EHS 345: Health Behavior Change

This course is an introduction to the science of health behavior change. The most commonly used theories, models and strategies of health behavior change will be explored in the context of promoting health and preventing disease. The particular emphasis of the course is on health behavior change in relation to improving physical activity, eating a healthful diet, eliminating tobacco use, and other lifestyle related habits that impede optimal health and wellness. This course is designed to teach students strategies and skills that they can use to support and facilitate a client or patient's behavior change goals. Emphasis is placed on improving student competency in designing evidence- and theory-based interventions for individuals and possibly groups. Students will learn the evidence-based counseling skills to interact with individuals in a few settings such as in health care, the community, and worksites. The course has particular relevance to students who plan to be exercise specialists, physical therapists, nutritionists, physical assistants, nurses, health educators, psychologists and other health care professionals.