Teen Health Course 3

Chapter 16: Your Body Systems

Parent Letters - English

Parent Letter and Activities
For use with Chapter 16

Dear Parent or Guardian,

We are currently studying the major systems of the human body. We will learn, over the next few weeks, about the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive and excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. We will examine the function, parts, and possible problems that can affect each system. Some questions your teen will consider as we discuss this topic are: What does the circulatory system do? How does my body use air when I breathe? What are the different functions of the skeletal system? How can I protect my nervous system from injury? How does my endocrine system prepare my body for stress? How can I keep my reproductive system healthy?

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:

  • Ask your child to explain the workings of a particular body system, such as the endocrine system.
  • Create a list of steps you can take to care for each system in your body. For example, regular activity strengthens the heart and muscles and helps keep the lungs functioning properly.
  • Show your teen how to use a good medical reference book or Web site that details problems and solutions relating to body systems.

Of course, feel free to engage in other activities you think will help your teen to develop an appreciation of the body as an integrated system made up of smaller systems. By learning to think of the body in this way, your child will be better able to make informed health decisions throughout his or her life. As always, do not hesitate to contact me for further information.

Sincerely,

Health Teacher

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