HCA 104 Lifestyle and Choices

School of Health and Human Services

HCA 104 Lifestyles and Choices introduces students to a holistic concept of health and the components of a health- enhancing lifestyle. Students will be invited to reflect on their own experience of health, recognizing challenges and resources that can impact lifestyle choices. Students will be introduced to a model that can be applied in other courses to understand the multi-faceted aspects of health and healing.

Notes:

Learning Outcomes with Indicators:

  1. Discuss the interrelationship of physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual dimensions and the determinants of health:
    • 1.1 Describe health as a process (health as a journey not a destination).
    • 1.2 Discuss the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual dimensions of health.
    • 1.3 Describe the interrelatedness of the dimensions of health.
    • 1.4 Discuss health as it relates to lifestyle choices.
    • 1.5 Describe the determinants of health and discuss how they can create health inequalities and impact the dimensions of health.
  2. Discuss how lifestyle choices and behaviours contribute to physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual health:
    • 2.1 Discuss the positive effects of regular exercise and physical self-care.
    • 2.2 Describe the elements of a nutritious diet.
    • 2.3 Discuss elements of healthy weight management.
    • 2.4 Describe the adverse effects of common harmful substances.
    • 2.5 Discuss the interaction between emotions/perceptions and physical well-being.
    • 2.6 Describe the effects of stress.
    • 2.7 Recognize aspects of the HCA role that could lead to unhealthy stress.
    • 2.8 Describe a variety of approaches to stress management.
    • 2.9 Discuss the cognitive components of health.
    • 2.10 Describe how one’s ability to think, reason, interpret, remember, assess, and solve problems is related to health.
    • 2.11 Discuss the importance of social support in personal wellness.
    • 2.12 Recognize cultural and societal influences on lifestyle choices.
    • 2.13 Describe the spiritual components of health.
    • 2.14 Discuss how clarification of one’s values and beliefs might relate to lifestyle choices.
    • 2.15 Identify personal focuses and activities that enrich, refresh, and create meaning in one’s life.
    • 2.16 Describe how one’s choices affect one’s environment.
    • 2.17 Discuss environmental influences on health.
  3. Explain the complexity of the change process in relation to health promotion:
    • 3.1 Describe how critical thinking and problem-solving relate to lifestyle change.
    • 3.2 Demonstrate how to set achievable goals, use appropriate motivators, and set a realistic change agenda.
    • 3.3 Discuss the complexities involved in lifestyle change.

Prerequisites: Admission to HCA Program

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks4
Total Credits
Total Hours30
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture8~

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Discuss the interrelationship of physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual dimensions and the determinants of health
  2. Discuss how lifestyle choices and behaviours contribute to physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual health
  3. Explain the complexity of the change process in relation to health promotion

Teaching and Learning Approach

All of the courses in the Health Care Assistant (HCA) Program focus on promoting the independence and autonomy of students. This approach supports the development of the soft skills required of a Health Care Assistant in the workplace and for students to successfully meet the Program Outcomes.

Instructors approach the delivery of course content as facilitators of learning, working with students to develop their strengths and recognize opportunities for growth. Peer support and feedback are supported and encouraged.

Students will be introduced to and supported through the self-reflection process, reflective learning, and peer/self-evaluation. Interdisciplinary teams and team dynamics, experiential learning, and application of knowledge are other concepts and strategies used. Some examples of these are group projects, case studies, quizzes, games, written and video discussion forums, simulations, hands-on lab practice, and experiences in work settings.

The use of technology throughout the HCA Program supports skills needed in the workplace. Learn (Moodle) is the Learning Management System used to deliver and submit all course material. Zoom conferencing software is used for class discussions, meetings, group work, and other activities.

Time management, prioritization, and organization are foundational skills that are key to the successful navigation of the HCA Program. The calendar within Learn (Moodle) assists and guides students with these skills. Instructors are available to support individual student learning needs through virtual office hours, 1:1 meetings, email, and Zoom sessions.

Learning Resources

Required: Sorrentino, S.A., Remmert, L.N., & Wilk, M.J. (2021). Sorrentino's Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker (5th Ed.). Toronto, ON: Elsevier Canada.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. 1. Introduction to Course and Instructor.

2. 2. Understanding Health • Health as a process (health as a journey not a destination). • Physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual dimensions of health. • Interrelatedness of all aspects of health: introduction of the health wheel. • Health as it relates to lifestyle and choices. • The 12 determinants of health (as defined by the Government of Canada). • The impact of the determinants of health on health inequalities and the dimensions of health. Quiz #1

3. 3. Smart Goal Project Introduction Lifestyle Change • Complexity of the lifestyle change process. • Critical thinking and problem-solving as they relate to lifestyle and choices. • Self-reflection and self-evaluation in relation to challenges and resources. • Setting achievable goals, using motivators, setting a realistic change agenda. • Recognizing difficulties inherent in personal change. SMART Goal Part A

4. 4. • Cognitive components of health: ◦ Rational thinking and perceiving. ◦ Ability to reason, interpret, and remember. ◦ Ability to sense, perceive, assess, and evaluate. ◦ Problem-solving ability. ◦ Creativity. Quiz #2

5. 5. • Psychological or emotional components of health: ◦ Interaction between emotions and perceptions and health. ◦ Psychologically safe environments. ◦ Stress and stress management. • Common responses and effects of stress. • Common stressors related to work of the HCA. • Burnout and compassion fatigue. • Strategies for self-assessment and wellness intervention. Quiz #3

6. 6. Midterm Assessment

7. 7. • Physical components of health: ◦ Physical activity. ◦ Physical self-care. ◦ Sleep and rest. ◦ Nutrition, including nutrition throughout life, factors that affect eating and drinking, and Canada’s Food Guide. ◦ Weight management. ◦ Avoiding or limiting harmful substances (including licit and illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco,vaping, and caffeine). ◦ Environment. Quiz #4

8. 8. • Social (interactive) components of health: ◦ Social bonds and social supports in relation to health. ◦ Cultural, societal, and traditional influences on lifestyle and choices.

9. 9. • Spiritual components of health: ◦ Awareness of personal values and beliefs. ◦ Finding meaning and purpose in life. ◦ Participating in activities that enrich, inspire, and refresh. ◦ Appreciation for different ways of knowing and being. Quiz #5 Evolving Case studies Palliative Coursework Review: Summative Assessment

10. 10. Feedback SMART Goal and RPN Project Completion Review of the course for the Summative Exam

11. 11. Summative Assessment only 1 Attempt

Assessment

Title Learning Outcomes Value
Smart Goal Assignment 1, 2, 3 25%
Guided Reflective Practice Narrative (RPN) 1,2,3 15%
Palliative Coursework 1, 2 5%
Quizzes 1, 2, 3 20%
Midterm Assessment 1, 2, 3 15%
Summative Assessment 1, 2, 3 20%
Total 100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.