High School Diploma Health and Physical Education Syllabus

What is REM sleep and why is it important?

Rapid Eye Movement sleep is the stage associated with vivid dreaming, brain activity, and memory consolidation and learning.

What is personal hygiene and why does it matter for health?

Personal hygiene is the practice of keeping the body clean (washing hands, brushing teeth, bathing) to prevent the spread of germs and disease and to maintain overall wellness.

What are the dimensions of wellness commonly taught in health education?

Physical, emotional/mental, social, intellectual, spiritual, and environmental wellness.

What is the difference between health and wellness?

Health is the state of physical, mental, and social well-being; wellness is the active, ongoing process of making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.

What is stress, and what is the difference between eustress and distress?

Stress is the body's response to demands or challenges; eustress is positive, motivating stress, while distress is negative stress that harms well-being.

What are the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome (the body's stress response)?

Alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

What is the 'fight-or-flight' response and which system triggers it?

A physiological reaction to perceived threat triggered by the sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline to raise heart rate, breathing, and energy for action.

Name three healthy strategies for managing stress.

Examples include regular physical exercise, deep breathing or meditation, adequate sleep, time management, and talking to a trusted person.

What is emotional well-being (mental health)?

A state in which a person can cope with normal life stresses, recognize and manage their emotions, work productively, and maintain healthy relationships.

What is the difference between an emotion and a mood?

An emotion is a short, intense reaction to a specific event; a mood is a longer-lasting, less intense emotional state without a clear single cause.

What are common warning signs of depression?

Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm.

What are some healthy coping mechanisms versus unhealthy ones for emotions?

Healthy: exercise, journaling, talking to others, seeking help. Unhealthy: substance use, avoidance, aggression, or self-isolation.

What are the key characteristics of a healthy relationship?

Mutual respect, trust, honesty, good communication, support, and clear boundaries.

What is consent and why is it essential in relationships?

Consent is a clear, freely given, and reversible agreement to participate in an activity; it is essential because it respects each person's autonomy and boundaries.

What is the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication?

Passive: not expressing needs; aggressive: expressing needs in a hostile, disrespectful way; assertive: expressing needs honestly and respectfully while respecting others.

What are warning signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship?

Controlling behavior, jealousy, isolation from friends/family, manipulation, disrespect, and physical, verbal, or emotional abuse.

What is the difference between drug use, misuse, and abuse?

Use is taking a substance as intended; misuse is using it improperly (wrong dose or reason); abuse is repeated harmful use despite negative consequences.

What is the difference between physical and psychological dependence on a substance?

Physical dependence involves the body needing the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms; psychological dependence is an emotional or mental craving and reliance on the drug.

What is a gateway drug?

A substance (such as alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana) whose use may increase the likelihood of later using more dangerous drugs.

What are the main health risks of tobacco and vaping/nicotine use?

Addiction to nicotine, lung and heart disease, cancer, reduced lung function, and impaired brain development in adolescents.

What does BAC stand for, and what does it measure?

Blood Alcohol Concentration; it measures the percentage of alcohol in a person's bloodstream, indicating level of impairment.

What does the acronym RICE stand for in treating minor injuries?

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

What are the first steps you should take when responding to an emergency (the basic check)?

Check the scene for safety, check the victim, and call for help (call 911) before giving care.

What does CPR stand for, and what is the recommended compression rate?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; chest compressions should be given at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?

A sprain is the stretching or tearing of a ligament (joint); a strain is the stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon.

What is the difference between a communicable and a noncommunicable disease?

A communicable (infectious) disease spreads from person to person via pathogens; a noncommunicable disease (e.g., heart disease, diabetes) is not contagious and often relates to lifestyle or genetics.

What are the four main types of pathogens that cause disease?

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa (parasites).

How does vaccination help prevent disease (immunity)?

Vaccines expose the immune system to a weakened or inactive part of a pathogen so the body builds antibodies and immunity, protecting against future infection.

What is the difference between an individual sport and a team sport, with an example of each?

In an individual sport the athlete competes alone (e.g., tennis, swimming, golf); in a team sport players work together toward a shared goal (e.g., basketball, soccer, volleyball).

What is the difference between a locomotor and a non-locomotor (manipulative vs. stability) movement skill?

Locomotor skills move the body through space (running, jumping, skipping); non-locomotor/stability skills are performed in place (bending, twisting, balancing), while manipulative skills involve handling objects (throwing, catching).

What is the purpose of a fitness assessment, and name one common test for cardiovascular endurance?

A fitness assessment measures a person's current fitness level to set goals and track progress; the PACER (progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run) or the one-mile run tests cardiovascular endurance.