An active discussion is the key to an interesting and engaging online course. Discussions in this course are designed to simulate a classroom discussion. As you join in the discussion, you should read what has already been posted and continue with the discussion from there.
The first question asks you to voice your opinion or tap into your own experiences so that you can begin the discussion immediately without completing your reading (begin no later than Wednesday). Then apply what you learn from reading the text to discuss the additional questions posed.
If you stop and think about it, every physiologic process in our bodies requires at least one chemical reaction. These processes are critical to our growth, development, and maintenance of health. Unfortunately, there are times when our environment and our diet expose us to some unhealthy situations. Which begs the question, "Are we playing chemical roulette with our food?"
To begin, please watch the following short video presentation: OnSite Health. (2013). OnSite Health Founder Connie Bryan on Food Additives. [3:42 min]
After watching the video, share your ideas about the following based on your opinion:
1. Begin the discussion by sharing with the class any food products or chemicals that you or your family avoid. If so, why? If not, are you aware of anyone who does? Are these concerns valid, in your opinion?
For the second part of this discussion, let's apply what you have learned about the chemical basis of life from the textbook readings and your own research. Contribute to a meaningful discussion of at least one of the following questions. Of course, be sure to properly cite your resources. We'll complete this discussion together, as each of us weighs in on the following topics. Remember, these follow up posts begin on Wednesday:
2. Find an instance in the news where a drug, chemical additive, or preservative was recalled for health concerns. Share with the class the name of the substance, the health concerns raised, whether the concerns are founded or unfounded, and describe how the substance disrupts the bodies physiology as a result of consumption.
3. Advertising in our food industry has morphed to accommodate many concerns people have with food sources, food additives, food processing, and ingredients. Examples include "gluten free" snacks, "free range" chicken, and many products claiming to be "organic". Standards for such claims are loosely interpreted. Research this topic and choose one pertinent example. What are the potential health risks for your example? Is advertising accurate in describing your example's benefits and risks?