The lessons presented in McGraw-Hill Health focus on three major domains of health: physical, emotional and intellectual and social health. There are ten major health strands that students can relate to. These include: personal health; growth and development; emotional and intellectual health; family and social health; nutrition; physical activity and fitness; disease prevention and control; alcohol, tobacco and drugs; safety, injury, and violence prevention; and community and environmental health.

Through the blending of content and activities, instructional emphasis will be place on the acquisition of six major life skills that children need to make wise health choices and to adopt health behaviors that will contribute to their well-being. These life skills are: make decisions, set goals, obtain help, manage stress, practice refusal skills and resolve a variety of situations, both at home and at school. When children take responsibility for their own health attitudes and behaviors, they begin to develop coping strategies that will help through their lives.

Through the learning of the life skills, the students will develop five abilities that will also help them in their overall development of good health. These abilities are: take responsibility, develop self-esteem, respect others, communicate effectively and think critically. Students will have many opportunities to practice these abilities and to make the connection that each one has to good health.

Through the lessons, life skills and abilities, students will have a solid foundation for good health.