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Foundations of Health and Wellness

Foundations of Health and Wellness cover crucial health and wellness concepts essential to all of us. This course will introduce all personal trainers, military personnel, and postpartum women to a holistic approach to optimizing health and wellness by balancing body, mind, and spirit. The course will focus on critical areas, including nutrition, complementary and integrative medicine (CIM), and preventive health. We will spend three weeks learning by doing, working together on interactive fun activities, learning through workshops and discussions, and engaging in activities to use what's learned in everyday life. Example of a learning outcome from a Nutrition module: As a result of this course, you will be able to understand the proper nutrition and diet for optimal health.

Course Title: Foundations of Health and Wellness

 

Course Description:

This course will present the fundamental health and wellness concepts, emphasizing achieving balance in the body, mind, and spirit. Specific topics will include nutrition, complementary and integrative medicine, and preventative health. This course is designed for personal trainers, military personnel, and postpartum women.

 

Course Outcomes:

  • Display competence in the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and current research and applications in nutrition, exercise science, health psychology, stress management, and complementary and alternative medicine.

 

  • Apply practical skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about health and wellness.

 

  • Develop personalized health and wellness plans incorporating a holistic approach.

 

Required Materials:

Textbooks:

  • Nutrition Essentials for Health Professionals by Susan G. Dudek

  • Complementary and Integrative Medicine in the United States by Wayne B. Jonas

Additional Readings:

  • Selected journal articles and case studies provided through the course's online platform.

Tools and Supplies:

  • Access to a computer with internet for online quizzes and assignments.

  • A notebook for journaling and reflective assignments.

  • Comfortable clothing for physical activity sessions.

 

Week 1: Vitamins, Herbs, and Nutrition

Topics:  

  • Basic principles of a balanced diet and proper nutrition

  • Macronutrients and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)

  • The role of herbs in nutrition

  • Food safety and hydration

  • Regular physical activity and the benefits of sports

  • Designing a personalized workout plan

 

Activities and Materials:

  • Lecture slides and readings on nutrition and physical activity

  • Quizzes on nutrition concepts

  • Dietary screening and meal planning workshops

  • Physical activity demonstrations

  • Online quizzes and reflective assignments

  • Small group discussions on the latest nutrition trends

  • Student-led presentations on personal dietary experiences

  • Practical session on sampling healthy snacks

 

Week 2: Complementary and Integrative Medicine

Topics:

  • Overview of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM)

  • Popular CIM practices: acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, and herbal medicine

  • Evidence-based benefits and limitations of CIM

  • Integrating CIM with Conventional Medicine

  • Case studies on the use of CIM in military and postpartum populations  

 

Activities and Materials: 

  • Lectures and guest speaker sessions from CIM practitioners

  • Interactive workshops on standard CIM techniques

  • Case study analysis and group discussions

  • Role-playing scenarios to practice CIM approaches

  • Journaling activities to reflect on personal experiences with CIM

  • Quizzes and assessments on CIM concepts

 

Week 3: Preventive Health and Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Topics:

  • Principles of preventive health and wellness

  • Types of preventive screenings

  • Preventing substance abuse, alcohol dependence, and drug use

  • Sexual health and positive relationships (consent, sexual education, HIV safety, pregnancy options)

  • Developing and maintaining healthy habits  

  • Making informed lifestyle choices 

 

Activities and Materials:

  • Health risk assessment tools

  • Personal health planning modules

  • Workshops on substance abuse prevention

  • Guest speakers on sexual health and healthy relationships 

  • Community case studies and group discussions

  • Action planning toolkit for health and wellness

  • Online questionnaires and self-assessments  

 

Course Outline:

Session 1 (Week 1): Introduction to Nutrition and Physical Activity

  • Lecture on balanced diet principles

  • Workshop on meal planning

  • Physical activity demonstration and exercise planning

 

Session 2 (Week 2): Understanding Complementary and Integrative Medicine  

  • Overview of CIM practices  

  • Interactive CIM technique workshop

  • Case study discussion on CIM in specific populations

 

Session 3 (Week 3): Preventive Health

  • Strategies  

  • Lecture on preventive health screenings

  • Workshop on substance abuse prevention

  • Guest speaker session on sexual health

  • Group discussion on healthy lifestyle choices

 

Assessment Methods:

  • Quizzes and online assessments

  • Reflective journals and self-assessments

  • Group presentations and discussions  

  • Case study analyses

  • Participation in workshops and interactive sessions  

 

Challenges and Considerations:

  • Ensuring accessibility to healthy food and safe physical activity spaces

  • Providing support for diverse mental health needs

  • Addressing sensitive topics with care and support

  • Incorporating technology effectively for online and offline learning experiences

Grading Policy:

  • Quizzes: 30%

  • Reflective Journals: 20%

  • Group Presentations: 20%

  • Case Study Analyses: 15%

  • Participation: 15%

Attendance Policy:

Regular attendance and active participation are required. More than two unexcused absences may result in a lower grade.

Academic Integrity Statement:

Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty. Any plagiarism or cheating will result in a failing grade for the assignment and possibly the course.

Accessibility Statement:

Students with disabilities who need accommodations should contact the Office of Accessibility Services to ensure their needs are met.

Technology Requirements:

  • Reliable internet access

  • Access to the course's online platform for quizzes and assignments

  • Software for viewing lecture slides and participating in online discussions

 

Contact Information:

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