PHED 1512 Health Education Syllabus W01 Summer 2026

Credit Hours 2.00 Lecture Hours 2 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
13.1307
Course Meeting Time

By appointment only.

Course Description
A fundamentals course dealing with personal lifestyle choices and health. Information units may include: drugs, sexuality, mental health, physical health, nutrition, environmental issues, aging, consumer education, and death. AAS: Health education elective.
Explanation of Course Alignment

“Health Education was designed to meet specific student needs either individually or within a program and is designed to transfer to other colleges and universities. KCC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide transfer agreement for general education courses. All colleges and universities participating in the IAI agree to accept a collective “package” of IAI general education courses; transfer of courses separately is not guaranteed. For more information about IAI, go to their website at www.itransfer.org and IAI. For the transferability of courses to specific four-year institutions, go to u.select.”

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Betsy Keigher, Ph.D.
Faculty Email
Faculty Office Number
815-802-8600
Faculty Student Support Hours

As needed - online

Faculty Information

Dr. Betsy Keigher
bkeigher@kcc.eduOR email me through Canvas (email – either address – is the best way to reach me)

Physical Education

Division office number 815-802-8600

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Recognize the multidimensionality of one's health and wellness as depicted in the Wellness Model.
  2. Understand the importance of the concepts of balance, moderation, and variety in one's lifestyle.
  3. Utilize strategies to identify and modify behaviors that are creating an imbalance in one's health and wellness.
  4. Understand health-related information which will enable one to identify potential problem areas that could interfere with one's health and wellness.
  5. Describe the underlying reasons that foster the potential for one to develop a variety of acute and chronic conditions and diseases.
  6. Understand the importance of developing positive health and wellness behaviors, for oneself and others, so that those behaviors will become an integral part of one's lifestyle throughout one's lifespan.
  7. Access reliable and valid information that will support the active involvement in one's own health (physical and emotional), nutrition, fitness, wellness, and self-care. Become aware and comfortable with many reliable and valid health websites.
  8. Gain an understanding of exercise and fitness programs, including cardiovascular and muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition; and realize the importance of individuality in fitness needs.
  9. Act as a knowledgeable consumer through the utilization of one's increased informational foundation and understanding of health and wellness concepts which, in turn, will enhance one's decision-making skills regarding health and wellness-related issues.
Topical Outline
  1. Introductory Concepts and Dimensions; Being a Responsible Health Consumer
  2. Accessing Your Health
  3. Making Smart Health Care Choices
  4. Promoting and Preserving Psychological Health
  5. Managing Stress
  6. Improving Your Sleep
  7. Connecting and Communicating in the Modern World (Healthy Relationships)
  8. Nutrition: Eating for a Healthier You
  9. Healthy Weight
  10. Personal Fitness
  11. Reducing Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
  12. Drinking Alcohol Responsibly
  13. Ending Tobacco Use
  14. Avoiding Drug Misuse and Abuse
  15. Disease Prevention and Coping
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Textbook(s): Insel, C.E, Roth, W.T, & Insel, P.M. Connect Core Concepts in Health. 18th edition. McGraw-Hill: 2024.

*You may use an older edition, if you have to, but you will have to find the weekly topics in the older edition – they may not correspond to the newer edition. Material (specifically statistics) may not be accurate.

Websites we regularly visit (there are many more within the course):

Harvard University Healthy Eating Plate - https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/

Healthy People 2030 – http://healthypeople.gov

The Mayo Clinic – http://mayoclinic.org

Johns Hopkins Medicine – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/

Supplemental Material
You will be responsible for supplemental material, provided by the teacher, posted in weekly modules on Canvas. This material will be included in testing.

 

Methods of Evaluation

Evaluation 

All assignments will be explained in each Unit. All assignments are designed to enhance the learning experience.

  1. Exams – There will be 6 units in the course, but only 5 exams over the first 5 units. The exams are worth between 50 and 55 points each. Each exam is open for one week following each unit and there is no time limit when taking them - 270 points total
  2. In place of the final exam, there will be a small project – a Health Newsletter - that you
    will create. There will be a detailed rubric posted in Canvas later in the semester –
    35 points – Due Friday, July 24th.
  3. Syllabus Quiz - This is a quiz you will complete after you read the syllabus carefully (complete in Week 1) - 5 points
  4. Getting to Know You – using Padlet! (complete in Week 1) – 5 points
  5. Assignments – You will be given approximately 18 assignments to complete throughout the semester and they range in value from 10-25 points. They are clearly outlined in the weekly task sheets. Many require you to complete a series of questions after visiting reliable and valid websites.

The assignments include:

  1. Assignment #1 - CDC statistics & NIH research – 23 points
  2. Assignment #2 - Mood disorders – 18 points
  3. Assignment #2b – Chapter 2B – material and an article – 20 points
  4. Assignment #3 - Sleep and the Circadian Rhythm – 15 points
  5. Assignment #4 – Relationships – what do you think? – 18 points
  6. Assignment #5 – Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate – 20 points
  7. Assignment #6 - Nutrition label calculation worksheet – 20 points
  8. Assignment #7 – Nutrition questions – 24 points
  9. Assignment #8 – Maintaining a Healthy Weight – 18 points
  10. Assignment #9 – Physical Activity worksheet – 21 points
  11. Assignment #10 – Energy Balance worksheet – 25 points
  12. Assignment #11 – Addiction worksheet – 24 points
  13. Assignment #12 – Drinking Alcohol Responsibly – 21 points
  14. Assignment #13 – Smoking, Vaping, and Tobacco Use – 25 points
  15. Assignment #14 – Infectious Disease and Immune System - 25 points
  16. Assignment #15 – Immune System Matching Activity – 15 points
  17. Assignment #16 – Cancer and chronic conditions – 25 points
  18. Assignment #17 – You Choose! – 10 points

Total Assignment Points: 367

  1. Discussion Forum posts – you will be given approximately 16 discussion forums to complete throughout the semester. Some require a single post and some require an initial post followed by a response post to a classmate. These are explained in the weekly Task Sheet. They are worth 5 -10 points each. The discussion topics include:
  2. DF #1 - Healthy people qualities – 5 points
  3. DF #2 – Behavior Change Theories – 13 points
  4. DF #3 - General Adaptation Syndrome – 15 points
  5. DF #4 - Stress comic – 7 points
  6. DF #5 - Stress and health article – 5 points
  7. DF #6 - Stress management – 10 points
  8. DF #7 - Nutrition questions - initial & peer responses – 10 points
  9. DF #8 – Physical activity comic – 5 points
  10. DF #9 - Physical activity questions – initial & peer responses – 10 points
  11. DF #10 - Body image – 10 points
  12. DF #11 – Weight loss drugs – what do you think? – 10 points
  13. DF #12 – Cardiovascular Health – 5 points
  14. DF #13 – Drug abuse – 18 points
  15. DF #14 - Covid and Addiction – 10 points
  16. DF #15 – Immunizations – 15 points
  17. DF# 16 – Illnesses and treatments – 10 points

Total Discussion Forum Points: 158

Total points in the course – 840 (includes Exams, Syllabus Quiz, Padlet Intro, Healthy Newsletter, Assignments and Discussion Forums)

GRADING SCALE

90-100% - A (756 – 840 pts)

80-90% - B (672 – 755 pts)

70-80% - C (588 – 671 pts)

60-70% - D (504 - 587 pts)

**Each student is allowed one late “freebie” assignment (exams excluded), with no penalty, to be turned in by the end of the semester (Friday, July 24). This means you may submit any one assignment or discussion forum you missed during the semester. So, if you find that a certain week in the semester is busy, and need to focus your time elsewhere, you may postpone an assignment until the end of the semester. To get full points, you must submit your freebie assignment to me by July 25. A freebie assignment will be created in Canvas later in the semester and you can submit your work there.

 

 

Academic Division

Health Careers

Dean, Brad Wood; 815-802-8815; M107; bwood@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8800

Course Policies

Course Technology Requirements

 

  1. For this course, you must be comfortable with our learning management system, Canvas. It is highly encouraged that you visit the Student Passport to Canvas “class” that is on your Canvas dashboard. You can work through the benchmarks and earn badges! It is an easy way to learn and navigate Canvas. You can always search the Canvas ‘Help’ menu (bottom left hand corner in Canvas), which provides answers to most all questions you might have.
  2. You must also have regular access to a laptop or desktop computer, as there are many applications in Canvas that do not work on a smartphone, such as exams. You are also expected to be comfortable using WORD, Adobe, (opening, saving, manipulating and uploading documents), hyperlinking materials in assignments, and posting images and documents (they must appear in the assignment, or have working links).
  3. You must have reliable, regular internet access – which means you may be required to work from school or a library if your home internet is unreliable. Problems with internet access are not an acceptable excuse for failing to submit work by the due date.
  4. Please have a contingency plan in case of unforeseen technological problems. Lost or accidently deleted files will not be an acceptable excuse for not turning in something. If there is a system wide outage that affects completion of exams, assignments or discussion forums, I will post an announcement addressing the issue. However, if you have an individual technical issue during an exam or upon submittal of an assignment, you need to contact me IMMEDIATELY so I know when you encountered the issue and I will deal with each on a case by case basis.
  5. If you have any technical problems, or have issues or questions regarding Canvas, visit the “ITS Help Desk” tab within the “Start Here” folder in the Modules, or find the information on page 9 of this syllabus.

Course Policies

 

  1. First and foremost, it is essential that you speak with, or email, me if you ever have any questions or concerns – I am here to help! Let me know if you are going to be absent, or if there is anything going on in your life that is preventing you from attending or completing work. I am willing to work with you BUT you MUST reach out to me – and it can’t be in the last week of class J
  2. Students are responsible for information contained in the textbook, assignments, and supplemental materials (i.e additional notes provided by instructor, articles, audio recordings, and websites). I will offer many materials that both enhance what is in the text and introduce concepts that are not in the text. It is imperative that you read and listen to all assigned materials. It is expected that by completing the reading assignments, you will not only be successful in the course, but be able to participate actively.
  3. Since Canvas is our course medium for announcements, assignments, discussion forums, exams, lecture notes, grading, and supplemental information postings, you must be comfortable with the system.
  4. You are expected to check Canvas daily for announcements or emails. Since this is an important way to communicate in the course, you must become a daily visitor. Otherwise, you could miss pertinent information for which you are responsible. Please contact me if you need assistance.
  5. I will reply to most emails within 24 to 48 hours during the work week and weekends (I am actually a pretty quick responder, so I typically get back to you much faster!).
  6. Assignments should be completed and turned in on the date and time assigned by 11:59PM.
  7. Exams are required in this course, but they are more of a culminating assignment using your materials – no stress! Students who do not take the exams during their scheduled times will receive a grade of "zero" on the exam. Exams are available at the end of each unit for one week (Monday through Sunday), and there is no time limit.
  8. Remember basic Netiquette guidelines (adapted from The Core Rules of Netiquette by Virginia Shea):
    1. The golden rule your parents and your kindergarten teacher taught you was pretty simple: Do unto others as you'd have others do unto you. In cyberspace, we state this in an even more basic manner: Remember the human. Be kind in your comments and responses and remember your classmates are people with feelings.
    2. You will be judged by the quality of your writing so be attentive to spelling and grammar. Pay attention to the content of your writing and that your thoughts are clear and logical. Share what you know, but if you discuss anything that is not your own idea, you must list the resource. I do not want to see posts that look like texts. You must write in complete sentences!
    3. Be pleasant and polite. Don't use offensive language, and don't be confrontational for the sake of confrontation.
    4. If someone makes a mistake -- whether it's a spelling error or an unnecessarily long answer -- be kind about it. If it's a minor error, you may not need to say anything. Even if you feel strongly about it, think twice before reacting. If you do decide to inform someone of a mistake, point it out politely and preferably by private email rather than in public.
  9. ADA Policy: As stated in the KCC Students with Disabilities Handbook: Kankakee Community College shall provide that no otherwise qualified person with a disability shall, solely by reason of disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity engaged in by the college as required by Section 504 of the rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with disability Act of 1990.
  10. Academic Integrity Policy and Code: Students are reminded that cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any student detected of cheating or engaging in plagiarism on any exam or paper, or participating in any other form of academic

    dishonesty, will receive the appropriate sanctions which can include a failing grade (“F”) for the course. Please see the academic integrity policy in the KCC catalog as well as on the web.

http://www.kcc.edu/students/academics/Pages/regulations.aspx

DO NOT COPY AND PASTE FROM SOURCES!! Once you find material for your assignments, read it and put it into your own words and reference the source from which you found it. I often randomly check, and if plagiarism is found, then you will either receive a zero for the assignment, or depending on each individual case, be asked to redo it.

  1. Use of AI Tools: This course permits you to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, text generators, paraphrasers, summarizers, or solvers, to get guidance on assignments, as long as you do so in an ethical and responsible manner. Essentially, you can think of these tools as ways to help you learn but not to entirely create work for assignments like discussion board posts, essays, presentation slides, and so on. AI is more like your tutor or TA, not a replacement for your independent thinking.
  2. This means that you must:
  3. Not use AI tools to replace your own thinking or analysis or to avoid engaging with the course content.
  4. Cite or explain any AI tools you use. Provide the name of the AI tool, the date of access, the URL of the interface, and the specific prompt or query you used to generate the output. Otherwise it is plagiarism!
    1. Cite any AI tools you use properly, following APA citation (see below):
    2. OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
    3. If I suspect use of AI (there are indicators that reveal AI use), and you do not cite the source, I will be reaching out to you. If I have to reach out more than once, I will not accept the work. AI is only a TOOL to assist you with organizing your ideas, it is not a replacement for you doing your work with your own brain! I am seeing more and more work that is obviously AI, so I am getting stricter with work submitted. I may, at any time, refuse any work assisted by AI if I feel it is being misused. This is a fluid situation.
  • Be transparent and honest about how you used the AI tool and how it contributed to your assignment. Explain what you learned from the AI tool, how you verified its accuracy and reliability, how you integrated its output with your own work, and how you acknowledged its limitations and biases.
  • You are accountable for any mistakes or errors made by the AI tool. Always check and edit the output before submitting your work. If you discover any inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the output after submission, notify the instructor immediately and correct them as soon as possible.
  • Using AI tools in an unethical or irresponsible manner, such as copying or paraphrasing the output without citation or transparency, using the output as your own work without verification or integration, or using the output to misrepresent your knowledge or skills, is considered a form of academic dishonesty and will result in a zero grade for the assignment and possible disciplinary action. If you have any questions about what constitutes ethical and responsible use of AI tools, please consult with the instructor before submitting your work.
  • Exams and the Health Newsletter project must be completed independently, with no AI, and, I will indicate on other assignments if AI is not allowed – this is a work in progress as we navigate an academic world with AI.

 

 

All students are expected to behave in a reasonable, responsible and professional manner during this course. Remember that part of your academic preparation involves learning to think and behave like a professional. Your individual behavior and performance reflects on you, as well as, the entire Kankakee Community College community.

College Policies

 

Withdrawals
When it is necessary to withdraw from a course or from the college, a student may do so on or before the withdrawal date without receiving a punitive final grade. Students should use Change of Schedule forms which are available in Student Services. Students may submit Change of Schedule forms to Student Services or through the mail, but they must be postmarked no later than the withdrawal date. No withdrawals are allowed by phone. To determine the last date to withdraw with a grade of “W” in this course, log into KCConnect and click on “my registration statement” under Academic Profile.

Code of Conduct

Students need to adhere to the Code of Conduct located in the college catalog.

Email Policy

To ensure a student's privacy under all applicable education laws and to facilitate timely interactions, two College-authorized methods of electronic communication exist: KCC-issued student email accounts (using the domain name of .student.kcc.edu) and the Canvas Learning Management System. Students are expected to regularly check their KCC email accounts and Canvas for important incoming communication from the college or from individual instructors. Students understand that emails they send from personal email accounts (other than those listed above) may not be delivered to the KCC recipient, and students should have no expectation that such messages will be answered.

Non-Attendance/Non-Participation

KCC complies with state law and federal financial aid policy. If you receive an attendance grade of F or are institutionally withdrawn from a course, it will affect your eligibility for financial aid. (1) You must attend at least one class, or participate at least once for an online course (logging in without participation is not attending), by the 10th day of 16 week courses or within the first 10% of shorter term classes. Non-attendance will result in an attendance grade of F. (2) If you have excessive absences and no reasonable chance of passing the course at midterm (or after), your instructor may give you a WX grade and have you institutionally withdrawn from the course.

Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior
  1. Academic Integrity Policy and Code: Students are reminded that cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any student detected of cheating or engaging in plagiarism on any exam or paper, or participating in any other form of academic dishonesty will receive the appropriate sanctions which can include a failing grade (“F”) for the course. Please see the academic integrity policy in the KCC catalog as well as on the web.

http://www.kcc.edu/students/academics/Pages/regulations.aspx

DO NOT COPY AND PASTE FROM SOURCES!! Once you find material for your assignments, read it and put it into your own words and reference the source from which you found it. I often randomly check, and if plagiarism is found, then you will either receive a zero for the assignment, or depending on each individual case, be asked to redo it.

  1. Use of AI Tools: This course permits you to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, text generators, paraphrasers, summarizers, or solvers, to get guidance on assignments, as long as you do so in an ethical and responsible manner. Essentially, you can think of these tools as ways to help you learn but not to entirely create work for assignments like discussion board posts, essays, presentation slides, and so on. AI is more like your tutor or TA, not a replacement for your independent thinking.

This means that you must:

  • Not use AI tools to replace your own thinking or analysis or to avoid engaging with the course content.
  • Cite or explain any AI tools you use. Provide the name of the AI tool, the date of access, the URL of the interface, and the specific prompt or query you used to generate the output. Otherwise it is plagiarism!
    • Cite any AI tools you use properly, following APA citation (see below):
    • OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
    • If I suspect use of AI (there are indicators that reveal AI use), and you do not cite the source, I will be reaching out to you. If I have to reach out more than once, I will not accept the work. AI is only a TOOL to assist you with organizing your ideas, it is not a replacement for you doing your work with your own brain! I am seeing more and more work that is obviously AI, so I am getting stricter with work submitted. I may, at any time, refuse any work assisted by AI if I feel it is being misused. This is a fluid situation.
  • Be transparent and honest about how you used the AI tool and how it contributed to your assignment. Explain what you learned from the AI tool, how you verified its accuracy and reliability, how you integrated its output with your own work, and how you acknowledged its limitations and biases.
  • You are accountable for any mistakes or errors made by the AI tool. Always check and edit the output before submitting your work. If you discover any inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the output after submission, notify the instructor immediately and correct them as soon as possible.
  • Using AI tools in an unethical or irresponsible manner, such as copying or paraphrasing the output without citation or transparency, using the output as your own work without verification or integration, or using the output to misrepresent your knowledge or skills, is considered a form of academic dishonesty and will result in a zero grade for the assignment and possible disciplinary action. If you have any questions about what constitutes ethical and responsible use of AI tools, please consult with the instructor before submitting your work.
  • Exams and the Health Newsletter project must be completed independently, with no AI, and, I will indicate on other assignments if AI is not allowed.

 

All students are expected to behave in a reasonable, responsible and professional manner during this course. Remember that part of your academic preparation involves learning to think and behave like a professional. Your individual behavior and performance reflects on you, as well as, the entire Kankakee Community College community.

Course Calendar

Tentative Course Calendar and Unit/Topic Outline

*Weekly plans are in Canvas, posted each Monday morning

UNIT TOPICS – these include chapters as well supplemental materials provided.DATES AND EXAMS

UNIT 1 Establishing a Basis for Wellness

Chapter 1 Taking Charge of your Health

Chapter 20 Conventional and Complementary Medicine

Syllabus Quiz

Padlet

Assignment 1

Discussion Forum 1-2

Exam 1

1 Week

Monday June 1 - Sunday June 7

Exam 1 – Monday June 8 - Sunday June 14

UNIT 2 Psychosocial Health

Chapter 2 Stress: The Constant Challenge

Chapter 3 Psychological Health

Chapter 4 Sleep (supplemental materials will also be provided)

Chapter 5 Intimate Relationships and Communication

Assignments 2, 2b, 3, 4

Discussion Forums 3-6

Exam 2

2 Weeks

Monday June 8 – Sunday June 21

Exam 2 – Monday June 22 – Sunday June 28

UNIT 3 Nutrition

Chapter 12 Nutrition Basics

Assignments 5-7

Discussion Forum 7

Exam 3

1 Week

Monday June 22 – Sunday June 28

Exam 3 – Monday June 29 – Sunday July 5

Pace yourself with the Fourth of July this week!

UNIT 4 Exercise and Weight Management

Chapter 13 Exercise for Health and Fitness

Chapter 14 Weight Management

Chapter 15 Cardiovascular Health

Assignments 8-10

Discussion Forums 8-12

Exam 4

2 Weeks

Monday June 29 – Sunday July 12

Exam 4 – Monday July 13 - Sunday July 19

UNIT 5 Substance Use Disorders: Making Responsible Decisions

Chapter 9 Drug Use and Addiction

Chapter 10 Alcohol: The Most Popular Drug

Chapter 11 Tobacco and Vaping

Assignments 11-13

Discussion Forum 13-14

Exam 5

1 Week

Monday July 13 – Sunday July 19

Exam 5 - Monday July 20 Friday July 24

**The last exam is due Friday not Sunday (as we usually do) because grades are due Monday morning, so work must be completed by Friday to allow time to grade!

UNIT 6 Protecting Yourself From Disease 

Chapters 16 Cancer

Chapter 17 Immunity and Infection

Chronic Conditions

Assignments 14-17

Discussion Forums 15-16

Newsletter Assignment

1 Week – shortened week!

Monday July 20 – Friday July 24

No exam over Unit 6

**These assignments are due Friday not Sunday (as we usually do) because grades are due Monday morning, so work must be completed by Friday to allow time to grade!

Newsletter due Friday July 24

Freebie Assignment Due by Friday July 24

Copyright - The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further Information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at http://www.kcc.edu/copyright.

Syllabus disclaimer - Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.