February 12: American Heart Month

It’s our goal here at Anatomy In Clay® Learning System, to teach students about heart disease in hopes that it will lead to its prevention.

One Fact,

One Disease,

One Community Activity,

One Form of Prevention, and

One Lesson Plan.

Once a day, every day of February.

"The Mind Cannot Forget What The Hands Have Learned.™"

February 12:

Fact: Type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Disease: Pulmonary hypertension

Community Activity: Hosting a heart-healthy cooking class or workshop to teach cooking techniques and meal planning for heart health.

Form of Prevention: Get an adequate amount of quality sleep each night (7-9 hours for most adults).

The Human Heart, An Anatomy OnDemand™ Course is on sale for the month of February! Register by February 28, 2025 to receive Lifetime Access for the cost of 90-Day Access.

Lesson Plan: Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension

Learning Objectives:

1. Define pulmonary hypertension and explain its causes.

2. Recognize the signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension.

3. Understand the impact of pulmonary hypertension on the body's normal functioning.

4. Explore treatment options for pulmonary hypertension.

Materials Needed:

1. Whiteboard and markers

2. Printed diagrams of the circulatory system

3. Stethoscopes

4. Blood pressure cuffs

5. Interactive case studies on pulmonary hypertension

6. Medical literature on the topic

7. Pen and paper

Instructional Strategies:

Introduction (15 minutes):

• Begin by discussing the function of the heart and lungs in the circulatory system.

• Introduce the concept of pulmonary hypertension and its effects on the heart and lungs.

• Engage students in a brief discussion on what they already know about hypertension and how it differs from pulmonary hypertension.

Guided Practice (30 minutes):

• Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a printed diagram of the circulatory system.

• Ask students to identify and label the pulmonary arteries and veins on the diagram.

• Using stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs, demonstrate how to measure blood pressure and listen for abnormal heart sounds associated with pulmonary hypertension.

• Facilitate a discussion on the symptoms and causes of pulmonary hypertension and how it differs from other types of hypertension.

Independent Practice (30 minutes):

• Distribute interactive case studies on pulmonary hypertension to each student.

• Instruct students to read the cases, identify the key symptoms and diagnostic criteria, and propose possible treatment options.

• Encourage students to use medical literature to support their responses.

• Allow time for students to present their findings to the class and engage in a peer review discussion.

Conclusion (15 minutes):

• Summarize the key points discussed during the activity, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

• Engage students in a reflection exercise where they discuss what they have learned and any questions they still have on the topic.

• Provide additional resources for students who wish to learn more about pulmonary hypertension.

Assessment Methods:

• Informal assessment through classroom discussions and group activities.

• Peer evaluation of case study presentations.

• Written reflections on the activity.

Note: Ensure that students feel supported and comfortable during discussions about pulmonary hypertension to foster open communication and understanding.