FOUNDATIONS OF HEALTH BEHAVIOR AND HEALTH EQUITY

KINES 250

Examines sedentary behavior, physical activity, physical inactivity, and associations with health outcomes in the United States and across the world. Topics include the determinants and consequences of sedentary behavior in children, adults, and special populations. Research examining psychological outcomes of sedentary behavior and barriers to adopting a physically active lifestyle is covered. Emphasis placed on Portuguese socio-cultural context, economic systems, and healthcare structures contributing to health outcomes. Compares the U.S. and European health models and physical activity guidelines. Design a sedentary behavior intervention informed by theories of behavior change.

KINES 566

Introduces theories and application of health promotion and health education, specifically, health education specialties and philosophical foundations. Addresses professional issues relating to the history, philosophy, ethics, practice, settings and competence of health education. Includes a focus on skills and techniques in writing, developing health educational materials, public speaking and group dynamics as they relate to community health promotion and health education programs.

KINES 123

Focuses on the application of biological, cultural and social theory and research to lifestyle change. There will be lectures by experts, experiential learning, and the application of course knowledge to student's lives through class assignments and activities. The transition to college requires students to construct a new lifestyle, take on new and greater personal responsibilities while at the same time meet rigorous academic challenges. This transition includes a loss of structured daily schedules, decreased family support for the day to day living, and greater responsibility for their finances and life choices. Students may have difficulty managing their time, exercise less, eat less healthy foods, engage in increased drinking of alcohol, and experience greater stress and depression when adjusting to college life. This life transition provides an opportunity for reexamination and an opportunity to make thoughtful choices about lifestyle.

KINES 547

Centered on the components (social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational, intellectual, and physical) and skills (influence analysis, interpersonal communication, health-enhancing behaviors, accessing valid information, goal-setting, decision-making and advocacy) of wellness. Gain competence by planning for, learning, and practicing teaching skills in educational settings. Through this approach, highly competent teachers will be developed who can adapt health instruction to a wide variety of audiences and topics.

KINES 501

Provides an overview of the behavioral, social and cultural factors related to individual and population health and health disparities. Social and behavioral science theories and strategies in health promotion/education will be discussed in relation to preventing disease and promoting health. Provides current knowledge and analysis of issues influencing people's health and well-being from a social and behavioral science perspective. Theoretical frameworks that draw on major health behavior theories provide a better understanding of how individuals, families, peers, schools, neighborhoods, and the larger community influence risk and protective factors. Ethical considerations intrinsic to social and behavioral science efforts designed to produce health-related behavior change will be discussed. Promotes intellectual and collaborative learning through course lectures, readings, class discussions, and individual and group work.