Chapter 17 Parent Letter and Activities

Chapter 17: Digestive and Urinary Systems

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Your teen’s health class is currently studying the digestive and urinary systems, the two
body systems responsible for the processing and absorption of food and the expulsion of body
waste. Your son or daughter will learn about the effects of health behaviors
on the digestive and urinary systems, as well as digestive and urinary problems and disease
prevention.

The following topics will be explored in this chapter:

The Digestive System.

Care and Problems of the Digestive System.

The Urinary System.

Please reinforce our classroom work by discussing with your son or daughter one or more
of the following topics: Ask your son or daughter to make a sketch of the human body and explain the process of digestion. Discuss how a healthy diet aids digestion and reduces digestive problems. Ask your teen to identify the structure and functions of the urinary system and describe health behaviors that help it to function. Talk about the various viewpoints concerning organ donation. Ask your teen to research the types of organs that can be transplanted, including the kidney and liver (part of the urinary system), the rationale for such operations, and their success rates.

Please plan other activities you think will help your son or daughter become aware of the
benefits of healthy choices and their effects on body systems. Thank you for supporting our
classroom work. Feel free to contact me if you wish to discuss your teen’s health education.

Sincerely,

Health Teacher