Definition:
The educated person has an understanding of the relationships between good health and personal and societal choices. Such a person appreciates that good physical health improves quality of life and cognitive functioning, understands which lifestyle choices enhance physical and mental well-being, and knows how to implement those choices. Wellness is an active, lifelong process of becoming aware of choices and making decisions that allow individuals and communities to thrive. Beyond the self, the educated person has an awareness of sustainability, with a consciousness of his or her relationship to the planet that supports life.

Outcomes:
Upon completion of the Health and Wellness Competency, students will be able to:

• Investigate the relationships between personal behavioral choices and health outcomes in such critical areas as fitness, diet, substance use and stress management;
• Evaluate evidenced-based interventions that lead to healthier individuals and societies;
• Explore ethical perspectives regarding individual and social rights to health and wellness; and
• Examine the actions necessary to adopt sustainable lifestyles through individual,local, societal or global behavior change, and evaluate potential outcomes.