Abstract

The study was performed among 158 students from the third and fourth grades of grammar school in Lublin. The study method was a questionnaire including 41 questions grouped under 13 subjects. In the light of the data it may be concluded that students evaluate their health condition as satisfactory (82% of respondents). Most of the examined students--73.41% declare incorrect nutrition, lack of physical activity--52.53%, chronic fatigue--69.62%. Acceptable answers were obtained on questions concerning prevention of circulatory system diseases, AIDS, prevention of faulty posture, idea of "disease". Respondents did not know the rules of correct nutrition, 87.34% admitted drinking alcohol (27.84% every week, 5.69% every day). Students knew little about adverse effects of smoking, more than a half (51.26%) smoked cigarettes. 34.1% declared taking psychoactive substances. The results indicate that the mass media are the most popular source of information on health and healthy living. Results show that there is a strong need to create a new form of teaching (preferably at school) young people how to live their lives in a healthy way.