Course Description

It has been said that the best way to defeat your enemy is to study it thoroughly. In my opinion, the worst enemy to any human being is a disease of any kind. Home Diagnostics course familiarizes students with the symptoms and treatments of the common diseases of the twenty-first century; starting with flu and ending with cancer. First, students will be briefly introduced to how the body naturally works to fight diseases. Then, students will be introduced to the causes ands symptoms of each ailment and the possible treatments available; whether it is medication or surgery. Students will also be taught how to prevent the occurrence of each disease altogether. This course is intended to teach students how to become their own doctors, at least temporarily. The end of the course will cover home diagnostic products available in the market nowadays such as the glucose test kit or the ovulation kit. It will also introduce the concept of telemedicine and how some day in the near future hospitals will be just a click away. This is a 5 week, self-paced, online course. If you need additional help understanding the material presented, you can communicate with the instructor and fellow classmates. The instructor will monitor and track your progress throughout the class. LVS Online offers many wonderful learning tools to help you get the most out of your online course, including an online portfolio service that manages all your course registrations, certificate of completion option, a class discussion board to interact with your instructor and fellow classmates, free hosting account, and a student upload area. LVS is a Corel Training Partner. LVS students may purchase Corel products at a significant savings. Follow this link for details. LVS students are eligible to receive software and hardware at a discount. Follow this link for details. Students are also eligible take advantage of special offers made available specifically for LVS by famous software developers such as Andromeda, AV Bros, Extensis, Harry Heim, namesuppressed, Nik Multimedia, and Ulead. Details are provided in the classinfo link found in the confirmation of registration. Show off your LVS Online spirit with an item from the LVS Store If you would like to receive more information regarding this course, click on the "Contact Us" link in the Information section and we'll try to answer any of your questions within the day.

Course Requirements

Students should have working knowledge of their operating system and must understand directories and paths: Free Windows Class Here Directory Structure Tutorial Here Zip files may be necessary to complete the exercises provided each week. WinZip, PKZip, Windows Compression or similar program is required to unzip these files. Winzip Tutorial Here Windows Compression All lessons are available in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view/print the lessons. Plan to devote approximately 2-3 hours per week on the lesson, quiz and assignments.

Course Prerequisites

Familiarity with basic biology and anatomy would be helpful.

Course Syllabus

Lesson 1 Your Immune System: The Main Function of the Immune System The Main Components of the Immune System How Does the Immune System Mark a Substance as Foreign? Common Symptoms of an Immune System Disorder Common Disorders of the Immune System How Is Your Immune System Tested? Why Do We Need Vaccination? Lesson 2 General Symptoms: How and Why? Breathlessness Fainting Weight Loss/Gain Dizziness Itching Common infectious diseases: AIDS Lyme Disease Hepatitis Mononucleosis Genital Herpes Chickenpox Common Cold Common Allergies and Skin Disorders: Acne Contact Dermatitis Psoriasis Hay Fever Keloids Baldness Common Head and Throat Diseases: Laryngitis Periodontal Disease Middle-aged Vision Headaches and migraine TMJ Syndrome Lesson 3 Common Heart, Lungs and Blood Diseases: Anemia Angina Asthma Heart Attack Collapsed Lung and Artery Hardening Common Intestines and Digestion Diseases: Gallstones Heartburn Hernia Hemorrhoids Appendicitis Common Joints and Bones Diseases: Arthritis Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Gou Ruptured Disk Low Back Pain Common Brain, Nerve, Muscle and Hormone Disorders: Diabetes Stroke Multiple Sclerosis Alzheimer's Disease Sleep Disorders Facial Nerve Pain Common Urinary and Genital Systems Diseases: Impotence Enlarged Prostate Gland Cystitis Kidney Stones Klinefelter's Syndrome Lesson 4 Special concerns of women: Endometriosis Menstrual Cramps Vaginitis Mastitis Amenorrhea Crossed Eyes Menstrual Irregularities Special Concerns of Children: Colic Middle-ear Infections Acute and Allergic Asthma Croup Cancer: Breast Cancer Leukemia Colon Cancer Mental health: Stress Bulimia Alcoholism Lesson 5 First Aid and Emergencies: Fractures Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Choking Hemorrhoids Treatments and Alternatives: Hypnosis Acupuncture Antibiotics Dilation and Curettage Diuretics Painkillers Tests and Examinations: Mammography Exercise Stress Test Blood Glucose Testing Blood Pressure Measurement Breast Self-Examination Bone Marrow Biopsy Nutrition Watch: Caffeine Cholesterol Fiber Protein Lesson 6 Home Diagnostic Products Introduction to Telemedicine

Course Excerpt

LESSON 1 What is the function of the immune system? I would like to think of the immune system of the human body as the army of defense that is always ready to protect the body from any harmful invaders whether it is a pathogenic microorganism, a virus, abnormal cells (such as cancer cells) or any other foreign substance that may try to enter the body. What is the immune system composed of? There are two main pathways in which the immune system performs its job: (1) Natural or Nonspecific Immunity; which is the general pathway taken when a pathogen such as a microorganism try to enter the body and (2) Acquired or Specific Immunity; which is taken when a specific pathogen or substance attacks the body. Before the activation of the specific immunity pathway, the nonspecific immunity usually starts to fight off pathogens in a general but rapid way. It usually begins to act within the first few hours of the invasion. The first line of defense the nonspecific immunity uses includes the physical barriers of the body. First, the skin and the mucous membrane of the body are very effective barriers that prevent the entry of pathogens and viruses into the body tissue or the circulatory system. Second, the cell walls of bacteria can be destroyed by an enzyme called lysozyme, which exists in the perspiration from the sweat glands, the saliva from the salivary glands and the tears from the ducts near the eyes. Moreover, the acidity of perspiration and that of the stomach and intestines prevents the growth of many pathogens. Third, the mucous in the respiratory tract traps many of the many microorganisms that are part of the air we breathe in. Then, the cilia lining the respiratory tract would move these microorganisms to the mouth where they are destroyed. Fourth, the flushing effect of tears, urination and diarrhea also helps get rid of any pathogenic microorganisms. Finally, usually there will be harmless bacteria that reside on the body surfaces, which fight off foreign bodies. Continued... Please note: Lessons provide step-by-step instructions with detailed screen captures.

Course Goals

Once you become familiar with the different diseases of this century, it becomes easier to prevent it from happening. However, if it does find you, instead of panicking, you would be able to know how to deal with it properly. Basically, how to become your own diagnostic monitor is the main goal of this course.

Course Reviews

New Class March 2008 More...