Joel.Simone

Physiological, psychological, and social perspectives of health. Emphasis on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that will contribute to a healthy individual.

• Course Description
• Instructor
• Class Journal
• Comments

Instructor

Mr. Navarro

Class Journal

• Class 1- The First Day: 8.21@1pm
  • Today was the first day of class. I sat next to a Megan, a former student of San Jose a State aiming for SF state, a cool person. We were given the syllabus and introduced to the projects and class procedures. ¶ I proposed Steroids in Athletics as my report subject, but I am still sifting through other possibilities; recovery and athletic performance, the effect of general effect psychological effects of a physical exercises, and etc. ¶ On the way out of class I overheard a conversation on Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), where my report on Steroids may focus, so I couldn’t help but interject. Ryan, a Jiu-Jitsu and MMA practitioner, was one of the participants in the conversation. My thoughts sifted into starting some sort of an active fight club, and perhaps this venture could be integrated into a form of extra credit for Health 1. I am also contemplating a grade calculator for the class, and I could share it here. Our first quiz, on chapter 1, is this coming Thursday.
• Study Guide: 8.21@1:30pm
  • During studies I came across this great Flash card feature located on the Health and Wellness Book Website. The link to the tutorials is Flash Card Study Tutorials.
• Class 2- The 1st Quiz: 8.23@11:30am
  • Today we had the first quiz. I thought the quiz was going to be a multiple choice, and I studied for a multiple choice quiz on the general terms and concepts from chapter 1. The test is actually written, and it is specifically on what Mr. Navarro mentioned in the first class, roughly 1/2 from the syllabus and 1/2 from chapter 1. Anyhow, I will make up for the partial grade with other quizzes and extra credit work. ¶ Mr. Navarro created an example pie chart reflecting an individual’s dimensions of health, i.e., emotional, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, social, and physical. It may be nice to create a time management system that breaks down how much time is dedicated to the different dimensions. Anyhow, our homework is to complete pages 15, 16, and 17 in the health workbook and to read Chapters 2 & 3.
• Class 3- Signed up for Reports: 8.28@11am
  • My report, steroid use in athletics, is due on Nov 8th. The reports require an essay and presentation. I am thinking of doing a Power Point style presentation. In class Mr. Navarro lectured on Diet and Stress. ¶ My homework is to keep track of my diet for three days, to begin the exercises from page 15-17 in the workbook, and to read chapter 3, which I already did. Also, today, I met a friendly young lady, Linda. She needed copies of the pages from the workbook, so we walked to the library. She is a math major and is working on Calculus 4, wow. In addition, Linda purchased her book online, and it didn’t come with a workbook. So if you take this class, then make sure your used copy comes with an unused work book or buy the book package new from the book store.
• Class 4- Stress and Tuesday Test: 8.30@12:50pm
  • The lecture today was on stress. I also asked Mr. Navarro about using this online journal for my project journal, my extra credit journal, and for current events, to which he agreed. ¶ There may be a test for chapter 3 on Tuesday, and I will use the online features associated with the book to study.
• Quite Time-1: 8.31@4:45pm
  • This was actually my second scheduled Quite Time, but it is my first log, so this log is for both yesterday and today. I am working with the breathing meditation, and it takes me some time to clear my mind. I also have trouble sitting up straight. In addition, sitting up straight in Indian style makes me look like quite an oddity on campus. Both times I eventually laid on my back, and that seemed to relax me the most. I did notice a fresher and clearly feeling afterwards, so I am looking forward to future results… as it becomes more of a habit.
• Health News: 8.31@5:30pm
  • The American Cancer Society directs its advertising funds towards the consequence of inadequate health care. The full article is located here.
• Class 5- Chapter 3 Review: 9.4@11am
  • There was no test. Mr. Navarro focused on review of the course. It was a nice, rapid paced review. ¶ During class I asked Mr. Navarro about the genome projects. He stated the genome project does not require symbols, but they are recommended. I concluded that the genome project is more or less a collage, and he confirmed. I also confirmed that the test will be on Chapter 3 and the notes from class. I am debating on doing my collage on my computer or on a piece of cardboard. ¶ For homework, I will study for the test. He also wants printouts of our review. So I have time to work on my report and genome project this week. My quite time will be after Astronomy, and I will review the results later today.
• Quite Time-2: 9.4@5pm
  • I had my quite time in front of the horticulture class on the LPC campus today. I am getting a bit better at clearing my mind, though I was still out of it from a very intense weekend. I must learn to balance my time out a bit better. To take the time to do un-stressful, or eustress, hobbies. Yesterday I could feel myself burning out, and this is the pattern that my body has been used to, where I work really hard and burnout. The burnout is usually followed by sickness. So I must recognize when I am overworking.
• Quite Time-3: 9.5@11:30am
  • I just finished my Quite Time for today, and I had a good session. During the session I had a vision for my Honors Project, “The Door Way.” I envisioned paralleling the characters exit from the car to signify his exit from the room, I am also thinking of using sketches for the dream sequences.
• Class 6- Skipping Chapter 4 Quiz: 9.6@11:45am
  • There will not be a chapter 4 Quiz, but chapter 4 will be on the mid term, so Mr Navarro did a brief review of chapter 4 in class. Our home work is to take our heart rate 5 times each morning, and 3 times after working out. We also have to read Chapters 4 & 5.
• Quite Time-4: 9.6@6:41pm
  • I had a short quite time earlier today before Speech, and I will have another one before English. I felt my immune system breaking down from burning out over the last couple of days, so I have to be especially careful not to over do it. Last night I went for a 2 mile run, and it ended up heavily effecting my mood and general feeling today. I was so spent from working the last week that I felt exaushtion coming on. The key is to perform with minimal stress. I am really trying to get my entire body to completely relax and recover during the quite time.
• Quite Time-5: 9.6@5pm
  • I am now adapting my quite time into rest periods. Prior to I was working with breathing exercise and etc., but now I am finding that simply resting to clear my mind is somewhat helping. The biggest challenge is gettting myself to clear my mind. I think I will need a break over the weekend… to go on a hike or something of that sort. This may be a good suplement.
• Health News: 9.7@6pm
  • This article, Suicide Rises in Youth, at NYtimes.com states in 2003 to 2004 there was an 8% rise in the suicide rate of teenagers.
• Project Paper Rough Draft: 9.10@12:30pm
  • I finished the rough draft of my paper on steroids, the due date looks to be the first or second week of October. I went to turnitin.com, but I was not able to submit the paper because it said the due date expired. I will ask Mr. Navarro about this in class tomorrow. Next I will fine tune the paper and bring it into the Independent Learning Center (ILC).
• Class 7- Chapter 5 and HW: 9.11@11:15am
  • Mr. Navarro covered chapter 5. Two students also worked on their lectures. Our homework is to complete pages 8-9 in the work book. Page 31 from the workbook is extra credit. These will be do Thursday. I will get ahead and do all of my health today, including the health article and studying. I will study daily for the next couple of days. I also confirmed with Mr. Navarro on our tests being due the day of our reports.
• Health News: 9.11@11:30am
  • This article describes eye site disabilities, convergence insufficiency, as a potential overlooked handicap to young children. Article source is located here, nytimes.com.
• Class 8- Chapter 5 lecture continued: 9.13@11:30am
  • Mr. Navarro continued his lecture on chapter five. All of our homework due dates, including the extra credit, was delayed to Tuesday.
• Health News: 9.19@2pm
  • Walmart makes significant changes to it’s Health Plans for employees. Wow, makes since after all Walmart is also tyring to be greener. Article source is located here, nytimes.com.
• Class 9- Quiz for chapter: 9.18@2pm
  • A day late on this update. Mr. Navarro gave us a quiz today. I didn’t expect it till tomorrow, but I think I did ok. We are doing our food analysis tomorrow. This is our only homework.
• Class 10- Diet Analysis: 9.20@2pm
  • We did our diet analysis. My diet was high in some minerals, and I think this may be from the mixed nuts. So I will make an adjustment in the near future. I also should increase my intake of yogurt to 2 a day and eat more carbs. The breakdown of the analysis is due next Thurs. I will ask Mr. Navarro questions about the minerals in class.
• Class 11- Chapter 7 HW: 9.25@12:20pm
  • Our homework is to read chapter 7. We will have a test on Thursday. We are also supposed to read chapter 6, but I will do this at a later date. I also should do some review of the other chapters at some point. In addition, I will finish highlighting my nutritional analysis.
• Health News: 9.26@2pm
  • This article is about a failure in a vacine test for HIV. This was the furthest a vaccine test went for the HIV virus. Unfortunately this trial fell short. Full article located here, nytimes.com.
• Class 12- Chapter 7 Quiz Delay: 9.25@11:20am
  • Our chapter 7 quiz was delayed until Tuesday. So we reviewed for our quiz. I will study daily, no rush.
• Class 14- Chapter 6 & HW: 10.5@1:37pm
  • We had a quiz on chapter 6 yesterday, and I think I did ok. Our HW is to work on worksheet handed out in class. Mr. Navarro also gave me credit for a quiz question I challenged. This weekend I want to start my Genome project and steroid project.
• Class 15- Birth Video: 10.9@11:45am
  • We watched a very strange and old birth video with creepy music. Many of the students turned their head in discuss during the birth. ¶ We also recieved our test scores. I was dissapointed with my score on chapter 7, for I studied for the quiz, and yet I received a 4/10 for the score. I think the quiz was based more on the lecture as opposed to the book ¶ I can’t remember what our homework is, so I may have to contact another student. At least, I will study for the next couple of days.
• Health News: 10.9@12pm
  • From a snippet of a patient’s skin, researchers have grown blood vessels in a laboratory and then implanted them to restore blood flow around the patient’s damaged arteries and veins. Source for article: nytimes.com.
• Class 17- Mid-term Handouts: 10.17@2:44pm
  • Yesterday, we received the handouts for the Mid-term. We were given quite a bit of reading to do and a Study guide. I will focus on the Study Guide and the Essay questions, third emphasis towards the reading.
• Class 18- Missed Class: 10.18@10:50am
  • I needed extra time for Mid-term projects and studies, so I had to skip out on class today. I will give Meagan a call to see if I missed anything important.
• Health News: 10.18@11am
  • The Portland school board on Wednesday approved a measure allowing middle-school students to gain access to prescription birth control medications without notifying parents. Source: nytimes.com
• Health News: 10.18@11am
  • Staff infections are becoming and increasing problem at schools. Source: nytimes.com
• Mid-Term Studies, Maslow Hierarchy: 10.22@12pm
  • I had trouble finding some of the sources for the mid-term essay questions and study guide. I inquired with Mr. Navarro, and he replied shorty after, thanks Mr. Navarro. ¶ Also, I am very interested in Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, perhaps I will include it in my movie presentation in the spring.
• Class 19- Mid Term: 10.23@11:50am
  • I think I did OK on the multiple choice, but I was graded a 35/50 on the Geno-gram, for I didn’t list each characteristic under each family member. I wasn’t happy about this grade, but I understand. ¶ After class, I approached Mr. Navarro for my grade. He reviewed my list of assignments and said I didn’t turn in Chapter 8 homework, worth 10 points. I read chapter 8, and I did the assignment, yet there was no grade on the assignment. I thought that maybe I turned it in and he didn’t give me credit, but as it turns out he didn’t give the assignment back to the students. I was puzzled, how could I have done the homework, went class, and not turn in the homework? I am curious to how many other students did not turn in the assignment. Maybe, Mr. Navarro forgot to collect the assignment in class, and some students turned it in after class. Not sure though, but the class is starting to feel unclear to me. The chapters are moving a lot faster, and things are starting to jumble together, and the lectures seem almost rushed or too sporadic. I really like the subject, but I am being turned off by the class experience. ¶ On another note, I lost my syllabus over the weekend, so I will ask Meagan for a copy before the next class.
• Class 20 Chapter 11 & 12 10.25@11:20am
  • I received my grade for the midterm, 39/50, or a 79%. This does not reflect what I have learned, and I am starting to realize that Mr. Navarro’s teaching style is very different from the way I learn. At this point, among Astronomy-4, English-4, and Speech-1, this is the only class I am getting a B in. ¶ I will find a way to adjust so that my learning reflects my grade, but, so far, I’m not particularly happy with the class structure, lectures, and tests.
• Class 21 Movie 10.30@5pm
  • Today we watched a movie on diseases. It was an interesting movie, though completely Hollywood. At the end of class, Mr. Navarro told me that he gave me 5 points partial credit for that homework I mentioned in the log for class 19. He certainly is nice man, and I appreciate his efforts. I’m thinking of reading ahead, but I will see how things go tomorrow.
• Health News: 10.30@15:30pm
  • A low-fat diet may reduce a postmenopausal woman’s risk for ovarian cancer, but only if the diet lasts for many years, a new randomized trial has found. Source: nytimes.com
• Class 22 Extra Credit 11.1@12pm
  • Today Mr. Navarro lectured on Cancer. We covered various terms that will be on the test next Tuesday, specifics given to us to study. He also gave another opportunity for extra credit.
• Class 23 Extra Credit 11.7@1:30pm
  • Yesterday, Mr.Navarro gave a quiz on Chapter 13. He then assigend chapter 14 for reading. My presentation is do tomorrow, I will either have to go to class early or print out my steroid paper tomorrow morning.
• Class 24 Presentation Complete 11.8@11:30am
  • I finished my presentation today, and it went very well. I am looking forward to my presentation on consumption in speech class. Anyhow, we have a quiz on Chapter 14 on Tuesday, so I will do my reading then.
• Health News: 11.8@11:30am
  • Birth control pills taken by about 100 million women worldwide may clog arteries when taken more than 10 years, according to a study. Source: nytimes.com
• Class 26 Chapter 16 11.15@11:30am
  • I received the quiz on chapter 14. I did OK on the quiz. I’m starting to adjust to Mr. Navarro’s teaching style. I’m learning that material can be absorbed by my own study styles, and any additional learning can easily work in tandem with the extra credit he offers. His entertaining way of lecturing is best taken as a compliment to the materials. ¶ We are assigned to read chapter 16 by Tuesday, with a test by Thursday… I believe.
• Health News: 11.16@4:30pm
  • Death rates for 13 diseases that can be prevented by childhood vaccinations are at all-time lows in the United States, according to a study released Tuesday. Source: nytimes.com
• Health News: 11.19@2:00pm
  • he out-of-pocket cost of caring for an aging parent or spouse averages about $5,500 a year, a sum that is more than double previous estimates. Source: nytimes.com
• Class 27 Chapter 16 Notes: 11.20@11:00am
  • Mr. Navarro lectured on chapter 16. On my notes, I did some doodling during the lecture. ¶ Our next quiz is next Tuesday. No class this Thursday for Thanksgiving.
• Class 28 Chapter 17 Notes: 11.27@11:00am
  • Are assignment is to make quizzes for Chapter 17 and 18, Chapter 18 due Thursday and 17 due Tuesday. I will read and began working on the quizzes today.
• Health News: 11.27@11:20am
  • Longer Lives Mean Money Lost- With patients living longer, the government is making hospices repay hundreds of millions of dollars to Medicare. (source: nytimes.com)
• Health News: 12.4@11:50am
  • Several recent studies stand as a warning against taking the platitudes of achievement too seriously. (source: nytimes.com)
• Class 30 Notes for Final & Class Conclusion: 12.4@11:50am
  • I have completely adjusted to this class and Mr. Navarro’s teaching style. I am enjoying the class, more on this below. ¶ Mr. Navarro handed out the notes for the final, which will take place next Thursday. Today may be my last journal entry in the class version of the journal, to be turned in for extra credit.¶ All together, I think Mr. Navarro’s presentation style is very entertaining and informative. At first, even though I had trouble adjusting to his quiz structure and direction, once I did, the class became very pleasurable, informative, and entertaining. My suggestion to other students considering Mr. Navarro’s health class, for the complete experience, do your reading, study light, and do extra credit. If you are having difficulty with his quizzing style, the extra credit will make up for the grade, and it will add to the knowledge obtained too! Once you figure this out, you will really learn to appreciate his spontaneous, comical, and entertaining presentation style.