HLSX 568 Information and Health Literacy (3 QH)
This course introduces students to the skills and techniques needed to become an information literate individual. Students will have the opportunity to acquire and practice the following: identifying the topic of interest or developing a research question; acquiring knowledge through the efficient use of current technologies, such as online and electronic resources; establishing evaluation criteria for information resources; evaluating and integrating the acquired information to answer the original query/research question, while complying with copyright laws/guidelines; and effectively communicating this information, through an appropriate medium, to the target audience in an ethical and legal manner. In addition, students will explore the impact of health literacy on patient care and health outcomes and will acquire the skills needed to assist them in translating information about diseases and their treatments into a language that healthcare consumers can understand.

HLSM 500 Chronic Preventable Disease and Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine (3 QH)
This course provides the student with a framework from which to build a practice of lifestyle medicine. An introduction and overview to lifestyle medicine as an evidence-based approach to preventing, treating and reversing diseases. Discussion of the effects of chronic diseases on individuals and looking at the cost and burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiac disease, hypertension and metabolic disorder. The concepts of how to provoke behavioral change will be explored.

HLSM 501 Strategies to Manage Mental and Emotional Health and Avoiding Risky Substances (3 QH)
This course will focus on how mental and emotional health are negatively impacted by stress. In addition, the positive aspects of stress will be addressed. We will examine the latest research on stress- reduction techniques such as relaxation, mindfulness and meditation on health and well- being. Proper sleep is a necessity for optimal functioning of the human body. A review of the basics of sleep and sleep cycles, how sleep affects the body’s functioning. Finally, the effect of risky behaviors such as tobacco, alcohol and drug use can be detrimental to the health and wellness of individuals. The use of motivational interviewing and smoking cessation will be explored. Given the opioid crisis in the US, we will look at the opioid crisis and discuss addictive behaviors and possible solutions.

HLSM 600 Concepts of Population Health and Personal Health (3 QH)
This course will introduce the student to concepts of population health. Topics of social determinants of health, health disparities, diversity, equity and inclusion in relation to access to health care, health care policy and health literacy will be examined. The student will explore their own personal health and wellness and understand that healthcare providers must lead by example.