Synopsis

Through the use of sample case studies students identify influences on the patients health and suggest ways the patient could improve his/her health. Transparencies show the causes of death in the United States and factors influencing health: heredity, environment and behavior.

Teaching Steps

1. 1. Discuss factors involved in promoting health and preventing disease.

   Visual Aid: Factors Influencing Health: Heredity, Environment and Behavior

   Discuss ways in which each of these factors influence health and wellness.

   CONCEPTS

   • Health is influenced by many factors, including genetic factors, environmental factors, behavioral factors and access to health care services.

2. 2. Discuss causes of death.

   Visual Aid: Causes of Death in the United States

   CONCEPTS

   • Some diagnoses are typically recorded as causes of death (e.g., heart disease, cancer, cerebral-vascular disease, accidents, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia/influenza, diabetes, suicide, chronic liver disease/cirrhosis and (HIV) human immunodeficiency virus); however, there are often underlying causes of death.
   • The top ten causes of death actually represent the end result as opposed to the root (real) cause of death.
   • The condition(s) listed on the death certificate as cause(s) of death result from a combination of inborn (largely genetic) and external factors (environment and behavior).
   • There are direct relationships between personal behavior and diseases, disabilities and death.

3. 3. Discuss teen health risks.

   Visual Aid: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)

   For current information on national or state YRBSS data go to www.cdc.gov.

   Show students the visual_aids and discuss the data.

   CONCEPTS

   • The YRBSS is compiled by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
   • The information is compiled by conducting surveys with teens throughout the United States. It was developed to monitor health risk behaviors that contribute to the development of leading causes of death and disability
   • The survey, conducted every two years, produces data representative of high school students on a national, state, and local levels.

   DISCUSSION POINTS

   • How do you think local teens compare with their peers across the state or nation?
   • Are you surprised by any of the findings? Which ones? Why?

4. 4. Reflect, summarize, and discuss.

   Discuss group presentations.

   DISCUSSION POINTS

   • In each case, how do heredity, environment and behavior interact to cause disease?
   • What have you learned about determining health risks?
   • How important are personal choices for health?

5. 5. Students assess their histories (optional).

   Teacher Tip: If you do this activity, be sure to follow all school and district policies about confidentiality and student disclosure of personal health information.

   Student Page: Family Medical History

   Have students research personal health risks.

Assessment

Student Page: Case Study - Manny

Ask students to analyze this case study, identify influences on the patient's health and suggest ways the patient could improve her or his health.

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