CSET Health Key Concepts to Know
CSET Health Subtest I
The CSET: Health Science exam is composed of three subtests. Each subtest covers three domains. Let’s take a look at each domain from the first subtest and some specific topics from each one.
Domain 1: Foundations of Health Education
Health Programs and Resources
Coordinated school health (CSH) programs
are suggested for schools by the CDC. The purpose of CSH programs is to increase students’ health and academic achievement in schools though a support network that includes families, community members, and the school collaborating to address and meet the needs of children.
Healthy People 2010 was created by the CDC in 2010 to promote health and prevent disease. Healthy People 2010 includes more than 450 objectives designed to improve the health of the entire United States. The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS)
is an anonymous, confidential survey that analyzes student wellness, school safety, and student resilience, administered to students in grades five, seven, nine, and eleven. The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)
is a nationally and locally conducted survey that provides schools and communities with a better awareness of the current behaviors and practices of youth in their area.
The Human Body
The human body consists of a variety of body systems that work together to allow the body to function properly and perform daily tasks. The body systems include the circulatory, digestive, lymphatic, endocrine, integumentary, muscular, nervous, urinary, reproductive, respiratory, and skeletal systems. Anatomy
refers to the study of the shape and structure of the body, body parts, and their relationships. Physiology
refers to the study of how the body and its parts work. Anatomy and physiology correlate because anatomy focuses on organs and their relationships, while physiology studies how the same organs assist the entire body in functioning as organ systems. These relationships are important in health education. If individuals do not understand the parts and structure of the body, it is extremely difficult to learn how the parts function together and make life possible.
Health and Safety Laws
There are a variety of laws in place to protect students. By law, according to the State of California Penal Code 11165.7, all school staff, teachers, aides, administrators, before- and after-school providers, Head Start teachers, and day camp instructors are considered “mandated reporters.” These individuals are required by law to report any suspicion or knowledge of child abuse and/or neglect. It is not the job of the mandated reporter to determine if the allegations are valid.
All educators should practice confidentiality
with all information regarding students. Confidentiality of student information protects the students and their families. All student records should remain confidential. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
of 1974 is a federal law regarding confidentiality rights for students and families.
Domain 2: Human Growth and Development
Human Growth and Development
The human body experiences numerous physiological changes over the course of a lifetime. During infancy and early childhood, growth occurs rapidly and children experience many changes, including changes in body size and weight. Children also experience changes with new experiences, such as learning to kick a ball, run, hop on one foot, and using utensils or scissors. Adolescents experience additional changes during puberty, including growth spurts, breast development, hair growth, and an increase in sweating. Additional changes occur during adulthood, but the changes associated with aging are often more noticeable during late adulthood. Some common changes in late adulthood include the heart working harder, bones weakening, losing body strength, an increase in body weight, wrinkles, and gray hair.
Psychosocial Growth and Development
Psychosocial development focuses on the psychological, emotional, cognitive, and social situations individuals face during growth. Numerous factors influence psychosocial growth, including nutrition, parental bonding, exposure to play, parenting styles, and relationships.
Domain 3: Chronic and Communicable Diseases
Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases
are diseases that last for a long period of time. Common chronic diseases include cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Chronic diseases typically result from a variety of health factors, including genetics and physiological, environmental, and lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets, irregular exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol use. However, they can sometimes be prevented by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding too much alcohol, getting ample sleep, and being aware of your family health history. There are three approaches for preventing common chronic diseases: primary (legislation, education, and immunization), secondary (daily exercise), and tertiary (chronic disease management programs) prevention.
Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases are illnesses that are spread from one individual to another or from an animal to a human. Communicable diseases are often referred to as infectious diseases. Communicable diseases are typically spread through direct contact with a sick individual, breathing in airborne bacteria or viruses, contact with bodily fluids or blood, contact with contaminated surfaces, or insect or animal bites. Common communicable diseases include the common cold, influenza, hepatitis, and malaria. Communicable diseases can be prevented by receiving appropriate vaccinations and washing your hands regularly, including before and after eating and after coughing or sneezing. Primary (vaccinations), secondary (regular exams and screenings), and tertiary (rehabilitation) prevention steps can be utilized for preventing communicable diseases.
And that’s some basic information about CSET Health Science Subtest I.
CSET Health Subtest II
The CSET: Health Science exam is composed of three subtests. Each subtest is based on three domains. Let’s take a look at each domain from the second subtest and some specific topics from each one.
Domain 4: Nutrition and Fitness
Nutrition
Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and healthy body weight are key components of an individual’s overall well-being and health. The combination of a healthy diet and physical activity can help decrease an individual’s risk of developing serious health conditions, chronic diseases, and some forms of cancer. It can also benefit individuals by strengthening muscles and bones, improving mood and energy levels, and decreasing obesity risks.
MyPlate
is a diagram showing the types of food and portion size recommendations by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). MyPlate is a useful resource when developing nutrition plans. MyPlate recommends filling half your plate with vegetables and fruits. The other half should be filled with mostly grains and some lean protein.
In addition to following MyPlate guidelines, reading labels on food items can help improve eating habits. Reading food labels can help individuals who are trying to consume less fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar.
Components of Health-Related Fitness
The five components of fitness serve as a useful tool for creating effective personal fitness programs. Regular exercise and movement offer numerous benefits, including a stronger heart, toned muscles, better sleep, and a lowered risk of chronic diseases. Designing a fitness plan that embodies each of the five components can help ensure that individuals get the greatest health benefits from their plan. The five components of fitness are cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition.
Domain 5: Mental and Emotional Health
Positive Youth Development
A positive youth development approach has shown to be very effective when used in various programs and topics to educate youth about life-changing decisions and preventing risky behaviors. Positive youth development (PYD)
is a framework for working with youth in a supportive way to guide their transition to adulthood. Positive youth development is intentional and engaging.
According to the Five Cs model, young people who fail to develop the five listed attributes are at a higher risk of personal, social, and behavioral problems and risks. The Five Cs approach of positive youth development develops and strengthens youth by promoting these attributes: competence, character, connection, confidence, and caring/compassion.
Stress
Stress refers to a feeling of tension, either emotional or physical. Often stress results from events that cause individuals to feel frustrated, anxious, or angry. While stress can have positive effects (as when it alerts you to avoid a dangerous situation), most consider stress to be negative. Stress often negatively affects individuals’ lives. Common physical, psychological, and emotional signs of stress include rapid heart rate, fatigue, increased blood pressure, feelings of being overwhelmed, sleep difficulties, and persistent thoughts of stressors. Continual stress can result in health problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Stress Management
Individuals who learn to deal with stress tend to lead happier, healthier lives. Individuals with symptoms of stress should take steps to manage stress. Some common strategies for managing stress include getting regular physical activity, practicing relaxation strategies, eating a healthy diet, getting ample sleep, and avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs.
Domain 6: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
Drug Classifications
The word “drug” refers to any chemical substance that alters how someone feels or behaves. In legal terms, there are a variety of drug categories, including legal, illegal, over-the-counter, and prescription. In addition, drugs are also classified according to their effects or how they are used, and these categories include stimulants, opioids, inhalants, cannabinoids, steroids, hallucinogens, and depressants. Depending on the classification, each type reacts differently in the body.
Drug Use and Abuse
All drugs should be used properly according to directions, dosage, and established laws. Even legal drugs can be easily misused, which can result in severe complications and even death. Substance abuse
refers to the use of illegal drugs or the use of legal substances wrongly or in large amounts. Substances are often abused because they create a pleasurable “high” that helps individuals feel good, decrease stress, or avoid problems. Common substances that are abused include alcohol, over-the-counter medications, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and tobacco products.
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment
While we are unable to ensure that an individual will not abuse drugs and alcohol, there are some ways to make it less likely. Preventive behaviors can help sway vulnerable individuals away from substance abuse. These include surrounding yourself with role models, developing healthy coping skills to alleviate symptoms, being aware of your family health history, and living a balanced life.
Numerous options exist for treating substance abuse and addiction. Depending on the specific addiction, various combinations of therapies can be used to help addicted individuals stop using, prevent relapse, and become productive at home and in society. Common therapies used for substance abuse include behavioral counseling, medications, and medical devices for withdrawal treatment. In addition, treatment may involve either inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation and long-term care to prevent relapse.
And that’s some basic information about CSET Health Science Subtest II.
CSET Health Subtest III
The CSET: Health Science exam is composed of three subtests. Each subtest is based on three domains. Let’s take a look at each domain from the third and final subtest and some specific topics from each one.
Domain 7: Family Life and Interpersonal Relationships
Family Structures
Today, more than ever, family structures vary from family to family. Some families may be traditional or nuclear. Others may be blended or include single parents, extended family, or adopted or foster children. Various factors, including cultural, social, and interpersonal dynamics, influence families. No matter the type of family structure, it is important for families to promote healthy relationships through good communication, spending time together, and respecting one another.
Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships
Healthy relationships involve honesty, open communication, trust, and respect. Unhealthy relationships are harmful to those involved. Common warning signs for an unhealthy relationship include the following: constant put-downs; extreme insecurity, jealousy, or anger; isolation from family and friends; physical violence; and controlling behaviors. Positive relationships can be maintained by accepting other people’s differences, actively listening, being open to constructive criticism, and practicing empathy. If you feel expressing your opinion is necessary, try using “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory while communicating your disagreement.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is the direct influence on an individual by friends, colleagues, those of the same age, or those at the same level of power to change one’s behavior or beliefs. Peer pressure typically takes on a negative direction, encouraging individuals to partake in illegal or unacceptable behavior. The S.T.O.P. acronym helps individuals remember what to do in situations involving peer pressure:
S
– S
ay “no”
T
– T
ell a reason why
O
– O
ffer another suggestion
P
– P
romptly leave
Sexual Activity
Adolescents and teens are continually faced with situations and pressure that involve sexual activity. Health education teachers should teach sexual health to equip students with the facts and decision-making skills needed to make responsible choices. Common safe sex practices include abstinence, latex condoms, spermicide with condom use, and contraceptives. Abstinence
refers to the choice to not participate in any form of sexual activity and is the only 100 percent effective way to prevent pregnancy and/or STDs.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are acquired by sexual contact and pass from person to person through semen, vaginal fluid, blood, saliva, and sometimes skin-to-skin contact. Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and oral or genital herpes. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that help fight disease and infections. People with HIV can develop acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The most effective way to prevent STIs is to practice abstinence. Other common ways to prevent STIs include using condoms, having fewer partners, and getting vaccinated.
Domain 8: Consumer and Community Health
Valid Health Information
Health information is everywhere and it is important for individuals to learn to distinguish between valid and invalid sources of information. Sources of information that are likely to be valid and a helpful resource include government websites and information distributed by hospitals or health care providers. Reliable sources include the CDC, WHO, WebMD, USFDA, and The Mayo Clinic.
Individuals should also be aware of false claims and inaccurate marketing. Consumers should check ingredient lists and not be fooled by marketing or claims on packaging. Furthermore, be aware of quackery. Quackery refers to the promotion of fraudulent medical information or care. Do not fall for “magic” pills or treatments.
Community Health
The overall health of a community is based on several factors. Some factors include community vulnerabilities, coping strategies, and risk levels. Access to care is another factor that influences community health. Cultural beliefs such as traditions, religious beliefs, roles, and dietary customs affect community health behaviors.
Intentional and Unintentional Injuries
Unintentional injuries are injuries that occur without any intention of harm. Some common examples of unintentional injuries include automobile accidents, fire/burn injuries, falls, drownings, and poisonings. Overall, unintentional injuries tend to be the third leading cause of death in the U.S., behind heart disease and cancer.
Intentional injuries are injuries that are caused by purposeful harmful actions to others or oneself. Common intentional injuries include bullying, suicide, assault, abuse, and hate crimes.
Emergency Care
It’s not always possible to avoid injuries or accidents, which is why it is imperative that individuals know how to properly respond and provide care during emergencies. Action plans and emergency procedures should be in place and practiced regularly. Individuals should know basic first aid,
which is the initial care given to an individual who is injured or experiencing sickness before medical assistance arrives. When providing first aid or assisting with emergencies, individuals should practice universal precautions. CPR and AED knowledge is extremely useful when assisting emergencies.
Domain 9: Environmental Health
Environmental Health
Environmental health is the condition of the environment in a community, which includes factors that affect human health and disease. Environmental hazards such as contaminated water, air, soil, and food negatively impact communities.
Practices such as reducing, reusing, and recycling help the environment by reducing the amount of waste in landfills and conserving natural resources and energy. Individuals can reuse products or buy used items, use reusable bags, or donate items no longer needed. Many household items can be recycled, including cardboard, newspapers, plastic, and glass. Simple steps can be taken to conserve energy by turning off lights when not in the room, taking shorter showers, and switching to LED light bulbs.
Air pollution and the ozone can cause coughing, wheezing, and even respiratory distress, especially for individuals with COPD, asthma, or lung diseases. Individuals can help to reduce air pollution by carpooling, utilizing public transportation, walking, using gas logs in fireplaces, and using environmentally safe paints and cleaning products.
And that’s some basic information about the CSET Health Science exam.
