In your own words, thoughtfully describe the role of methylation as it pertains to mental health, as well as the nutrients required for healthy methylation. 1.  Explain what is meant by Methlyation and why this is important for mental health: (5 points) 2.  Specifically name the nutrients needed for methylation (5 points)

In Module 3, we learned about the role of the Vagus nerve as it pertains to our autonomic nervous system, and how disturbances in the gut–brain axis via the vagus nerve may contribute to the pathophysiology of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. Using your own words: 1). Thoughtfully explain the purpose of the vagus nerve (5 points). 2).  Provide examples of how one can stimulate the vagus nerve to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (5 points). 

During your semester modules, you learned about the importance of the Gut-Brain Axis, particularly a subfield of health known as psychoneuroimmunology that emphasizes the critical interaction of the psychological, neuroendocrine, and immunological processes in stress and illness.   There is bi-directional communication between the gut and the brain. The gut communicates with the brain through four different channels:  1) the immune system, 2) the Central Nervous System;, 3) the Endocrine System, and the 4) Autonomic Nervous System.   Describe how these 4 channels are involved in the gut-brain axis.   1.  Immune System: (4 points) 2.  Central Nervous System: (4 points) 3.  Endocrine System: (4 points) 4.  Autonomic Nervous System:  (4 points)  

Explain the importance (and BOTH positive and negative impact) of each of the six pillars as it pertains to mental health disorders. 1.  Nutrition (2 points) 2. Sleep (2 points) 3.  Exercise (2 points) 4.  Avoidance of Risky Substances (2 points) 5.  Stress Management (2 points) 6.  Healthy Relationships (2 points)

Which of the following is a reportable foreign animal disease that is of significant concern to the US Food Supply 

Which of the following cattle diseases is primarily associated with abortions in ruminants 

DESCRIBE relationship between public opinion and candidates and political parties.

DESCRIBE the various types of elections conducted in Texas outlining the purpose or function of each. DESCRIBE voter turnout in Texas for each of these types of elections. ·     primaries (be sure to explain “open” primaries)·     runoff election·     general elections·     special elections.

EXPLAIN the major challenges faced by Texas Democrats trying to create a new Democratic majority in the electorate. Texas_Democrats.jpg

EXPLAIN the purpose of political party platforms. EXPLAIN why political party platforms are often unimportant to political candidates running for elected office.