HEALTH Curriculum

Maxwell Adventist Academy

Course Overview
This Health course will provide high school students with an understanding of how to become and stay healthy. This knowledge will
enable students to make responsible decisions, develop self-esteem, and optimize their own potential for developing a balanced
lifestyle.

Goals of Health Education

Students will gain knowledge of, appreciation for, and application of the biblical and scientific principles of healthful living.
Students will be able to explain the impact of personal health behaviors on the structure and function of the human body
systems.
Students will understand the importance of proper nutrition as it relates to the development of a personal diet and exercise
routine for life.
Students will acquire skills essential to personal wellness, successful family membership, and effective community
witness/service.
Students will analyze the connection between mental and emotional health as it influences the quality of their relationships
with God and with humanity.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention.
Students will differentiate between the proper use versus the abuse of drugs.
Students will understand proper safety and first aid procedures and demonstrate their knowledge through responsible
behavior. 9. Students will demonstrate the ability to access valid health information while analyzing the influence of culture,
media, technology, and other factors on health.
Students will recognize their role in the preservation of the environment which could result in a renewed reverence for God
and His creation.

SDA Goal
Essential Learning

CONTENT AREA 1: BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH

Students will gain knowledge of, appreciation for, and application of the biblical and scientific principles of
healthful living.
The students will:
1. Analyze scriptural references to discover health principles.
2. Compare/contrast the findings of modern scientific research in health with the principles/concepts
found in the writings of E.G. White.
3. Learn to use the Decision Making Process model as a closure to complete all of the individual content
areas. *
4. Begin to formulate their own personal philosophy of healthful living in preparation for developing a
notebook titled My Personal Health Journal. *
5. Understand the cause to effect relationship between the eight laws of health and their own personal
health. * Gain an appreciation of Gods master plan in the creation of man.
6. Recognize the creative and sustaining power of God through knowledge of the structure and function
of the human body.
7. Describe the inter-relationship of the mental, physical, social, and spiritual as it relates to the
wholeness of man.
*The students are being asked to develop a notebook of information, concepts, and principles to apply to
their own situation as a lifelong tool for appropriate health behavior. Each content area should give the
student the opportunity to apply the principles to his own life by using the DMP. These principles,
applications, and decisions will make up the My Personal Health Journey.

SDA Goal
Essential Learning

CONTENT AREA 2: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE HUMAN BODY

Students will be able to explain the impact of personal health behaviors on the structure and function of
the human body systems.
The students will:
1. Identify/review the major parts of the nervous system and their function.
2. Explain how Gods ability to communicate with man is dependent on a healthy nervous system.

3. Identify one of the major disorders of the nervous system and explain the cause to effect relationship
between lifestyle and health.
4. Analyze the statement, All should guard the senses, lest Satan gain the victory over them. For these
are the avenues to the soul. (3T p. 507)
5. Identify one major disorders of the sensory system and explain the cause to effect relationship
between lifestyle and health.
6. Explain/review how the endocrine system regulates vital body function. Identify one of the major
disorders of the endocrine system and explain the cause to effect relationship between lifestyle and
health. Identify/review the major bones of the human skeleton system. Identify one of the major
disorders of the skeletal system and explain the cause to effect relationship between lifestyle and
health.
7. Identify/review the major skeletal muscles. Explain the structure, composition, and function of each of
the three types of muscles.
8. Identify common causes of poor posture and demonstrate proper procedures for developing good
posture. Identify/review the parts of the circulatory system and their functions.
9. Identify/review the path of blood through the heart and body. Define/review the terms systolic and
diastolic. Explain the functions of the blood. Identify one of the major disorders of the circulatory
system and explain the cause to effect relationship between lifestyle and health.
10. Identify/review the parts of the respiratory system and their functions. Explain/review how gases are
exchanged in the circulatory system.
11. Demonstrate proper techniques of shallow and deep breathing.
12. Identify one of the major disorders of the respiratory system and explain the cause to effect
relationship between lifestyle and health.
13. Identify/review the parts of the digestive system and their functions.
14. Explain/review the processes of digestion.
15. Identify one of the major disorders of the digestive system and explain the cause to effect relationship
between lifestyle and health.
16. Explain and identify/review the parts of the bodys waste removal system.
17. Develop and implement a plan to ensure adequate fluid intake.
18. Identify one of the major disorders of the excretory system and explain the cause to effect relationship
between lifestyle and health.

19. Identify/review the parts of the skin and describe the functions of each.
20. Identify/review the parts and functions of the male and female reproductive system.
21. Identify one of the major disorders of the reproductive system and explain the cause to effect
relationship between lifestyle and health. *
22. Choose one of the systems to demonstrate the proper choices in the care and protection of that
system.
23. Do a DMP on those choices, and place it in your My Personal Health Journey.

SDA Goal
Essential Learning

CONTENT AREA 3: NUTRITION AND FITNESS

Students will understand the importance of proper nutrition as it relates to the development of a personal
diet and a exercise routine for life.
The students will:
1. Know inspired dietary principles.
2. Know the six types of nutrients.
3. Review the specific dietary allowances recommended for each nutrient according to age grouping.
Analyze daily nutritional intake.
4. Formulate a daily, well-balanced diet.
5. Compare caloric content of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.*
6. Identify basic guidelines for weight control. Formulate and implement a personal program for weight
management.*
7. Recognize and evaluate the differences between healthy dieting and fad diets.
8. Examine the risks of overeating. Differentiate between anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
9. Explain the benefits of exercise.
10. Identify the four basic parts of physical fitness.
11. Identify and explain the six basic components of an exercise program.
12. Develop a personal lifetime exercise program. *
13. Explain the importance of aerobic exercise.
14. Understand the relationship between physical fitness and wellness.
15. Understand how agility, speed, and balance relate to physical fitness.
16. Explain how heredity, diet, and exercise effect body composition.
* My Personal Health Journey

SDA Goal
Essential Learning

CONTENT AREA 4: PERSONAL, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH

Students will acquire skills essential to personal wellness, successful family membership and effective
community witness/service
The students will:
1. Understand and recognize the inter-relational influences between mental, physical, social, and spiritual
health.
2. Understand the importance of a balanced lifestyle to optimal health.
3. Identify good grooming techniques. *
4. Formulate a personal plan for dental hygiene. *
5. Explain the importance of rest and sleep to your over-all health and well being. (DMP) *
6. Identify major sleep disorders.
7. Describe the importance of realistic goal setting and understand the common guidelines necessary to
develop your own goals. (DMP) *
8. Recognize the value of time management and formulate a personal health program.
9. Define the terms heterosexuality, homosexuality, fornication, and adultery.
10. Examine Biblical references that teach Gods ideal for sexual relationships.
11. Examine Biblical references that show how sin has perverted Gods ideal for sexual relationships.
12. Understand the reasons why teenagers need the emotional support of close friends.
13. Identify behaviors that promote healthful relationships.
14. Demonstrate effective communication skills and recognize the importance of matching verbal and
nonverbal communication.
15. Demonstrate the necessary skills to be a good listener.
16. Identify the healthful and harmful aspects of aggressive, passive, and assertive communication styles.
Describe several types of friendships and identify qualities to consider when forming friendships.
17. Identify the aspects of peer pressure. Identify the aspects of responsible dating. Understand and explain
the principles of singleness and/or married in the light of Pauls discussion in 1 Cor. 7.
18. Identify factors that are important in selecting a compatible marriage partner and recognize the
obstacles facing teenagers who decide to marry young. Analyze the statement, The ability to procreate
is a God-like characteristic.
19. Differentiate between sex role and sexual orientation. Learn techniques for the prevention of Sexually

Transmitted Diseases.
20. Understand and explain the spiritual and health reasons for the only true safe sex is no sex. (DMP) *
Examine the problems associated with teenage pregnancy.
21. Assess the pro-choice and pro-life positions on abortion.
22. Discuss the issues relating to single parent families in todays changing society.
23. Recognize the emotional problems that children and parents experience during divorce.
24. Define physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Identify why young people run away from home.
25. Explain the effects of smoking and alcohol on the fetus.
26. Analyze the benefits of breast feeding the newborn.
27. Define adolescence and puberty and explain why the onset of puberty differs among individuals.
28. Identify the new mental abilities gained during adolescence and tell why adolescence can be an
emotionally turbulent time of life.
29. Compare physical and emotional maturity.
30. Identify the adjustments resulting from retirement. Describe the Seventh-day Adventist view of death.
Describe ways to cope with a dying loved one.
31. Identify the emotional stages that occur when approaching death.
32. Examine the function of expressing grief at the death of a loved one.
33. Research community and church resources that provide assistance to the physically challenged.
* My Personal Health Journey

SDA Goal
Essential Learning

CONTENT AREA 5: MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Students will analyze the connection between mental and emotional health as it influences the quality of
their relationships with God and with humanity.
The students will:
1. Analyze the cause to effect relationship of the physical and spiritual to mental and emotional health.
2. Examine inspired references that teach the importance of Bible study and prayer to mental and
emotional health. (DMP) *
3. Recognize the importance of physical fitness to mental and emotional health.
4. Describe how the concept of self-worth is vital to mental and emotional health.
5. Recognize their personal value to God as revealed through the plan of salvation.

6. Explain the phrase, I am my brothers keeper. Recognize the uniqueness of each individual.
7. Know that God has endowed him/her with the power of choice.
8. Recognize that because God has bestowed them with the power of choice, they must make a decision
about what they will do about allowing God into their lives and their daily spiritual growth. (DMP) *
9. Describe how love and acceptance can be demonstrated to family and friends, and its importance in
the development of a healthy self-worth.
10. Compare/contrast the behavioral characteristics of a person who is accepted and loved with a person
who is not accepted and loved.
11. Identify the common emotions and recognize the importance of appropriate expression of emotions to
a healthy personality.
12. Explain the natural ways to use coping strategies.
13. Examine ways to constructively express feelings.
14. Define the personality styles. Identify the hereditary and environmental forces that impact the
development of personality.
15. Identify the major stressors showing the difference between the positive and negative aspects of
stress.
16. Examine the three stages of stress. (Alarm, resistance, exhaustion)
17. Analyze the relationship between stress and illness.
18. Describe four coping strategies used to manage stress.
19. Distinguish between depression and clinical depression.
20. Recognize the warning signs of suicide.
21. Review strategies for helping a suicidal person.
22. Compare/contrast normal and abnormal behavior.
23. Describe anxiety, mood, and personality disorders.
24. Identify different kinds of eating disorders.
25. Recognize the various causes of mental disorders.
26. Distinguish between organic and functional mental disorders.
27. Recognize the services provided by various mental health professionals.
* My Personal Health Journey

SDA Goal
Essential Learning

SDA Goal
Essential Learning

CONTENT AREA 6: DISEASE PREVENTION

Students will demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to health promotion and disease
prevention.
The students will:
1. Differentiate between infectiousness and non-infectious diseases.
2. Categorize types of infectious diseases according to mode of transmission.
3. Describe/identify ways that diseases may be spread.
4. Identify the various pathogens and examine the physical and chemical barriers against invasion.
5. Identify methods for prevention of infectious diseases.
6. Explain/review how the immune system functions.
7. Differentiate between active and passive immunity, and natural and acquired immunity.
8. Explain how diet can affect the process of phagocytosis.
9. Know required vaccination schedules.
10. Describe the role of antibiotics in the treatment of infectious diseases.
11. Describe the cause to effect relationship of health behavior on cardiovascular diseases.
12. Identify environmental and heredity factors related to cancer.
13. Know the warning signs of cancer and design a plan for reducing the risk of getting cancer. (DMP) *
14. Describe the causes and symptoms of the major Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
15. Describe the prevention and treatment of the major STDs.
16. Examine facts, feelings and myths related to AIDS.
17. Investigate the advances being made in the treatment of AIDS.
18. Gain an awareness of the growing world wide spread of AIDS.
19. Identify major types and causes of chronic diseases.
* My Personal Health Journey
CONTENT AREA 7: DRUGS
Students will differentiate between the proper use versus the abuse of drugs.
The students will:
1. Differentiate between over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs.
2. Understand the proper use of drugs verses the improper abuse of drugs.
3. Understand the danger of the possibility of being addicted to any and all kinds of drugs.

4. Evaluate the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual factors that can trigger substance abuse
and lead to lifelong addictions.
5. Develop their own drug prevention plan to add to their My Health Journey notebook. (DMP) *
6. Identify the treatment programs available for drug abuse.
7. Analyze the side effects of drug use and the dangers of drug abuse as it relates to the wholeness of
man.
* My Personal Health Journey

SDA Goal
Essential Learning

CONTENT AREA 8: SAFETY AND FIRST AID

Students will understand proper safety and first aid procedures and demonstrate their knowledge through
responsible behavior.
The students will:
1. Identify major causes of accidents at home, work, and school, developing a plan for coping with these
potential emergencies. (Choose one cause of a major accident to develop a plan of emergency care.) *
2. Evaluate the schools safety and emergency procedures.
3. Examine responsibilities and safety precautions associated with various recreational activities.
4. Describe procedures to follow during adverse weather conditions.
5. Demonstrate proper knowledge of respiratory emergency procedures.
6. Demonstrate proper CPR techniques.
7. Identify the warning signs and symptoms of shock and describe how to treat a shock victim.
8. Describe methods to stop bleeding.
9. Explain the procedures for treating a poison victim.
10. Assess various injuries and apply proper first aid.
11. Identify the symptoms of seizures and convulsions and demonstrate proper first aid procedures for
each.
12. Identify potential outdoor emergencies.
13. Describe proper procedures to follow during an outdoor emergency.
14. Identify steps to prevent potential rape, and know procedures to follow if a rape occurs.
15. Identify the dangers of improper lifting, bending, and stretching.
* My Personal Health Journal

SDA Goal
Essential Learning

CONTENT AREA 9: CONSUMER HEALTH

Students will demonstrate the ability to access valid health information while analyzing the influence of
culture, media, technology, and other factors on health.
The students will:
1. Identify basic consumer rights.
2. Identify procedures for making a consumer complaint.
3. Analyze techniques that advertisers use to make products appealing to consumers.
4. Identify principles for evaluating consumer health products*
5. Analyze the information provided on the labels of various health products to determine their content
and proper use.
6. Research consumer protection agencies and describe the services provided by each.
7. Identify various health-care professionals and the services they provide as both a consumer and a
possible health career.
8. Describe kinds of health-care facilities and the services they offer.
9. Formulate criteria in selecting a medical doctor.
10. Describe the rights and responsibilities of patients.
11. Explain how private health insurance works.
12. Describe the government health insurance programs of Medicare and Medicaid.
13. Assess the services of both a health maintenance organizations (HMO), as well as the World Health
Organization (WHO).
14. Describe ways to verify health information.
15. Identify ads that make exceptional claims.
* My Personal Health Journey

SDA Goal
Essential Learning

CONTENT AREA 10: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Students will recognize their role in the preservation of the environment which could result in a renewed
reverence for God and His creation.
The students will:
1. Examine inspired references that describe the original, perfect environment and describe mans
responsibility in maintaining it.
2. Identify the environmental changes that occurred after the entrance of sin. Explain how the effects of
disharmony in nature have marred Gods image in nature.
3. Describe how the restoration of man to Gods image will result in a renewed reverence for Gods
creation.
4. Recognize how preservation of the environment will enhance the quality of life.
5. Analyze Biblical principles of stewardship in the care of natural resources. *
6. Describe methods for conservation of natural resources.
7. Identify Sources of pollution: 1. Air 2. Noise 3. Water 4. Radiation 5. Chemical 6.
Littering/Garbage/Sanitation
8. Describe the ways that these pollutants adversely affect our environment and our health, as well as
identify solutions for their prevention and their removal.
9. Describe precautions that should be followed to reduce or control levels of household and industrial
chemical pollutants.
10. Analyze recycling as a feasible method of waste disposal.