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.â„¢"
February 23:
Fact: Education and awareness campaigns during Heart Disease Awareness Month aim to improve public knowledge about heart disease prevention and treatment.
Disease: Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Community Activity: Hosting a panel discussion or Q&A session with heart disease experts, survivors, or caregivers to share personal experiences and insights.
Form of Prevention: Stay up to date on vaccinations, such as flu and pneumonia shots, to protect heart health.
Lesson Plan: Pump It Up: Understanding Hypertension
Learning Objectives:
Define hypertension and understand its impact on heart health.
Identify the causes and risk factors associated with hypertension.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypertension.
Demonstrate how to measure blood pressure accurately.
Explore lifestyle modifications and treatment options for managing hypertension.
Materials Needed:
Blood pressure cuffs
Stethoscopes
Notecards and pens
A chart showing blood pressure categories
Healthy lifestyle guidance materials
Case studies related to hypertension
Medical gloves
Instructional Strategies:
Introduction (10 minutes):
Begin by introducing the concept of hypertension and discussing its prevalence and significance as a risk factor for heart disease. Engage students by explaining the importance of monitoring blood pressure and maintaining heart health.
Guided Practice (20 minutes):
Demonstrate how to properly use a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope to measure blood pressure readings.
Show students the chart displaying blood pressure categories and explain how to interpret blood pressure results.
Engage students in a hands-on activity where they practice measuring each other's blood pressure.
Discuss the physiological effects of hypertension on the heart and blood vessels.
Independent Practice (20 minutes):
Divide students into small groups and provide them with case studies related to individuals with hypertension. Have each group analyze the case, discuss potential lifestyle factors contributing to hypertension, and propose recommendations for managing and treating hypertension. Encourage students to consider the holistic approach to hypertension management.
Conclusion (10 minutes):
Summarize the key points learned during the lesson, emphasizing the importance of early detection, monitoring, and management of hypertension. Discuss the role of lifestyle modifications in controlling blood pressure. Allow students to share their insights and reflections on promoting heart health.
Assessment Methods:
Observation of student participation and engagement in hands-on blood pressure measurement activity
Evaluation of group case study analyses and proposed management strategies
Written reflections on the significance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels for heart health
Hands-On Activities:
Practice using blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes to measure blood pressure readings
Interpret and discuss blood pressure results using the chart
Collaborate in small groups to analyze case studies related to hypertension
Engage in discussions on lifestyle modifications and treatment options for hypertension management
By incorporating hands-on activities and real-world case studies, students will actively engage with the topic of hypertension, deepening their understanding of this common cardiovascular condition and the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels for overall heart health.