The Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools strive to educate the whole person: mind, soul, body and spirit. A well-educated person has respect for his/her body and understands the workings of that marvelous gift from God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The Human body shares in the dignity of ‘The image of God’” (364). “Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.” (2288).

The teaching of Health, therefore, is an important component of the total Catholic school program and not a “frill” or an “extra.” Students learn to appreciate and understand their bodies and that a healthy body requires exercise and care. Students need to understand how nutrition impacts health. They need to have a sense of the workings of the human body and understand what is needed to maintain the health of that body. Students who have this information should be able to make better (more)decisions regarding what they put into their bodies, how to care for the needs of their bodies in the different stages of life, how to avoid illness, and what to do in case of illness.

The Archdiocese of Denver Standards of Health include the following concepts:

Concept 1 – Students will know the availability and effectiveness of health services, products, and information.

Concept 2 – Students will know environmental and external factors that affect individual and community health.

Concept 3 – Students will understand the relationship of family health to individual health.

Concept 4 – Students will know how to maintain mental and emotional health.

Concept 5 – Students will know essential concepts and practices concerning injury prevention and safety.

Concept 6 – Students will understand essential concepts about nutrition and diet.

Concept 7 – Students will know how to maintain and promote personal health.

Concept 8 – Students will know essential concepts about the prevention and control of disease.

Concept 9 – Students will understand aspects of substance use and abuse.

Concept 10 – Students will understand the fundamental concepts of growth and development.