9966   CURRENT HEALTH ISSUES 21

Semester, 1 credit

Prerequisite: None

 

This course will explore a wide variety of issues that affect the health of young people today.  The use/abuse of alcohol and other drugs will be discussed and studied in depth.  This is a constant problem facing both the student and society.  Types of drugs, pharmacology, refusal skills, and programs for those already involved with drugs will be among the many topics covered during the semester.  We will also discuss drug abuse within the family and how it affects our society.  Sex issues for teens will be another topic that will be dealt with in depth.  Although great strides are being made in this area teenagers seem to still be especially at risk.  Another area, which puts teenagers at risk, is violence.  We will explore why violence occurs, means to avoid it, and what should be done if it affects the teen directly either at school or at home.  Other topics such as nutrition, medical technologies, health careers, health care issues, chronic and communicable diseases, local, state, and national health policies will be discussed as they arise.  Special attention will be focused on current health news and problems.