Read Me First - University of Phoenix



Read Me First HCA/240

Weeks One and Two

INTRODUCTION

This course introduces the concepts of health and disease in relation to disease trends in the health care environment. Individuals intending to work in the health care industry require a basic understanding of the principles of illness and disease as well as an understanding of the impact of health promotion and wellness programs on the industry. You are introduced to principles related to cultural variations in health practices and to a variety of therapies and treatments.

IN RELATIONSHIP TO THE COURSE AND THE PROGRAM

In Week One, you learn about signs and symptoms that affect different populations as they relate to disease and health. Readings address environmental and dietary causes of disease. As you review this material, consider the impact of identification, prevention, education, treatment, and control of disease related to changing demographics. During the remainder of the course, you build on this knowledge and awareness of illness and disease as it relates to different systems in the human body, including respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, nervous, and behavioral health systems.

In Week Two, you learn about nonspecific and specific immunities, the lymphatic system, and etiologies of selected autoimmune diseases. Your readings also address infectious disease and the biology of human cancer.

HINTS FOR A READING STRATEGY OF THE ASSIGNED MATERIALS

The subjects of health and disease are broad, and the depth of study in each varies according to the interest, experience, and profession of the student. When reading the assigned materials, remember that the course is meant to be an introduction to the subjects. There are countless illnesses and diseases throughout the world affecting human health (Zelman, Tompary, Raymond, Holdaway, & Mulvihill, 2010).

This course introduces you to the subject of illness and disease as it relates to major body systems. It integrates the cultural impact on disease as well as treatment and alternative therapies. It also reviews the wellness programs and community support related to specific diseases. The resources found at the end of each chapter in Human Diseases: A Systemic Approach may be used to find additional related materials.

SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK AS YOU HONE YOUR CRITICAL THINKING

As you read the material, critically analyze the relationship of disease and health to your current or future role in health care by asking yourself the following questions:

• What does disease mean to you?

• Why is it important to understand the role of environment on disease causation?

• How do demographics impact the prevalence and treatment of disease?

• Can we expect current causes of disease to change over time?

• How will you use this information in your future role in health care?

SUMMARY

Disease and health trends are the focus of the course content over the next 9 weeks. A basic understanding of associated principles is necessary for success in the health care industry. Regardless of the role, the health care worker must recognize and articulate the primary disease trends affecting the industry. Health care leaders may be asked to adjust services to communities related to new disease trends. Understanding how disease affects communities, large populations, or global trends is important for health care leaders. Exploring the historical aspect, current trends, and future traditional and alternative treatment modalities assists you in understanding basic principles in illness and disease.

REFERENCES

Zelman, M., Tompary, E., Raymond, J., Holdaway, P., & Mulvihill, M. (2010). Human diseases: A systemic approach (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

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