It’s a Crime to Be Unhealthy!
By Susan Holloway, M.S. Home Economics Child Development-Family Relations
Retired Teacher of JMCSS and Madison County Extension
WAYS TO SAY “NO!” During these holidays, we are interacting with more individuals.
The more people we see, the more we are influenced to please others more and please
ourselves. There are many areas of our lives where we need to practice saying “No” and protect
ourselves. I spontaneously think of these: CREDIT OFFERS – adding debt, overspending,
giving more than we can afford; SCAMS – any time something sounds too good to be true, it
probably is; FOODS – too much or not healthy for you; DRUGS – any from the street, the
pharmacy, or the liquor store not recommended for you; VIOLENCE OR VANDALISM – one
second of bad behavior can change your life for years of bad times.
Sometimes we say “No” but we feel tempted or that we have hurt someone else’s
feelings. Try being firm with yourself and with others so that saying “No” really works!
1. Say “No” politely – No Way! No, I don’t want that. No, I am not interested
2. Be a broken record – No way No I think I said No, Never No Way No Not for me! What part
of “no” don’t you understand?
3. Give a compliment – I thought you were smarter than that. I have always thought of that
as fun but not now. Why do we want to ruin ourselves?
4. State the facts – That is habit forming for me and I do not need bad habits. I don’t want a
police record. It is bad for good health.
5. Laugh it off – No way, I want good memories of this. I need all the brain cells I can have.
This is not the right weather for that.
6. Just walk away – Sorry, someone is waiting for me. See you around. Hold on, I have to go
call someone. No way, Good-Bye!
7. Change the subject – Is it just me, or is it hot in here? Hey, let’s go shoot some basketball.
Have you seen that new movie yet?
8. Make excuses – I must take care of my cousin tonight. Nope, I know that will hurt my
work/game. My mom/dad/children would be too upset with me. My bad driving would be
dangerous. My breath would give me away.
This information was inspired by 4-H Health Rocks – Inspired to be substance free.
May your days be Merry and Bright and may your choices be for a safe and healthy YOU!.
