This course focuses on the exploration of major health issues and behaviors in the various dimensions of health. Emphasis is placed on individual responsibility for personal health and the promotion of informed, positive health behaviors. Topics include nutrition, exercise, weight control, mental health, stress management, violence, substance abuse, reproductive health, disease prevention, aging, healthcare, and environmental hazards and safety.

Health issues that affect women in contemporary American society. Exploration of current health concerns, legislation, medical practices, media, personal attitudes and behaviors that promote health and wellness. Emphasis on diversity of women’s health experiences and factors involved with both the population level health outcomes and individual decision-making. Focus of this course is on empowerment for primary prevention.

This course is an introductory overview of the field of human sexuality. Human sexuality in our contemporary society will be studied from the psychological, biological, sociocultural, and historical perspectives. Emphasis on understanding the interrelationship of attitude and behavior as it relates to sexual well-being and sexual integrity. Students will be encouraged to examine their own attitudes, values, and behaviors in the context of their moral compass and their culture and societal values. Current sex norms and various aspects of interpersonal and individual sexual adjustment will be explored.

This course focuses on physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of weight management and health choices. Emphasis on acquiring knowledge and developing life skills necessary to achieve a healthy weight for improved wellness and disease prevention. Principles of positive psychology, evidence-based health practices, behavioral change strategies, and designing your life for whole-person wellness discussed.

This course provides an introduction to the discipline of Public Health. Students will gain an understanding of the basic concepts and terminologies of public health, will learn the history and accomplishments of public health officials and agencies, and will do in-depth examination of core public health disciplines. Topics include the epidemiology of infectious and chronic disease; prevention and control of diseases in the community including the analysis of the social determinants of health and strategies for eliminating disease, illness and health disparities among various populations; community organizing and health promotion programming; environmental health and safety; global health; and healthcare policy and management.

This course is an overview of the diverse occupations in the health and wellness field. Students will be introduced to careers spanning public and community heath services, therapeutic services, patient support, diagnostics and medical technology, mental health, and personal wellbeing. Academic program requirements for each will be explored as well as the skills and personal characteristics needed in these professions.

Terminology and human body structure and function typically used in the medical profession. Explanation of the history of terminology, prefixes, suffixes, and root words with emphasis on spelling, definitions, pronunciation, and an understanding of their meanings. Includes basic understanding of the basic structure and function of the human body as well as medical abbreviations, anatomical, disease, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and additional terms as they relate to each body system.

Introduction to the nature of disease and to structural and functional changes of diseases as they affect the systems of the body. Discussion of causes, symptoms and treatment of diseases/disorders pertaining to each body system and the body as a whole. Understanding how diseases and disorders affect individuals as well as the population. Identify tools and behaviors that promote health aging to reduce the risk of diseases and disorders.

Development of knowledge and skills for recognizing and caring for emergency situations. Includes healthy lifestyles and prevention of illness and injury. Designed to meet the needs of individuals in the community who frequently provide First Aid. Successful completion of the knowledge and skills tests qualifies for a National Safety Council First Aid and Adult CPR card.

Scientific concepts of nutrition related to the function of nutrients, sources and recommended intakes. Nutritional assessment and the role of nutrition in the maintenance of health.

Mother and child nutrition, from conception, to newborn through toddlerhood, to teenager. Methods to encourage positive eating behaviors that promote short and long-term health and prevention of chronic diseases. Topics include basic nutrition principles, prenatal nutrition, breastfeeding, child nutrition, planning healthy meals and snacks, food allergies, food safety, physical activity for children, childhood obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and life expectancy.

An introductory course focusing on basic nutrition concepts and their application to personal dietary assessment and diet planning. Socioeconomic conditions, personal behaviors, and cultural influences will be examined. Ideal for students not majoring in a healthcare profession.

Exploration of food and how it is viewed as an expression of cultural diversity. Examination of how traditional foods reflect geographic area and culture. Influence of socio-economic class and religion on food choices, health, and disease. Regional, ethnic, cultural, historical, and social influences on food patterns are examined. Exploration of aspects of food in different countries and nationalities with emphasis on ethnic groups in the United States and how food choices from other cultures have been inherited and adopted with migration patterns. Emphasis on developing cultural competency and sensitivity to various ethnic groups.

Study the positive health effects of maintaining appropriate body weight and body composition, starting in late adolescence until elderly years. Strategies to balance caloric intake, and follow adequate exercise guidelines will be discussed. Investigation of dietary guidelines, and deficiency concerns at different stages of adulthood. Study of age-specific diseases thorough early adulthood, middle age, and elderly years, focusing on disease prevention.

The science of sports nutrition, with emphasis on nutrition science as it applies to fitness, sport-specific training, and peak athletic performance. Nutrient requirements and dietary recommendations for multiple sports and levels of performance, energy metabolism, essential nutrient needs during training and competition. Achievement of ideal nutrition to enhance physical performance. Ideal for health coaches, as well as those interested in reaching personal peak performance, and aiding others to reach full athletic potential.

Child nutrition issues, from newborn through toddlerhood, to teenager. Methods to encourage positive eating behaviors that promote short and long-term health and prevention of chronic diseases. Topics include basic nutrition principles, breastfeeding, child nutrition, planning healthy meals and snacks, food allergies, food safety, physical activity for children, childhood obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and life expectancy. This is a free of charge, non-credit course with same course content as Nutrition 4, which is a 3-unit credit course. Non-credit courses can be repeated multiple times free of charge to help the student gain mastery of course content.