Unit Descriptions of Health Class

This class is required for students during 7th or 8th grade. The information
provided is vital to teenagers and will stress preventative medicine. The philosophy of
the curriculum is to emphasize wellness and prevention as well as enable our students to
be responsible, informed and capable decision-makers. The following units of instruction
are included in this course (not necessarily taught in this order):
1. Physical Health and NutritionStudents will learn about diet and nutrition, effects of stress upon the body, body
systems, weight control, as well as label reading and being a responsible shopper. We
will also cover body systems, their functions and diseases.
2. Mental and Emotional WellnessStudents will learn about adolescent emotional development, the effects of stress
and positive ways of dealing with it, as well as getting along with peers, parents and other
adults. They will gain an understanding about ways of coping with some of the
difficulties which life can present such as dealing with losses from divorce or death.
Suicide prevention, respect, prejudice and discrimination will also be addressed.
3. Substance Use and AbuseStudents will be informed and involved in the responsibility and consequences of
personal decision making in the use and abuse of chemical substances such as alcohol,
tobacco, prescription and over the counter drugs and illegal or street drugs. Current
research and information will be given as well as resistance and refusal skills.
4. Human Sexuality and Reproductive HealthThis unit will include gender roles and expectations, the adolescent maturation
process, the reproductive systems, forming healthy respectful relationships and the role of
the family. This unit will emphasize abstinence and the advantages of postponing sexual
involvement. Information about sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, will
be taught; contraception and sexual harassment will also be addressed. Topics will be
presented in such a manner as to assist the students in basing their decisions upon their
personal, family and religious beliefs.
Throughout this course students will also be informed of the various agencies and
resources available for health assistance, as well as guidance in determining when such
assistance is helpful or necessary.
Occasionally we may invite guest speakers into the classroom. Information will
go out if that is the case. If there are any questions, please let me know as soon as
possible. If you would like to volunteer, please let me know.