Health Education
10 courses · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
HEAL 101 Health and Lifestyle
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course covers aspects of mental, emotional, social, environmental, spiritual, and physical health. Emphasis is placed on knowledge for developing the attitude, understanding, and practice of a preventive lifestyle for healthy living and optimal wellness. Topics include chronic diseases, physical activity, nutrition, weight management, birth control methods, human sexuality, alcohol, tobacco and illicit chemical use, stress, and factors that contribute to wellness and longevity. Experience in personal health assessment and the changing of health behaviors is stressed. This course is intended for all students seeking a healthy lifestyle as well as those pursuing a teaching credential. It satisfies the State of California teaching credential Health Education requirement.
HEAL 103 Introduction to Public Health
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course introduces the concepts, terminology, and functions of public health professions and institutions. Various public health professions and agencies will be examined, as well as the role of public health professionals within the overall health care system. Public health applications of epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion will be analyzed. Infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and mental illness will be addressed with respect to epidemiology, prevention, and promotion. The social determinants of health and their impact on health disparities will be covered with respect to environmental health, global health, and healthcare policy and management. This course is intended for students in the Health and Wellness Coaching Program and for students interested in Public Health.
HEAL 104 Public Health and Social Justice
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course provides an introduction to the health inequities in the United States and other nations that stem from unequal living, social, and economic conditions. Students will learn and synthesize information concerning the impact of the social determinants of health including, education, socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, disability, and gender. The roles of public health, government, and private sector policies on health outcomes will be compared and contrasted. Students will explore opportunities for health promotion and advocacy in the local community. This course is intended for students in the Health and Wellness Program and those interested in Public Health.
HEAL 107 Lifestyle Medicine for Health and Wellness
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course provides the science and application behind healthy lifestyle interventions for the prevention and treatment of chronic, lifestyle-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Lifestyle medicine connects the science of physical activity, nutrition, stress resiliency, sleep hygiene, and behavior change to the advancement of total person mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. This course offers students the evidence-based knowledge and practical strategies to instill healthy lifestyle behaviors in clients and patients. This course is intended for students completing certification in the Health and Wellness Coaching Program.
HEAL 111 Stress and Public Health
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course covers public health policy, scientific, theoretical and research-based frameworks of stress, the stress response, and stress management techniques. Topics include public health approaches to stress, the definition of stress, physiological and psychological effects of stress, sources and causes of stress, healthy and unhealthy coping behaviors, and health consequences of chronic stress. Numerous evidence-based techniques to manage and cope with stress will also be covered and practiced. This course is intended for students pursuing public health or similar majors or those interested in public health approaches to stress.
HEAL 116 Women's Health
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course analyzes the biological, psychological, and sociocultural aspects of women's health, and explores health services, health education, and healthcare delivery systems. Social determinants of health and health inequities are examined, as well as contemporary issues relating to LGBTQ+ rights, racism, ageism, gender stereotypes and gender roles, politics, and the role of women in the family, workforce, community, and society. Strategies for social and political change are developed. This course is intended for students pursuing public health or similar majors or those interested in women's health.
HEAL 131 Emergency Medical Response
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is of interest to students who wish to earn the American Red Cross certifications necessary for employment as an emergency first responder. This class also satisfies the prerequisite requirement for students entering the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program or any educational program requiring a college level first aid class. This course follows the U.S. Department of Transportation First Responder National Standard Curriculum and meets Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) Guidelines. Students successfully completing this course are eligible to test for certifications in Emergency Response (valid for 3 years), CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (valid for 2 years), Bloodborne Pathogens and Administering Emergency Oxygen (each valid for 1 year). This course may be repeated to renew certifications. This course is also of interest to those students that wish to receive an ADT in Kinesiology.
HEAL 195 Health Education For Teachers
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture
This course overviews health-related issues and problems in the kindergarten through 12th grade. Topic areas include behavior modification, stress symptoms and management, physical activity, nutrition, cardiovascular disease, sexually transmitted diseases, illicit substance abuse, alcohol and nicotine use and misuse. This course satisfies the State of California Health Education requirement for the K-12 Teaching Credential. This course is intended for prospective K-12 teachers.
HEAL 202 History of Public Health
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course explores public health issues from a historical and contemporary perspective. A review of U.S. and global public health responses over time includes analysis of the results and lessons that can be applied to future responses. This course is intended for students pursuing public health or similar majors or those interested in the history of public health.
HEAL 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course is for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in the field of health education. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students will have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analysis, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.