Health Classes at LBCC

As many of us have probably experienced, managing our physical, as well as mental health proves to be a lengthy, continuous journey that will last us the rest of our lives.  How well we manage our health will determine how long that journey is for us.  We are all familiar with the standard health classes that have been part of the mandated curriculum since 5th grade, including sex ed, drug and tobacco warnings, and even full disclosure social/cyber bullying segments.  However, as you get older, you will be happy to know that the information relayed in higher education health classes go beyond basic intuition and address personal health information that we can all benefit from.


PE 231 Lifetime Health and Fitness, available at the LBCC Albany Campus, is an introductory course to general health and fitness.  Brad Carman, faculty member and professor in the Health Department, acknowledges Lifetime Health and Fitness, in addition to Yoga and other 1 credit activity classes, to be the most beneficial for students looking for a General Education Requirement to cross off from their checklists.  Yoga teaches stress managing techniques and habits in order to promote a more relaxed state of mind.  Lifetime Health and Fitness works on general aspects including stress management, spiritual awareness, and multidimensional physical health.  

Richard Gibbs, Chair for the Department of Health and Human Performance, concurs that the Lifetime Health and Fitness course proves to be the most advantageous for students who want a well rounded knowledge of their personal health.

Through PE 231, Good Samaritan Hospital provides a Cholesterol/ Triglyceride/ Glucose screening test with a blood sample which is included in the cost of the credits.  Carman said that these screening opportunities “give you an opportunity to see where you are” and “makes the information user friendly.”  When presented with the opportunity, most students take full advantage of the tests and can influence behavior change.
 
Because the screening is a service that cannot be required, students have the right to refuse the blood test.  Carman has seen an increase in students turning down the opportunity in his classes within the past couple years.  On a financial level, the average screening at a Walk-In Clinic can cost between $50 and $100, depending on the establishment.  Taking advantage of the services through the fees already in place for the class can save a few bucks as well as give you more insight into how your body is working and what you can look out for in the future.

Gibbs says “no matter your age, your health determines how productive you’ll be.”  It is the departments goal to market the sports and health classes as user friendly and a promotion of active habits in order to, as said by Gibbs, “make changes in their life for the better.”


At a Glance:

What: Health Classes

Where: Linn-Benton Community College

When: Winter Term

Who: Richard Gibbs, Chair of Department of Health and Human Performance; Brad Carman, Professor in Physical Education and Health Department.

Contact: gibbsr@linnbenton.edu