Diseases are becoming more prevalent in the world today and it is important that people know what the causes and effects of these diseases are. That is why Sion is offering a new class, pathophysiology, to juniors and seniors so they can learn more about diseases. It will be offered as a second semester class after one semester of anatomy. Marilyn Stewart, the geometry, anatomy, physiology and algebra I teacher, will be teaching this course.

“I am very excited to be teaching this because I am a retired physical therapist and I am huge on promoting the health care field to students,” Stewart said. “It is a very secure and flexible field to be in.”

Pathophysiology used to be taught in the anatomy class, but time tended to run out before they could get to it. Stewart wanted to make this a whole separate class because the subject was so fascinating to students. The students will be learning about diseases in skin, skeletal, muscle, nervous and special senses areas of the body.

“I want what I am teaching to be meaningful to my students,” Stewart said. “That’s why I will focus on concussions, sprains, torn muscles and other things that are relevant to them.”

Senior Maggie Gorman said she is taking the class because she is interested in studying nursing when she is in college. She thought this would be a good class to take so she has a better understanding of the diseases and illnesses people develop and have.

“I think it will be very beneficial since I’m looking into medical school for a career,” Gorman said. “I’m really excited to learn about the different types of cancers there are and how to identify them.”

Junior Alex Mayse is also taking the class because she wants to become a doctor when she is older.

“I am taking the class because it is really interesting and I want to know why people get sick and how we can help them,” Mayse said. “I love anatomy and biology so I thought this would be a good class to take.”