This course is one of the seven from which schools must select four to teach a minimum of once every other year in order to qualify for state vocational funding. Families perform critical functions that help to meet these needs. The degree to which growth, development, and wellness needs are met plays a key role in the well-being of family members and the ability of individuals to be effective in school, work, and community.
Wellness is a central component of human growth and development.
It is a process by which individuals actively make choices to promote optimum health. Many factors influence health and wellness, including heredity, environment, stress, and most importantly, behavior. Being well means taking responsibility for developing healthy habits and making healthy choices. The daily choices one makes with regard to wellness significantly impact individual and family wellness. Helping adolescents understand that their decisions and practices are major factors in growth, development, and wellness is essential to helping them have a healthy future.