Nutrition, Physical Activity, Growth and Development, and Mental and Emotional Health
This section tests the content most likely to appear in a comprehensive school health curriculum: energy balance, fitness prescription, developmental stage theory, and mental health literacy. Expect calculation items, standard-matching items, and scenario items about recognizing risk.
Nutrition essentials
Carbohydrate and protein supply 4 kcal per gram; fat supplies 9; alcohol supplies 7. MyPlate allocates roughly half the plate to fruits and vegetables, with the remainder split among grains, protein foods, and dairy. Dietary Guidelines targets: added sugars under 10% of calories, saturated fat under 10%, sodium under 2,300 mg per day for the general population. Fiber targets run about 25 g/day for women and 38 g/day for men. "Empty calories" means energy with little or no nutrient density.
Physical activity fundamentals
Use FITT - Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type. Children and adolescents need 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily, with muscle- and bone-strengthening activity at least three days per week. Adults need 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly plus two days of strengthening.
Development and mental health
Erikson's school-age stage is industry versus inferiority; adolescence is identity versus role confusion. Depression differs from transient sadness by duration and functional impairment. Suicide warning signs include direct or indirect threats, giving away possessions, and sudden withdrawal; asking directly does not plant the idea, and you never promise secrecy.
Worked example
A moderate-intensity target heart rate for a 16-year-old: 220 − 16 = 204 maximum; 50–70% of 204 is roughly 102–143 beats per minute. If the stem specifies vigorous intensity, shift to 70–85%, roughly 143–173. Students should also be able to use the talk test as a field estimate.
Traps that cost marks
Using 4 kcal/g for fat. Applying the 150-minutes-per-week adult standard to adolescents. Interpreting a single sad day as depression. Promising confidentiality when suicide risk is disclosed.