PEH 102 - Health

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Open

Physical, emotional and social factors as they relate to our state of personal health. To better understand and aid in the alleviation of communicable and chronic diseases, drug use and environmental problems.
Competencies

Demonstrate knowledge of how to take charge of ones’ own health
1. Compare and contrast today’s ideas about health with those held a century ago.
2. Provide supporting evidence for the belief that the best treatment for degenerative diseases is prevention
3. Define the concept know as optimal health or wellness
4. Identify the primary habits and behaviors that are the keys to a healthful lifestyle
5. Discuss the multidimensional nature of wellness and provide examples of healthful behaviors for each dimension
6. Describe the interrelationships among behavioral, hereditary, and environmental factors on a given health problem
7. List the rewards associated with a healthier lifestyle
8. Discuss the significance of motivation and commitment in the process of behavior change
9. Define and give examples of negative and positive reinforcers
10. List the six steps in the behavior self-management program
11. Name at least five strategies you can use to increase your chances of successful behavior change
12. Identify outside sources of support that can be used when making a health behavior change
13. Describe actions you can take, as an individual, to help create a more healthful environment
Explain the importance of stress as it affects our health
1. Define stress in terms of Selye’s general adaptation syndrome (GAS).
2. Describe the physiological process that occurs when an individual experiences stress
3. List the negative consequences associated with constant mobilization of the stress response
4. Discuss the relationships among personality type, responses to stress, and the potential for disease
5. Discuss the “three C’s” of health associated with Kobasa’s “hardy personality
6. Identify strategies for managing time more effectively and describe how effective time management can help reduce stress
7. Explain the relationship between exercise and stress
8. Discuss a variety of stress management techniques
9. Discuss the relationship between good nutrition and stress
Explain mental health as it applies to ones total health
1. Discuss what mental health is, as well as what mental health is not
2. List the major characteristics of an individual who is mentally healthy
3. Discuss factors that contribute to the development of positive self-esteem.
4. Name and describe symptoms of the following mental disorders: schizophrenia, depression, mania, and anxiety
5. Recognize the danger signs associated with potential suicide and describe an appropriate course of action for cases in which these signs are observed
6. Evaluate your own level of social anxiety and describe a behavior change strategy for dealing with this problem
7. Describe the four models of human nature and be able to discuss how each approach affects the treatment of mental disorders
8. Describe indications that usually mean professional help is needed for resolution of a mental problem
9. Discuss the pros and cons of self-help versus professional help, given a particular mental health problem
10. Differentiate among the types of mental health workers, their training, and the range of services offered
11. List the common myths associated with suicide
12. Design a strategy for overcoming the problem of insomnia
Demonstrate knowledge about the body’s sexual functioning and sexual problems
1. Identify conflicting messages about sex presented in the media and discuss problems that can arise as those messages are applied to sexual behavior
2. Differentiate between the terms sex and sexuality
3. Describe factors that influence gender roles and gender identity
4. Identify the female sexual organs.
5. Identify the male sexual organs
6. Name the stages of the sexual response cycle and describe the physiological changes that accompany each stage in both males and females
7. Identify the body’s erogenous zones
8. Describe the process of human sex differentiation from conception through puberty
9. Define menopause and describe the physiological changes that are likely to occur during menopause
10. Describe the changes in sexual functioning that are likely to occur in men as they reach the later years of life
11. Provide examples of the influence of environmental factors and cultural learning on sexual behavior
12. Name and describe common sexual disorders in both males and females
13. Name and describe the main forms of sexual dysfunction in both males and females
Demonstrate knowledge of sexual behaviors and intimate relationships
1. Discuss the different aspects of sexuality including reproduction, sexual excitement and satisfaction, the expression of affection, and gender identity
2. Discuss the positive and negative implications of social learning processes that encourage traits and behaviors traditionally deemed appropriate for one sex or the other
3. Differentiate between biological maturity (puberty) and social maturity
4. Discuss problems that often arise during adolescence as a result of the chronological discrepancy between biological and social maturity
5. Define the terms heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual, and be able to discuss what is presently known about the roots of sexual orientation
6. Describe various sexual behaviors (autoerotic, sociosexual and atypical), and identify those that are considered problematic
7. Recognize sexual harassment and be able to describe steps that can be taken to stop it
8. Explain common myths associated with rape
9. Construct a strategy for reducing the risk of being raped
10. List factors that contribute to a satisfactory intimate relationship
11. Discuss both the rights and the responsibilities associated with a worthwhile relationship
12. Identify important considerations for selecting a compatible partner
13. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cohabitation, marriage and singlehood
14. Discuss the problems associated with recent role changes in marriage
15. List guidelines that can reduce the trauma of ending a marriage or another important intimate relationship
Describe the place of contraception in total health
1. Explain the basic principle underlying each of the four approaches to contraception: barrier methods, hormonal methods, surgical methods, and natural methods
2. Discuss the important issues to be considered when choosing a contraceptive
3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of contraception
4. Describe the correct procedure for using each of the various types of contraception
5. Explain how each of the various methods of birth control works
6. Differentiate between theoretical effectiveness and use effectiveness, and explain how these factors affect the possibility of an unintended pregnancy
7. Evaluate the risks versus the benefits of oral conception use
8. Explain why male sterilization is considered preferable to female sterilization
9. Contrast the consequences of not using contraception for a sexually active man with the consequences for a sexually active woman
Examine the various perspectives on abortion
1. Trace the legal history of abortion in the United States since the early 1800s, including the significant Supreme Court decisions in 1973 and 1989
2. Contrast the pro-life and pro-choice positions, discussing the basic principles of each group
3. Discuss the impact of the abortion issue on the present U.S. political scene
4. Define the term viability and discuss how this concept affects the abortion discussion
5. Identify the options available to a woman faced with an unintended pregnancy
6. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages that accompany each of the above options
7. Describe the various methods of abortion, including the circumstances under which the method might be chosen and the procedure used
8. Identify the factors that reduce the incidence of complications associated with abortion
9. Name the possible complications, both physical and psychological, that may occur with abortion and discuss the actual incidence of those complications
Describe preparation for parenthood
1. List the factors that need to be considered when deciding if and when to have a child
2. Discuss the medical risks associated with pregnancy during the teenage years and with pregnancy after the maternal age of 35
3. Discuss the advantages of alternative birth centers, certified nurse-midwives,and prepared childbirth compared with more traditional physician-attended, hospital birth
4. Name and describe the prenatal tests currently available and make recommendations regarding who might best benefit from their use
5. Explain why breastfeeding is the preferred method of infant feeding
6. Trace the process of pregnancy and childbirth from fertilization through the birth of a child
7. Identify the changes in both physical and psychological characteristics that may be expected during pregnancy
8. Discuss the problem of infertility: incidence, causes, prevention, and treatment options
9. Describe the risks associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol, cigarette smoke, and cocaine
10. Discuss the importance, to both mother and fetus, of each of the following: appropriate nutrition, exercise, rest, avoidance of drugs, and adequate prenatal care
11. Discuss the importance of attachment between parent and child
12. List suggestions for learning how to be a good parent
13. Describe the current costs associated with having and rearing a child
Examine the possibilities of a tobacco-free society
1. Explain the significance of smoking as an overall factor in the health of the U.S. population
2. Discuss the most often identified reasons for beginning to smoke
3. List the significant components of tobacco and smoke and discuss the health risks associated with each substance
4. Name the risks associated with the use of smokeless tobacco and identify the population group for whom the risks are greatest at present
5. Trace the path that nicotine follows after it is inhaled and describe its effects on the human body
6. Name and describe the major health problems and diseases for smokers
7. Discuss the effects of tobacco smoke on nonsmokers who may share space with smokers
8. Discuss possible strategies that could be used to protect one’s right to breathe air that is not polluted by tobacco smoke
9. Describe the effects of passive smoking on babies and children
10. Describe the effects of maternal smoking on the fetus
11. Discuss the ethical implications of federal government that, on one hand, supports an antitobacco campaign and, on the other, provides government subsidies to the tobacco industry
12. Describe additional steps that you would recommend to achieve the goal of a tobacco-free society
13. Describe three approaches to smoking cessation
Discuss the complexities of alcohol use.
1. Identify the psychoactive ingredient in alcoholic beverages
2. Define “proof value” and state the approximate alcohol concentration (percentage of alcohol) in beer, table wine, fortified wines, and hard liquor
3. Name the factors that influence the affect alcohol has on an individual.
4. Discuss the implications of gender on the affects of alcohol consumption
5. Define the term blood alcohol concentration and describe the expected effects of concentrations of .05 percent, .1 percent, .2 percent, .35 percent, and over .35 percent
6. Discuss the immediate physical and psychological effects of alcohol
7. Classify alcohol as either a stimulant or a depressant
8. Describe the effects of chronic alcohol use
9. Discuss the implication of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
10. Identify the safe level of alcohol use for pregnant women
11. Differentiate between alcohol abuse and alcoholism
12. Identify the four common patterns of alcohol abuse
13. Name the warning signs of alcohol abuse
14. Describe the expected effects when an alcoholic stops drinking
15. Describe the long-term damage that alcohol does to the body
16. Compare the severity of the alcohol problem in the United States with other types of drugs
17. Define “responsible use of alcohol” and name five ways that responsible use can be maintained
18. Describe common behaviors of an “enabler
19. Discuss the psychiatric problems associated with alcoholism
20. Describe the likely effects of growing up in an alcoholic home
21. Discuss the general effectiveness of alcoholism treatment
Explain the use and abuse of psychoactive drugs in our society.
1. Differentiate between drug misuse and drug abuse
2. Differentiate between physical dependence and psychological dependence
3. Discuss reasons that people use and abuse drugs.
4. Name the drug factors, user factors, and psychological and social factors that determine the effect of any drug on a particular individual
5. Define the dose-response function and the time-action function and explain how these functions affect the drug effect
6. Relate method of use, that is how the drug is taken, with different “costs” or “risks
7. Explain the relationship between intravenous drug use and AIDS
8. Describe the relationship between body mass and drug effect.
9. Explain how the set and the setting influence the effect of a drug
10. Explain the risks associated with the use of cocaine and/or crack during pregnancy
11. Differentiate between stimulants and depressants and give at least five examples of each
12. Name at least five common sources of caffeine and describe the effects of caffeine on the body
13. Describe the short- and long-term effects of marijuana use
14. Explain why prevention offers the best solution to the drug problem and list several prevention strategies that have been successful with young people
Differentiate between nutrition facts and fallacies
1. Identify the six nutrient groups; state the tasks of each nutrient in body processes; and identify food sources for each nutrient
2. Name the two most likely problem behaviors associated with food for Americans
3. Discuss the significance of water in the diet
4. Explain the role of alcohol in nutrition
5. Name the percentage of calories that should be represented by each food group in a healthy diet
6. Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated fat and identify sources of each
7. Explain the purpose of hydrogenation and describe the effect this process has on food
8. Explain why nutritionists currently recommend the consumption of fish once to twice per week
9. Define the role of dietary fiber in the diet; differentiate between soluble and insoluble fiber and identify sources of each
10. Differentiate between simple and complex carbohydrates and identify food sources of each
11. Identify the three minerals most commonly deficient in the diet and explain the possible effects of these deficiencies
12. Explain the concept of the RDA
13. State the seven guidelines for healthy eating provided by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
14. Differentiate between the four vegetarian styles
15. Correctly interpret a food label
16. Explain the purposes of food additives
17. Explain the process and purpose of food irradiation and discuss the criticism that has been expressed about the process
18. Name at least four actions you can take to protect yourself from food poisoning
19. Name the groups of people who may have some nutritional risk and for whom supplementation may be advisable
20. Discuss the relationship between osteoporosis and calcium, and name several good sources of dietary calcium
21. Name at least five simple ways to reduce the amount of fat in the diet
Explain the benefits of weight control as it applies to a healthy lifestyle.
1. Compare the typical American diet with what is considered to be an ideal diet
2. Name the four key factors for maintaining an ideal weight
3. Defend the statement, “Dieting is not a component of a healthy lifestyle
4. Name at least five terms that appear on food labels representing sugar
5. Define obesity and discuss the health problems associated with this condition
6. Explain how structure and decision rules help in maintaining a healthy dietary lifestyle
7. Compare the effects on metabolism of dieting and exercise
8. Discuss the relationship between stress and overweight
9. Name five methods of assessing appropriateness of body size and discuss the problems associated with each method
10. Explain the set theory
11. Explain the cell theory
12. Describe the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa and bulimia
13. List guidelines for selection of a diet book
14. Describe some criticisms that have been made of commercial weight loss programs and discuss how they can be evaluated
15. Describe the most effective method of losing weight and maintaining an appropriate body weight over the long term
Summarize the importance of exercise as it applies to health, fitness, and performance
1. List the overall health benefits of regular exercise
2. Identify the negative effect of a sedentary lifestyle
3. Name and define the four basic components of physical fitness
4. Describe the relationship between exercise and cholesterol level
5. Explain the relationship between exercise and metabolism
6. Discuss the emotional benefits of exercise
7. Name and describe the four components of a good general conditioning program
8. Differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic exercise and name at least six types of aerobic exercise
9. Define flexibility and explain its significance in a healthy lifestyle
10. Explain the RICE principle used with athletic injuries
11. Name the steps for rehabilitation of an injury
12. Define frequency, duration and intensity, and discuss the impact that each has on cardiorespiratory endurance
13. Demonstrate how to calculate the target heart rate
14. Describe the positive and negative effects of the use of anabolic steroids
15. Explain how carbohydrate loading is done and describe the expected effects of the practice
16. Discuss the benefits of warming up and cooling down during the exercise period
17. Explain the possible consequences of not engaging in proper warming up and cooling down
18. Differentiate between isotonic, isokinetic, and isometric strengthening exercises
Explain cardiovascular health
1. Explain the terms systole and diastole
2. Discuss the significance of cardiovascular disease in the American population, identifying those members of the population who are most at risk
3. Name the behavioral components associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease
4. Describe the process of atherosclerosis and identify possible results of this process
5. Discuss the relationship between smoking and cardiovascular disease
6. Define cholesterol, HDL, and LDL and describe their relationships to cardiovascular disease
7. Define hypertension and describe the risks and the treatments associated with the condition
8. Name the signals of a possible heart attack and describe the action you would take if you observed these symptoms in someone
9. Describe the current treatment options for diagnosed heart disease and list the behavior changes that are recommended for effective treatment
10. Define the different types of strokes
11. Discuss the relationship between personality type and CVD
12. Discuss the two most common causes of heart disease in children
13. Name the steps that can be taken in early life to improve the chances of avoiding CVD in middle and later life
Describe situations people will be presented with related to cancer
1. Define the term cancer
2. Explain how tumors spread
3. Discuss the various methods of early detection and explain the significance of early detection as it relates to survival rates
4. Differentiate between normal cells and cancer cells
5. Name the seven warning signs of cancer: CAUTION
6. Name at least five actions you can take to reduce your risk of contracting cancer
7. Name the primary cause of lung cancer.
8. Discuss the relationship between certain cancers and diet
9. Identify the current treatments for cancer
10. Describe how breast self-examination is done
11. Describe how testicular self-examination is done
12. Explain possible reasons that the incidence of skin cancer has increased in recent years and describe preventative strategies for avoiding skin cancer
13. Give examples of both cancer-causing and cancer-preventing substances in food
14. Name five sources of radiation that people often encounter
15. Describe the available cancer treatments
16. Differentiate between primary and secondary prevention
17. Explain the meaning of the rating system assigned to sunscreens
18. List the dietary modifications recommended by the National Cancer Institute for reducing your chances of getting cancer
Discuss the information people need to know pertaining to sexually transmittable diseases
1. Discuss the factors that have contributed to the increase in the number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in recent years
2. Explain the relationship between the increased use of oral contraceptives and the increased incidence of sexually transmitted diseases
3. Describe the cause, symptoms (for both men and women), diagnosis, treatment, and consequences of the following major sexually transmittable diseases
4. Explain how the HIV virus is transmitted, identify the high-risk behaviors for AIDS, and name the steps individuals can take to protect themselves
5. Explain why testing, for someone who may have contracted the HIV virus, is an important step for both the person being tested and others
6. Define pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and describe its causes and consequences
7. Define abstinence and explain why it is the most effective preventive approach to STDs
8. Explain how use of a condom helps prevent the spread of STDs
9. Explain the procedure a woman can follow for a genital self-examination (GSE) to determine if she has any signs that might indicate an STD
10. Explain the procedure a man can follow for a genital self-examination (GSE) to determine if he has any signs that might indicate an STD
Review the facts pertaining to our bodies regarding immunity and infection
1. Describe three ways that foreign organisms gain entrance to the body
2. Describe the four-stage response of the human immune system.
3. Explain how the inflammatory response works
4. Describe the roles of macrophages, B-cell lymphocytes, and T-cell lymphocytes in the immune response
5. Explain how survival of some illnesses confers immunity
6. Define incubation
7. Explain the process of an allergic reaction and name possible consequences of this process
8. Describe how a vaccine works and name the major childhood diseases for which vaccines are now available
9. Differentiate between a bacterium and a virus
10. Name an autoimmune disease and explain the body’s response to this type of condition
11. Discuss the relationship between stress and the immune system
12. List precautions that need to be taken to avoid contracting Lyme disease
13. Explain the risks associated with the overuse and misuse of antibiotics
14. Explain what causes colds and what can be done to avoid them
15. List seven actions that can be taken to avoid contact with infectious agents and to stay healthy
Describe the process and problems of aging
1. Define the term biological aging
2. Describe some of the changes of circumstance, other than biological changes, that often affect the aging process
3. List the benefits of exercise as it relates to the aging process
4. Describe a recommended diet for healthy aging
5. Discuss the relationship between lifestyle before the elderly years and health during the elderly years
6. Identify those behaviors that are recommended for enhancing the quality of life in later years
7. Name and discuss the developmental tasks of aging
8. Compare life expectancy today with life expectancy in 1900
9. Identify possible reasons for gender differences in life expectancy
10. Discuss the implications, both positive and negative, for our society of significantly extended life spans
11. Discuss the myth of the elderly as a dependent population
12. Make suggestions for more fully utilizing the wisdom and abilities of the elderly segment of society
Explain the situation people will be faced with in dealing with dying and death
1. Discuss the issues of death and dying more openly
2. Discuss the complications and controversy that now surround the question of when death occurs
3. Compare and contrast physical death, brain death, cellular death, and social death
4. Identify a biological purpose for death from the viewpoint of species survival
5. Identify the age groups in which suicide occurs most frequently and discuss factors that may have contributed to the rising rate of suicide in those groups
6. Give at least three examples that support the contention that Americans tend to deny death
7. Discuss the decisions that are important to consider when planning for death
8. Name at least five medical uses for a deceased human body and explain the process of organ donation
9. List the significant components of a will and explain what happens when a person dies intestate
10. Name the possible places where death occurs and list the advantages and disadvantages of each
11. Describe the philosophy of the hospice movement
12. Name and briefly discuss each of the stages of dying as described by Kübler-Ross
13. Describe the grieving process and suggest several constructive ways to deal with grief
14. Describe the needs of a dying person and how a support person might help
Discuss skills necessary for medical self-care
1. Describe how the physician-patient relationship has been changing in recent years and discuss the benefits and risks associated with this change
2. Discuss the place that self-care holds in the full health care picture.
3. Name the conditions that require immediate medical treatment
4. Describe at least three home medical tests presently available and explain the benefits of home tests
5. Name several nondrug options for self-care and make a case for choosing a nondrug option over a medication
6. Describe precautions that need to be taken whenever over-the counter medications are used
7. Name steps you can take before, during, and after a visit to a physician to enhance communication and help ensure correct diagnosis and treatment
8. Explain the diagnostic process
9. List and briefly describe the procedures that customarily occur during a physical examination
10. List questions that a patient needs to ask before agreeing to any medical tests
11. Name the common problems associated with the use of prescription drugs and make suggestions for eliminating those problems
12. Explain the concept of informed choice
13. List the questions that a patient needs to ask before agreeing to undergo any surgical procedure
14. Explain the importance of a second opinion and describe how to get one.
15. Name the steps you need to take in response to the following common ailments: fever; sore throat; cough; nasal congestion; nausea; vomiting or diarrhea; and headache. (Include for each ailment the steps for self-assessment, self-care, and when to call a
Demonstrate knowledge of the health-care system
1. Provide a rationale for the statement, “The best time to look for a medical care provider is before you are ill
2. List the factors that need consideration when selecting a medical care provider
3. Name the signs of quality care that can be observed in a medical practice
4. Differentiate between orthodox and unorthodox medical professionals and provide examples of each
5. Describe the scope of services provided
6. Describe reasons that individuals sometimes consult unorthodox health practitioners and list those who are particularly at risk for fraud associated with these services
7. For each of the following unorthodox practices, describe the philosophy underlying the practice, the therapies that are usually conducted, the medical benefits claimed, and the risks associated with treatment
8. State your opinion regarding the legitimacy of faith healing
9. Identify the federal agencies charged with protecting the public against medical quackery and describe the work of each group
10. Describe each of the three basic types of health insurance, including the usual services provided by each type
11. Identify the government programs established for the provision of medical services and the population groups served by each
12. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of the following types of health insurance: group policies, individual policies, health maintenance organizations, and preferred provider organizations
13. List the factors that need to be considered when purchasing a health insurance policy
14. Explain why quality medical care is not available to many Americans
Describe accident prevention and safety
1. Discuss the significance of accidents during the first 35 years of life
2. Define the social pathology theory and name the attitudes and behaviors that are associated with an increased likelihood of accidents
3. Define the multiple causation theory
4. Name and briefly discuss the human factors that contribute to accidents
5. Name and give examples of the four types of environmental factors in accidents.
6. Describe the affects of alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine on one’s ability to operate a motor vehicle
7. Define reaction time and second collision in terms of their affect on motor vehicle accidents
8. Describe what might be the consequences of believing that accidents happen only to others
9. Make a case for always wearing a seat belt when traveling in a motor vehicle
10. Identify the major accident risks in the home and suggest, for each type, a prevention strategy to reduce or eliminate the risk
11. Describe the role of OSHA and the impact that this agency has had on worksite safety during this century
12. List the major safety recommendations for bicyclists and joggers
13. Discuss the threat of violence, including physical and sexual assault, in our society, and identify ways you can protect yourself
Explain how the environment affects our health
1. Identify three reasons that threats to the environment have become far more serious in recent years
2. Identify the health threats to a population that does not have a clean water supply
3. Define the terms sewage, and solid waste; describe current methods of disposal for each and describe the problems associated with those methods
4. Discuss the significance of Times Beach and Love Canal in relationship to concerns about the pollution
5. Define recycling, give examples of items that are recyclable, and cite the advantages of a recycling program
6. Discuss the barriers to effective recycling
7. Name the single biggest component of solid waste and describe at least five ways that you could reduce your personal contribution to that component.
8. Cite evidence that supports and evidence that refutes the following statement: “The food distribution system in the United States is very safe and efficient.
9. Describe actions that can be taken to reduce the chance of contracting Lyme disease
10. Explain the conditions that must be present for an air pollution emergency to occur
11. Define temperature inversion and explain how this occurs
12. Differentiate between London-type smog and Los Angeles-type smog
13. Explain the causes and the negative implications of each of the following: the greenhouse effect, increased carbon monoxide in the atmosphere, depletion of the ozone layer, and acid rain
14. Name possible sources of radiation in the environment and evaluate the health threat of each source, based on current data available
15. Name the health risks associated with loud or persistent noise and cite the most common sources of noise pollution