Health Brochure and Informational Write-up

Your research project is designed so that you can investigate and learn more about health issues discussed during the semester and hone your writing and computer skills. To select a topic, view the list provided at the end of these instructions. Your professor will send a sign-up sheet around for you to choose your topic. If you are interested in a particular topic not on the list, please get it approved by your professor first.

Objectives

In creating a health brochure and informational write-up, you will:

• Utilize a variety of informational resources/technologies to search for data, research a health condition/disease/illness, create a brochure, and communicate the knowledge you gained to others.
• Draw on prior knowledge as well as knowledge gained during the semester on the subject to comprehend, interpret and evaluate the topic.
• Critically assess information found during research, demonstrating the ability to discern pertinent information.

Tasks

1. In creating a health brochure, you will need to brainstorm topics for your individual brochure. Once you have chosen a topic, you will need to research it thoroughly. This will entail searching online journals, library resources, and information offered by organizations. You can create an outline for the information that you plan on including in your brochure and discuss it with me.

You will create your own brochure using the information you have gathered on your chosen topic. Each brochure will include pictures, facts, and resources. They can be created using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, or other computer software. You can download free templates at internet sites such as www.myscrapnook.com. In areas where computer access is limited, you can create a brochure by hand using 8 ½ X 11 cardstock or heavy paper, pictures cut from magazines or other sources, and text printed neatly and clearly. However, printed versions completed on a computer are preferred over those created by hand & cut/pasted.

The following are guidelines for creating the brochure:

The information should be brief (5-10 min read)

You may use the half-fold or tri-fold design. A printed version (rather than one made by hand) is preferred.

Be sure to include a title for the brochure, graphics/pictures, headings, and subheadings

Pictures or graphs you include must have a citation underneath them.

Don’t forget to list contacts (organization helplines, e-mail addresses, URLs, etc.) where readers can access more information and help.

Your name needs to be on the brochure.

The finished hard copy will be handed to your instructor along with your write-up for a grade.

2. The informational write-up will provide you with an opportunity to go into more details on your chosen topic. This will be a separate, typed Microsoft Word document from the brochure.

The following are guidelines for the informational write-up:

The information should be in complete sentences. A minimum of 2 pages of text in the body of the paper (not including Literature Cited page); 12 font; double-spaced.

Written in scientific format (APA formatting is preferred). This includes using citations in the body of the paper. All information is to be paraphrased, and proper credit should be given to the original author(s). Use no more than 2 quotes.

No less than 5 references, to be cited on the Literature Cited page at the end. You may use your textbook as one of the references. All of the required references must be current (within the last 5 years if possible). Please do not use Wikipedia or any similar website. Additional references (other than the 5 current scientific) can be from any timeframe. Make sure to use reputable sources. The Literature Cited page should be a separate page.

Each student is expected to complete their own work. There should be no copying or paraphrasing of referenced material without proper citation. If a direct quote is used, it should either be placed in quotes or indented. Either method is acceptable but both need to be followed immediately with a citation. This paper should be written in your own words, based on your own research of the topic. Improper citation or plagiarism of other’s work will result in a deduction of points or a grade of 0 (See syllabus for Academic Integrity).

You are to have an Introduction, a Discussion, and a Conclusion. Be sure to include these 3 titles.

In the Introduction, include a brief summary of the chosen topic and highlight areas you will introduce in the Discussion.

In the Discussion, please provide more specific details than in your brochure on the metabolic and physiological effects of the condition and treatment options starting at the cellular level and ending with the organismal level. Also, be sure to discuss any physiological ramifications (i.e. side effects) of the treatment at the point of action.

In the Conclusion, you will want to provide a brief review of any developing research, tests, or treatments for the condition to wrap up the informational write-up.

You will hand in a hard copy to your instructor along with the brochure.

Assessments

You will be assessed on:

• The effectiveness of your research in gathering information on your topic.
• The appeal of your brochure.
• The pertinence of the information/resources within your brochure and informational write-up.

List of Topics:

Skin:

Basal cell carcinoma

Malignant melanoma

Acne

Albinism

Hives

Muscles:

Muscular dystrophy

Myasthenia gravis

Rhabdomyolysis

Bones:

Acromegaly

Osteogenesis imperfect

Osteomalacia

Paget’s disease

Joints:

Osteoarthritis

Gout

Rheumatoid arthritis

Nervous System:

Anxiety

Depression

Parkinson’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease

Dysautonomia

Multiple sclerosis

Epilepsy

Sciatica

Eye:

Astigmatism

Myopia

Presbyopia

Conjunctivitis

Strabismus

Glaucoma

Cataract

Ear:

Otitis media

Meniere’s disease

Otosclerosis

Tinnitus

Mouth/Tongue:

Oral cancer

Geographic tongue

Xerostomia