Which of the following best describes the overall goal of health education?

The overall goal of health education is focused on promoting healthy lifestyle choices. This encompasses teaching individuals about the importance of various health practices and behaviors that contribute to overall well-being, such as nutrition, physical activity, mental health awareness, and preventive health care. Educators aim to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions regarding their health, leading to healthier life choices throughout their lifetime.

By focusing on healthy lifestyle choices, health education encourages students to develop habits that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mental health, and foster social well-being. This foundation is crucial in creating a generation that prioritizes health in their daily lives, understands the benefits of physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mental wellness.

The other options, while potentially related to aspects of education, do not capture the primary aim of health education. For instance, increasing academic performance is a broader educational goal that does not specifically address health. Preparing for standardized tests is more focused on academic achievement than health awareness, and encouraging competition among students emphasizes rivalry rather than community health and wellness. Thus, promoting healthy lifestyle choices is at the core of health education.