Parent Letters - English

Chapter 11: Personal Health and Consumer Choices

Parent Letter and Activities
For use with Chapter 11

Dear Parent or Guardian,
We are now focusing our studies on the topics of personal health and consumer choices. Students will learn the best ways to care for their teeth, skin, hair, nails, eyes, and ears. Then we will discuss how to make good decisions when buying health products and services. We will discuss advertising and other factors that influence consumer choices. Finally, we will compare types of health care providers and facilities and discuss health insurance.

Some questions your teen will consider as we discuss this topic are: What is the best way to keep teeth healthy? How can I keep my eyes and ears healthy? What influences my buying decisions? What questions should I ask before I buy a product? Why are product labels important? What types of health providers and facilities are best for various illnesses and conditions? How is health care paid for?

To support and extend our classroom work, please set aside some time during the next few weeks to complete one or more of the following activities with your teen:

Watch TV together and discuss the various ways that health care products are advertised. Discuss who your teen thinks the target audience is for each advertisement.

Go shopping together for health care products for your family. Compare qualities, contents, and prices of various products.

Of course, feel free to engage in other activities you think will help your teen become an educated consumer. Your activities will be a welcome addition to our efforts here. As always, do not hesitate to contact me for further information.

Sincerely,

Health Teacher