5 credits
In this course, students explore how lifestyle and related risk factors influence chronic diseases, also called noncommunicable diseases. Topics include the role of diet, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and drug use) on the epidemiology of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Through development of an evidence-based intervention to improve a lifestyle behavior, students evaluate the use of theories of health behavior change, measurement techniques, screening approaches, and prevention of chronic diseases.