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Full Course Description

A Functional and Integrative Primary Approach to Managing Autoimmune in a Care Setting

As the prevalence of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases rises, mastering integrative approaches becomes imperative. Join Teresa as she unveils her expert strategies, honed through real-world experience, to transform patient care and alleviate suffering. Gain invaluable insights and practical tools to seamlessly integrate holistic practices into your primary care toolkit.

Program Information

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • NPs
  • PAs
  • DOs
  • MDs
  • CNS

Objectives

  1. Identify a variety of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases which can be managed using integrative approaches.
  2. Evaluate the efficacy and safety of integrative approaches in managing complex cases of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
  3. Develop practical strategies for incorporating integrative approaches into primary care practice for the management of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Outline

Significant Prevalence and Rising Incidence

  • Affect 10% of population
  • Women more susceptible

Economic and Quality of Life Impacto

  • Management imposes substantial economic burden
  • Significantly impacts quality of life

Conventional Approaches

  • Focus on symptom reduction and control of AI response
  • Often fall short; can be costly

Functional and Integrative Medicine

  • Focus on personalized care; addresses root causes
  • Combines conventional, complementary and lifestyle medicine

Primary Care Integration

  • Early detection; preventative services
  • Strong primary and community care coordination

Foundational Health Fundamentals

  • Prioritize real food, quality sleep, pure water, clean air, sunlight, movement and social interactions

Balancing the Immune System

  • Support Th1 activity; modulate Th2 responses
  • Reduce inflammation

Nutritional Support

  • Address common nutrient deficiencies
  • Remove culprit foods

Holistic Approaches

  • Incorporate mind-body practices
  • Balance ANS

Future Directions

  • Continue education for healthcare providers
  • Address root causes
  • Promote multidisciplinary team collaboration
  • Focus on patient-center care

Copyright : 07/30/2024

Integrative Approaches to Gut Health: Bridging Nutrition and Immunity

Join Dr. Leigh Frame in a comprehensive online course designed to unlock the secrets of the gut-brain axis. Learn from an expert in nutrition and the microbiome how to enhance health and wellness through scientifically-backed integrative methods. Dive into the latest research and practical strategies to improve gut health, support immunity, and achieve whole-person well-being. Enroll now to transform your understanding from the inside out!

Program Information

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • NPs
  • PAs
  • DOs
  • MDs
  • CNS

Objectives

  1. Analyze the relationship between diet and the microbiota-gut-brain-immune interface.
  2. Distinguish potential interventions to support the microbiota-gut-brain-immune interface.
  3. Apply these finding to developing a person-centered plan that you partner with your patient to fit into their life.

Outline

Module 1: The Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis

  1. Overview of the Microbiome
    • Definition and composition of the gut microbiome
    • Role in health and disease
    • Bidirectional communication between the gut and brain
  2. Brain to Gut Microbiota Communication
    • Vagus nerve and its role
    • Effects of dysbiosis on the brain and body
    • Inflammatory responses and parasympathetic activation
  3. Gut to Brain Communication
    • Signal transmitters (SCFAs, bile acids, tryptophan metabolites)
    • Signal receivers (EECs, ECCs, immune system)
    • Impact on brain function and behavior

Introduction to Nutrition and the Microbiome

  1. Diet and Microbiota Composition
    • Short-term vs. long-term dietary changes
    • Diverse diets and microbiota diversity
  2. Macronutrients and Microbiota
    • Impact of fats and proteins on gut health
    • Healthy vs. unhealthy fats
  3. Prebiotics and Probiotics
    • Definitions and examples
    • Benefits and mechanisms of action
    • Variable responses to supplementation

Immune System and the Gut

  1. Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT)
    • Structure and function
    • Interaction with the microbiome
  2. Immune Responses and Inflammation
    • Role of gut microbiota in immune modulation
    • Mechanisms of inflammation and immune activation
  3. Impact of Dysbiosis on Immunity
    • Links to autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation
    • Examples of specific conditions (IBD, IBS, allergies)

Integrative Approaches to Gut Health

  1. Lifestyle Interventions
    • Importance of regular physical activity
    • Stress management techniques (e.g., mindfulness, meditation)
  2. Dietary Strategies
    • Whole foods and plant-centric diets
    • Specific dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean diet)
  3. Therapeutic Interventions
    • Use of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics
    • Potential of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)
    • Emerging therapies and future research directions

Module 2: Deep Dive on Nutrition & the Gut Microbiome

Bioavailability in Nutrition

  • Key Concepts
    • Digestion
    • Bioaccessibility
    • Absorption
    • Transformation and Activation

Diet and Gut Microbiota Connection

  • Impact of Diet
    • Source and fuel for microbiota
    • Influence on microbiota composition
    • Short-term vs. long-term diet changes

Macronutrients and Gut Microbiota

  • Carbohydrates and Fiber
    • Fiber and SCFA production
    • FODMAPs and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Fat and Protein
    • Impact of high-fat and high-protein diets
    • Types of fats and their effects

Micronutrients and the Microbiome

  • Key Micronutrients
    • Vitamin A, B, C, D, K
    • Iron and Zinc
    • Polyphenols and their health effects

Copyright : 07/16/2024

7 Integrative Health Practices to Manage 7 Common Chronic Conditions

Dr. Ruthann Russo guides you through the process of recommending safe, affordable, and evidence-based integrative health practices to help your patients manage their chronic conditions. Explore the use of integrative health practices such as heart rate variability biofeedback, qi gong, yoga, guided imagery, and acupressure to help manage common chronic conditions such as anxiety, tobacco use, high blood pressure, and chronic pain. Create effective treatment plans that seamlessly integrate integrative health practices with conventional approaches.

Program Information

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • NPs
  • PAs
  • DOs
  • MDs
  • CNS

Objectives

  1. Analyze the principles of integrative medicine and integrative health.
  2. Examine the evidence-based research on integrative health interventions and the chronic conditions they manage.
  3. Classify integrative health interventions and their mechanisms of action.
  4. Develop individualized treatment plans for patients with chronic conditions, integrating evidence-based complementary practices with conventional approaches.
  5. Implement evidence-based integrative strategies to effectively manage chronic conditions, evaluate patient progress, and collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

Outline

Introduction and definitions

  • Integrative medicine
  • Integrative health practices (IHPs)
  • Safety considerations

Evidence-based research for and mechanisms of action of IHPs

  • Current systematic review/meta-analysis-level research for each IHP of the common chronic conditions each can effectively manage
  • Review of the research literature exploring the mechanisms of action of IHPs

Chronic conditions and IHPs that can manage each condition

  • Chronic pain
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Depression
  • High blood glucose
  • Tobacco use

Case studies and treatment plans

  • Case study 1: patient with chronic pain and insomnia
  • Case study 2: patient with high blood pressure, anxiety, depression
  • Case study 3: patient with tobacco use and obesity

Evaluate patient progress and collaborate with interdisciplinary care teams

  • Case Study 1: follow up on patient with chronic pain and insomnia
  • Case study 2: follow up on patient with high blood pressure, anxiety, depression
  • Case study 3: follow up on patient with tobacco use and obesity

Risks and limitations

Copyright : 06/10/2024

Common and Not so Common Skin Conditions: A Pharmaceutical Approach

Vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, and hidradenitis suppurativa are various types of dermatologic diseases that can be difficult to treat… but with newer biologic agents and other treatments, we can suppress the inflammation cascade. If you want a better understanding of the appropriate treatment algorithms for these conditions, this course is for you!

Program Information

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • NPs
  • CNS
  • PAs
  • Physicians
  • Pharmacists

Objectives

  1. Prescribe treatment for various dermatological conditions (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, alopecia areata, vitiligo), as well as when to use specific agents.
  2. Explain the various treatment options for the management of various dermatological conditions, including non-pharmacological conditions and pharmacological agents.
  3. Incorporate phototherapy as an adjunctive therapy option in the treatment inflammatory causing dermatological conditions.
  4. Examine emerging treatment options for inflammatory causing dermatological conditions.

Outline

1. Atopic Dermatitis

  • Epidemiology and comorbidities associated with infantile atopic dermatitis
  • Treatment Obstacles
  • Step Treatment options
    • Medications
      • Topical therapies
      • Biologics
        • Adverse events
      • JAK inhibitors
        • JAK and MACE
    • Non-pharmacological therapies
      • Phototherapy

2. Psoriasis

  • Treatment options
  • Phototherapy
  • Treatment pathway for psoriasis
  • Biologics
    • Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha inhibitors
    • Interluekin 17 inhibitors
    • Interluekin 23 inhibitors
      • Ongoing monitor parameters
    • BIOLOGICS
      • Switching biologics

3. Hidradenitis Suppirativa

  • Pathophysiology of HS
  • Diagnosis of HS
  • Severity and Hurley stage
    • Assessment from the patient perspective
  • Treatment
    • First line therapy
    • Biologics

4. Alopecia Areata

  • Risk factors and Clinical presentation
  • Diagnosis of AA
  • Goals of treatment AA
    • Treatment options
      • Topical therapy
      • Corticosteroids
      • Intralesional treatment options
      • JAK inhibitor

5. Vitiligo

  • Epidemiology
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment goals
  • Treatment options

6. Summarization

Copyright : 07/29/2024

Challenges in Women’s Health

Provides a comprehensive overview of women's health, emphasizing the importance of adolescent and reproductive health, including common gynecological issues, including maternal health and menopause, and explores mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and postpartum depression. Includes chronic diseases in women and discusses global access to healthcare for women.

Program Information

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians

Objectives

  1. Identify the unique health needs and challenges faced by women at different stages of life
  2. Explain the common gynecological conditions and their impacts on women’s health
  3. Evaluate the importance of prenatal and postnatal care in ensuring maternal and child health
  4. Analyze the influence of hormonal changes on women’s health
  5. Compare preventive health measures and screening recommendations for women
  6. Discuss the barriers to access to healthcare for women globally and propose solutions to improve healthcare access for women

Outline

  1. Introduction & Importance of Women’s Health
    • Adolescent heath
    • Reproductive health
  2. Common Gynecological Issues
    • Maternal Health
    • Menopause and Agining
  3. Mental Healh in women
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Postparum Depression
  4. Chronic Disease in Women
  5. Access to Healthcare Globally for Women

Copyright : 07/23/2024

Women and Iron Deficiency Anemia: The Silent Struggle

Become equipped with the essential knowledge to address iron deficiency anemia in women's health effectively. Covering everything from diagnosing and assessing through to management and treatment, participants will gain expertise in interpreting hematologic lab values, identifying causes and risk factors, understanding physiological impacts on both women and children's health, and implementing tailored treatment plans. With a focus on evidence-based approaches and healthcare provider consultation, this course ensures optimal care for female patients.

Program Information

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • NPs
  • PAs
  • DOs
  • MDs
  • CNS

Outline

I. Introduction

  • Review of hematologic lab values
  • Definition and prevalence
  • Importance of addressing iron deficiency anemia in women's health

II. Diagnosis and Assessment

  • Overview of diagnostic tests: CBC, iron, ferritin, TIBC, others
  • Clinical evaluation and differential diagnosis
  • Importance of healthcare provider consultation

III. Causes and Risk Factors

  • Factors contributing to iron deficiency
  • Menstrual bleeding and its impact
  • Pregnancy considerations
  • Other factors: gastrointestinal disorders, chronic diseases, etc.

IV. Physiological Impact on women's and children health

  • Symptoms and signs
  • Complications and long-term effects
  • Impact on physical and mental well-being
  • Impact on offspring, including neurologic development

V. Management and Treatment

  • Tailored approaches for women of different ages and life stages
  • Pharmacological interventions: iron supplementation options: oral and IV
  • Recommendations for iron intake
  • Supplement guidelines for at-risk groups
  • Testing and screening

Objectives

  1. Identify the common causes and risk factors associated with iron deficiency anemia in women.
  2. Analyze the physiological impact of iron deficiency anemia on women's health, including symptoms, complications, and potential long-term effects.
  3. Develop practical strategies for prevention, management, and treatment of iron deficiency anemia tailored specifically to women's needs, including dietary interventions, supplementation guidelines, and lifestyle modifications.

Copyright : 05/09/2024

Sex Hormones and their Impact on Mental Health

As the prime directive of life is the creation of new life, the ovarian and testicular produced sex hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, are typically seen by the public and by health care professionals as solely important for sexual functioning and reproduction. But reproduction is viewed narrowly, rather than seen as involving every organ system working in optimal unity. Successful reproduction requires that the entire person is optimally healthy, including the cardiovascular, immune, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, genitourinary systems … as well as an optimally functioning neurological system!

Human reproduction necessitates supportive relationships, love and bonding, and critical thinking for survival to enable a substantial longevity, facilitating multiple prodigy to be conceived, born, and raised to their sexual maturity.  Sex hormones should be renamed as life hormones, acknowledging their enormous contribution to the healthy functioning of every bodily system, with a keen recognition of their vital involvement in both cognitive and emotional health, which will be detailed in this presentation. 

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Discuss the critical involvement of the sex hormones in optimal functioning of every organ system and the interrelationships among organ system to support overall bodily health and reproductive success. 
  2. Compare the specific effects of each of the sex hormones on cognitive and emotional health. 
  3. Explain the mechanisms involved in the support of emotional health by each of the sex hormones, including neurotransmitter production, peptides, the endocannabinoid system, and the autonomic nervous system. 
  4. Provide an integrative approach to the optimization of sex hormone production and replacement through the decades of life. 

Outline

What are the sex hormones? 

  • Where are they produced? 
  • How do they work? 
  •  What are their primary and secondary functions-include their connections to all organ system functions 

Sex hormones as neurosteroids 

  • What are the specific roles of sex steroids in the brain? 
  • What are the specific roles of sex steroids in the autonomic nervous system? 
  • How does the brain get sex hormones? 

How do the sex steroids affect mood? 

  • The role of neurotransmitters 
  • The role of peptides 
  • The role of the endocannabinoid system  

The integrative approach to hormone optimization  

  • How can the production and balance of sex hormones be optimized? 
  • How can sex hormones be replaced due to reduced production with aging? 
  • Summary of the integrative approach to hormone optimization: including nutrition, fitness, circadian rhythm alignment, relationships, toxicant avoidance, stress management  
  • Acknowledge the current limitations of research in this growing field 

Target Audience

  • Counselors 
  • Marriage & Family Therapists
  • Nurses
  • Social Workers

Copyright : 11/03/2023

A Functional Medicine Approach to PCOS

Our current treatment to PCOS is very limited leaving many women left dealing with infertility, risk of cardiovascular disease and progression into diabetes mellitus type 2.  Making it more difficult, is the varying PCOS phenotypes with different hormonal and metabolic needs. Most clinicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of PCOS, a complex and chronic disease.  You will delve into the explosion of new information about the gastrointestinal microbiome and the link to specific chronic complex metabolic diseases, such as PCOS.  Learn how you can implement strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise both treat and prevent PCOS in your patients.
 

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Determine the phenotypes of PCOS and diagnostic criteria.
  2. Explain how treating the microbiome improves metabolic health.
  3. Differentiate between conventional and functional medicine approaches to management of PCOS.
  4. Develop an individualized integrative treatment plan for a patient with PCOS.

Outline

Why Functional Medicine?


Overview of PCOS

  • Statistics and Prevalence
  • Symptoms
  • Work Up
  • Phenotypes – NIH

The Gut – Microbiome

  • Dysbiosis and metabolic syndrome
  • What is Akkermansia muciniphila?
  • Progression of Disease
  • Inflammation

Food, Nutrition and Supplements

  • N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) 
  • Myoinositol
  • Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
  • Food as Medicine

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Advanced Practice Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Midwives
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians

Copyright : 06/28/2023

An Integrative Approach to Menopause

Menopause is a naturally occurring event in a woman’s life in which many treatment options are available. Knowing which treatment options are available, proven integrative approaches, and ways to develop an individualize approach are key to treating menopause and reducing risks. Being at the forefront of understanding the menopausal transition and treatment options is important in caring for women along the lifespan. This presentation will help you to better understand the hormone cascade and how hormones change during menopause and will provide you will various treatment options for your patients utilizing pharmaceuticals and supplements. 
 

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Define the complex process of menopause and peri menopause transition.
  2. Determine the risks and benefits of bio identical hormone replacement.
  3. Discuss alternatives to hormones in treating menopause.

Outline

What Happens During Menopause

  • Permanent cessation of menstrual periods
  • Loss of ovarian follicular activity
  • Androgens become predominant hormone
Treatment of Menopause
  • Bioidentical hormone therapy options ‘
    • Risks/benefits
    • Estrogen
    • Estrogen/Progesterone
  • Non hormonal therapies
    • SSRI
    • NK3 receptor antagonist
  • Supplements
    • Black cohosh
    • DIM
    • Siberian Rhubarb
    • Vitamin E treatment
Potential Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause
  • Breast cancer
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Blood clot

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Advanced Practice Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians

Copyright : 06/28/2023

The Role of Thyroid Hormones and Thyroid Autoimmunity in Mental Health

Let’s engage in an educational session that sheds light on the intricate relationship between thyroid hormones, thyroid autoimmunity, and mental health. We will investigate the direct impact of thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, on mental health, mood, cognition, and emotional stability...delving into the often-overlooked connection between thyroid function and mental well-being, equipping healthcare professionals with essential knowledge to provide more holistic patient care. 

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Assess autoimmune thyroid disease. 
  2. Assess the relationship between thyroid hormone status and thyroid autoimmunity on mood disorders, anxiety, and mental health. 
  3. Construct a list of the components of a full thyroid panel to hand to a patient. 
  4. Evaluate suboptimal thyroid treatment as a potential cause for residual mental health symptoms. 
  5. Analyzing the consequences and triggers of AITD. 
  6. Identify thyroid hormone, thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid trigger directed protocols that may help mental health symptoms. 

Outline

What’s going on in autoimmune thyroid disease?  

  • Thyroid hormone status 
  • Autoimmunity 
  • Consequences of dysthyroidism/triggers/exacerbating factors of AITD 
  • Symptom Overlap 
  • What is a “full thyroid panel”? 

Role of thyroid hormone status (hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism) in mood disorders and anxiety  

  • Subtreatment as cause for residual symptoms 
  • How to optimize thyroid hormones 
    • TSH  
    • T4 to T3 conversion...pharmaceutical options, co-factors 

Clinical relevance of thyroid autoimmunity in mental health disorders 

  • Discussion of pertinent research and proposed mechanisms 
  • Strategies for balancing autoimmune response...myo-inositol, selenium, LLLT, NAC 

Consequences of dysthyroidism/autoimmune triggers in relation to mental health 

  • Stress response 
    • Blood sugar  
    • Trauma 
  • Nutrient deficiencies 
    • Low ferritin 
    • Low Vitamin D 
    • Methylation 
    • B12 
  • Infections, gut health and toxins 

Potential protocols to support thyroid and mental health symptoms 

Target Audience

  • Chiropractors
  • Exercise Physiologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Personal Trainers
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapy Assistants 
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Copyright : 11/02/2023

Travel Medicine Essentials: A Healthcare Provider's Guide to Patient Travel Consultation

Enhance your patient care skills with our comprehensive session on preparing individuals for safe and healthy international travel. Gain essential insights into pre-travel health assessments, vaccination strategies, and preventive measures tailored to diverse destinations. Empower your practice with practical guidance to provide to patients before, during, and after their travels.

  • Counsel patients regarding strategies to prevent food-borne illnesses.
  • Recognize neglected tropic diseases.
  • Provide necessary vaccinations based on travel destination.
  • Provide resources to patients

Program Information

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • NPs
  • PAs
  • DOs
  • MDs
  • CNS

Objectives

  1. Offer travel guidance to patients planning international travel.
  2. Assist patients to define steps to take before and during travel to stay healthy.
  3. Determine resources available for travel planning.

Outline

I. Planning for Trip: Resources Available by Region

  • Researching Destination Resources
  • Understanding Local Healthcare Facilities and Services
  • Accessing Emergency Contacts and Medical Assistance Abroad

II. Food and Water Precautions and Self-Care for Traveler’s Diarrhea

  • Identifying High-Risk Foods and Beverages
  • Implementing Food Safety Measures and Hygiene Practices
  • Managing and Treating Traveler's Diarrhea

III. Precautions for Other Communicable Diseases

  • Immunizations: Essential Vaccines Based on Destination
  • Preventing Vector-Borne Diseases: Mosquito and Tick Bite Prevention
  • Addressing Sexually Transmitted Infections: Safe Sexual Practices Abroad

IV. Additional Health Precautions

  • Alcohol: Responsible Drinking and Alcohol-Related Risks
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Preventive Measures During Travel
  • Jet Lag Management: Coping Strategies and Adjusting to Time Zone Changes
  • Crime and Safety Awareness: Tips for Personal Safety and Security Abroad

Copyright : 04/23/2024

Convenient Care: Evolution and Coordination with Primary Care

Convenient Health Care is a rapidly expanding and innovative healthcare delivery model with unique roles for nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other providers. This presentation reviews best practices when treating the most common conditions in this setting, and the complementary role of the NP in collaboration with primary care.

Program Information

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • NPs
  • PAs
  • DOs
  • MDs
  • CNS

Objectives

  1. Chronicle the background and history of convenient care.
  2. Discuss the expanding role of nurse practitioners in convenient care.
  3. Analyze the future of the convenient care industry.
  4. Determine the relationship between primary care and convenient care.

Outline

I. Overview of History of Convenient Health Care Industry

  • Origin of industry
  • Best practice in industry
  • Evidence Based Practice and Protocol based care

II. Common Diagnosis Treated in Convenient Care

  • Evidence Based Practice of Top Conditions Treated in Primary care
  • List of conditions treated risks of acuity discussion
  • Appropriate referral process for Specialists/Primary Care Needs

III. Role of Nurse Practitioners in Convenient Care

  • Evolution of the NP role
  • Collaboration in Convenient Care with other clinicians

IV. Integration of Convenient Care in Primary Care

  • Role of Convenient Care as Safety Net in Primary Care
  • Projections into the future of the Convenient Care Industry

Copyright : 05/29/2024