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February 25: American Heart Month

Writer's picture: ANATOMY IN CLAY® SystemANATOMY IN CLAY® System

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 25:


Fact: Simple lifestyle changes, such as walking more, eating healthier, and reducing stress, can have a significant impact on heart health.


Disease: Peripheral artery disease


Community Activity: Collaborating with local media outlets to share stories or interviews about heart disease awareness and prevention.


Form of Prevention: Choose lean sources of protein, such as poultry, fish, beans, and legumes, over high-fat meats.


The Human Heart, An Anatomy OnDemandâ„¢ 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.
The Human Heart, An Anatomy OnDemandâ„¢ 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: Flowing Freely: Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease


Learning Objectives:

  1. Define peripheral artery disease (PAD) and understand its impact on circulation.

  2. Identify the risk factors associated with PAD and recognize common symptoms.

  3. Explore the diagnostic tests used to confirm a diagnosis of PAD.

  4. Discuss lifestyle modifications and treatment options for managing PAD.

  5. Analyze the importance of early detection and care for individuals with PAD.


Materials Needed:

  • Large paper or canvas

  • Paints or colored markers

  • Brushes or pens

  • Anatomical illustrations of the circulatory system

  • Notecards and pens

  • Medical gloves

  • Diagnostic tools such as Doppler ultrasound (optional)


Instructional Strategies:


Introduction (10 minutes):

Begin by introducing the concept of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and its impact on blood flow in the extremities. Discuss the symptoms and risk factors associated with PAD. Engage students by explaining the importance of maintaining healthy circulation.


Guided Practice (20 minutes):

  1. Provide students with anatomical illustrations of the circulatory system and ask them to create their own representation on the paper or canvas using paints or markers.

  2. Discuss how PAD affects blood flow through the arteries and the potential consequences of reduced circulation.

  3. Show students how to use medical gloves to feel for pulses in different areas of the body and explain how this can help in assessing circulation.

  4. (Optional) If available, demonstrate how a Doppler ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow in individuals with suspected PAD.


Independent Practice (20 minutes):

Divide students into small groups and provide them with case studies or scenarios involving individuals with PAD. Have each group create a visual representation on the canvas or paper depicting the effects of PAD on circulation and propose personalized treatment plans. Encourage creativity in illustrating the impact of PAD.


Conclusion (10 minutes):

Summarize the key points learned during the lesson, emphasizing the role of circulation in overall health and well-being. Discuss the significance of early intervention and lifestyle modifications for managing PAD. Allow students to share their artwork and insights.


Assessment Methods:

  • Observation of student engagement and participation in the hands-on art activity

  • Evaluation of group visual representations and proposed treatment plans

  • Written reflections on the importance of circulation and the impact of PAD on individuals


Hands-On Activities:

  • Create visual representations of the circulatory system and effects of PAD using art supplies

  • Explore pulse palpation as a hands-on assessment technique

  • Collaborate in small groups to analyze case studies and design personalized treatment plans through visual art


By integrating art activities and hands-on experiences, students will actively engage with the topic of peripheral artery disease, fostering a deeper understanding of this condition and its implications for circulatory health.



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