Smart Choices for a Healthy Body: Vaping, Nutrition & More

What are Smart Choices & Refusal Skills?Making smart choices means thinking about how your actions affect your body and mind, both now and in the future. This includes what you eat, how you handle stress, and what you do online.Refusal skills are the ways you can say 'no' to something you don't want to do, especially when you feel pressured by others. Using them helps you stay in control, be safe, and feel proud of your decisions.A simple strategy to remember is S.T.O.P.:Say no firmly and calmly.Tell them why (a short, honest reason).Offer another idea or a positive alternative.Promptly leave if the pressure continues.

You're hanging out with a friend who pulls out a vape and offers it to you, saying, "Everyone's doing it, just try it." You know vaping is harmful and you don't want to.Here's how you could use the S.T.O.P. method:Say No: Look your friend in the eye and say, "No, thanks. I'm not into that."Tell Why: You can add a simple reason. "I want to keep my lungs healthy for soccer."Offer Another Idea: Change the subject to something positive. "Hey, you want to go shoot some hoops instead?" or "Let's see if that new video game is out."Promptly Leave: If they keep pressuring you, it's okay to leave. "Alright, I'm gonna head home. I'll catch you later."

You're at a friend's house after school and you're starving. They open the pantry and it's filled with chips, cookies, and sugary drinks. Your friend says, "Let's just snack on this stuff."Here's how you can make a smart choice:State Your Need: "I'm super hungry, but I'm trying to eat a bit healthier for my energy levels."Ask for an Alternative: Politely ask if there are other options. "Do you guys have any fruit, like an apple or a banana?" or "Maybe we could make some toast?"Suggest a Plan: If there aren't other options, you can make a plan. "How about we walk to the store and grab some yogurt or a granola bar?"Be Prepared: A great long-term strategy is to pack your own healthy snack, like trail mix or a piece of fruit, so you always have a good option.