Teen Health, Course 1

Introduction

Of all the organs in your body, your heart is the most important.  Unless the heart is working well – pumping oxygen-rich blood – none of the other organs can do their jobs. That is why it is important to learn how to monitor the strength of your heart.  On the Web site below you will learn how to tell how hard your heart is working when you are resting and when you are exercising.

Link to explore:  Cleveland Clinic Health: http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/docs/0900/0984.asp?index=5508

Directions

• Start at the “Cleveland Clinic Health” Web site.
• Read about your pulse and target heart rate, and study the illustrations. Take notes on what you read. Practice taking your pulse until you are confident you can do it easily.
• When you finish reading, answer the questions below.
• Finally, take your pulse three times a day for a week – when you first get up, at noon before lunch, and before you go to bed. Keep track of your pulse to see when your heart is working hardest.

Questions

1			What is your pulse and why is it a good idea to know how to take it?
2			What are the two best places to take your pulse?
3			What is your resting pulse and maximum pulse?
4			What is your target heart rate, and why do you want to exercise at that rate?