Seventh grade wellness begins with a focus on physical, emotional, mental and social wellness. The theme of keeping these four areas of wellness in balance is carried on throughout the year in relation to each lesson. The first weeks of wellness consist of day-to-day health related to current events that tie into our nutrition unit. After an in-depth look at essential nutrients, the students will complete the nutrition unit by becoming an expert in a specific type of diet (vegetarian, kosher, Mediterranean, organic) and teaching this diet to their peers. During the winter months, the students learn refusal skills and put these skills into action while learning about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. In addition, they will understand how these substances are used and analyze the long-term consequences of substance abuse. The topic of communications focuses on communication styles and their connection to gender and relationships. The final wellness unit highlights community and consumer health, including the  impact of media on women and their emotional and mental health.