Health & Human Performance

health and human performance

Jeff Corkish
Pam Dombeck
Chad Feikema
Tim Haneberg
Kris Maus
Josh McLay


The health curriculum at Hastings High School is a dynamic combination of core health topics. It is designed according to National Health Education Standards (NHES), state collaborative standards and national health goals. The goal for our students is to obtain a positive level of health literacy, in other words, to obtain, interpret and understand basic health information and services, and to competently use such information and services to enhance health. The health curriculum includes activities that assess students on four NHES-defined characteristics essential to health literacy: critical thinking and problem solving; being a responsible, productive citizen; self-directed learning; and effective communicating. Course materials expose students to leading health indicators as defined by the Healthy People 2020 U.S. Government program physical activity, overweight and obesity, tobacco use, substance abuse, responsible sexual behavior, mental health disorders, injury and violence, and environmental quality.

Discussion and class work will help students comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention, and analyze the influence of culture, media, technology and other factors on health. At the end of the course, students should demonstrate an ability to: access valid health information and health-promoting products and services, practice health-enhancing behaviors and reduce health risks, use interpersonal communications skills, use goal-setting and decision-making skills, and advocate for personal and community health.