Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores health from a holistic perspective, in which health is viewed as physical, psychological, and social well-being. Considers genetics, environment, personal health behaviors (such as diet, exercise, stress management, and drug use), socioeconomic status, health care delivery systems, and aging with the intent to improve students' abilities to evaluate health information. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

13 weeks; 3 lecture hours and 1 tutorial hour per week
TOPICS 

• Health and Health Care Delivery Systems
• Infectious Disease
• Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes
• Physical Activity
• Body Weight and Weight Management
• Mental Health
• Drugs and Alcohol
• Human Sexuality
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Fertility

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1. Differentiate between various models of health including the medical, prevention, holistic and wellness models.
2. Give an overview of Canadian health systems, specifically with respect to British Columbia and outline the strengths and limitations of these systems.
3. Describe the various types of health-related evidence including their strengths and limitations as well as the elements involved in the critical evaluation of information. Apply this knowledge towards the critical evaluation of health articles.
4. Describe how pathogens spread through the population and our potential innate and conferred defences against these pathogens. Apply these principles to common infections including sexually transmitted ones.
5. Outline how atherosclerosis, cancer and diabetes develop and suggest primary and secondary prevention measure for each.
6. Give an overview of the six categories of nutrients including their roles in the body and recommended dietary choices that promote health and minimize risk of disease.
7. Differentiate between physical activity, exercise, fitness and health and outline the recommendations for developing the various components of fitness.
8. Outline the concept of energy balance and describe potential individual and environmental barriers against and strategies towards achieving a healthy weight.
9. Give an overview of mental health-related issues including anxiety and mood disorders, schizophrenia, stress and suicide. Suggest approaches for promoting positive mental health.
10. Give an overview of the various commonly used psychoactive drugs. Outline the concept of dependency and offer strategies for approaching drug-related issues including treatment and harm reduction.
11. Describe the male and female anatomy with respect to sexuality and reproduction and outline strategies towards healthy intimate relationships and sexuality, including fertility management.    

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: