Full Course Description

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

Analyze the principles of integrative medicine and integrative health.
Examine the evidence-based research on integrative health interventions and the chronic conditions they manage.
Classify integrative health interventions and their mechanisms of action.
Develop individualized treatment plans for patients with chronic conditions, integrating evidence-based complementary practices with conventional approaches.
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

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

Identify a variety of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases which can be managed using integrative approaches.
Evaluate the efficacy and safety of integrative approaches in managing complex cases of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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

Nutrition for Longevity: Integrative Strategies for Aging Well

Discover how functional nutrition can revolutionize geriatric care by addressing root causes of aging and its impact on health. This presentation offers evidence-based strategies to modulate aging, drawing insights from the Blue Zones, regions renowned for longevity. Learn how nutritional approaches can support healthy circadian rhythms, and how to fuel longevity through targeted dietary interventions. Explore the integration of functional nutrition into geriatric care and how to put these transformative practices into action. Join us for a comprehensive look at how personalized nutrition can enhance the well-being of older adults.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine the principles of functional nutrition specifically to the Geriatric population.
Evaluate evidence based targeted nutritional interventions to address oxidative stress, inflammation, circadian rhythm disruption and metabolic dysfunction in the geriatric population.
Analyze the concept of chronobiology and learn how specific nutritional approaches can support healthy circadian rhythms in older adults.
Incorporate the nutritional and lifestyle determinants of longevity into their clinical practice.

Outline

Functional Nutrition in Geriatrics

The root causes of aging and the impact on health

Modulation of aging with nutrition: What the studies show

Practical insights into longevity: Determinants from the blue zones

Chronobiology: Nutritional approaches to support healthy circadian rhythms

Fueling Longevity with the Fork

Nutritional strategies to combat oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction

Supplements and fasting for longevity

Integrating Functional Nutrition into Geriatric Care

Tailoring nutrition in geriatrics

Putting into practice: Case study review of geriatric functional nutrition

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Thearpist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Thearpist Assistants
Speech-Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 07/29/2024

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

Analyze the relationship between diet and the microbiota-gut-brain-immune interface.
Distinguish potential interventions to support the microbiota-gut-brain-immune interface.
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

Overview of the Microbiome
- Definition and composition of the gut microbiome
- Role in health and disease
- Bidirectional communication between the gut and brain
Brain to Gut Microbiota Communication
- Vagus nerve and its role
- Effects of dysbiosis on the brain and body
- Inflammatory responses and parasympathetic activation
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

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

Immune System and the Gut

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

Integrative Approaches to Gut Health

Lifestyle Interventions
- Importance of regular physical activity
- Stress management techniques (e.g., mindfulness, meditation)
Dietary Strategies
- Whole foods and plant-centric diets
- Specific dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean diet)
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

Metabolism Mastery: Unravel the Complexities of Metabolic Dysfunction with Functional Nutrition

Get core insights in this comprehensive Metabolism and Weight training, a pivotal learning experience designed for advanced level practitioners. This module, led by Vanessa Ruiz, ND, RN-BSN, an expert in metabolic health, has been crafted to deepen your understanding of metabolic processes and enhance your clinical skills. Key takeaways that encapsulate what you’ll readily apply in your practice include:

Master Metabolic Pathways with Patient Scenarios: Understand the intricacies of lipid, glucose, and protein metabolism through patient case studies & enhance your ability to apply this knowledge in clinical settings.

Diagnose Metabolic Imbalances with Real-Life Examples: identify signs of metabolic dysfunction in patients, using real-life examples to illustrate common presentations and root causes

Implement Restorative Strategies in Clinical Practice: tailor diet, supplementation and lifestyle changes to individual patient needs for effective metabolic restoration

These takeaways represent the foundational knowledge and skills you've acquired, positioning you to make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with metabolic issues. As you continue your practice, remember that these insights are not just theoretical concepts, but practical tools that can transform patient outcomes

Program Information

Outline

Foundations of Lipid, Glucose and Protein for Energy Metabolism (45 minutes)

Inspect normal lipid, glucose and protein metabolism in a healthy system
- Normal Lipid, Glucose, Protein Pathways and Metabolism
- Determinants of Metabolism: Thermogenesis, NEAT, Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Thermic Effect of Food. Exercise and Mitochondrial Adaptations Contributing factors of metabolism
- Enhancing Metabolic Flexibility with Nutrition

Causes of Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity (40 minutes)
Determine the root cause factors of lipid, glucose and protein metabolic dysfunction leading to obesity and metabolic syndrome

Identify early signs of Metabolic dysfunction
Clinical signs and symptoms of Metabolic Disorder
- Classification and Anthropometrics
Mechanisms of Metabolic Disorder

Conventional Approaches to Metabolic Dysfunction and Syndrome (30 minutes)

Working with Clients with Metabolic Dysfunction and Metabolic Syndrome
Conventional Approaches to Weight Management and Metabolic Syndrome
- GLP-1
- Bariatric Surgery and Support

Functional Testing, Supplementation and Diet Strategies to Restore Healthy Metabolism (30 minutes)

Identifying Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

Sleep
Nutrition to Optimize Weight Reduction and Metabolic Flexibility: Chrononutrition, High quality foods, insulin sensitization, anti-inflammatory measures, supplementation
Intermittent Fasting for Enhancing Metabolism

Functional Approaches for Overweight & Obese Clients (20 minutes)

Goals for weight loss
Long-term Monitoring

Objectives

Explore normal lipid, glucose and protein metabolism in a healthy system
Explore the factors of lipid, glucose and protein metabolic dysfunction leading to obesity and metabolic syndrome
Determine functional testing, supplementation and diet strategies to restore healthy metabolism

Target Audience

Nurse Practitioners
Nurses
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Other advanced healthcare professionals.

Copyright : 12/19/2023

Practical Tips to Integrate Nutraceuticals for Cardiovascular Health into Clinical Practice

Join Melody Hartzler, PharmD, BCACP, a pharmacist with expertise and passion for functional medicine. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the role nutraceuticals can play in enhancing cardiovascular health. As cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, this session will delve into the evidence-based use of specific dietary strategies and nutraceuticals that can mitigate risk factors and support heart health. Further explore the Mediterranean diet and its cardioprotective benefits, along with advanced cardiovascular risk markers, providing practical insights on how to interpret these tests. Attention will be given to the use of key nutraceuticals, including omega-3s, turmeric, and resveratrol, and the connection between insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Learn how to integrate these interventions into clinical practice to optimize patient outcomes.

Program Information

Objectives

Interpret advanced cardiovascular risk markers and understand how these tests can guide nutraceutical interventions.
Evaluate the cardioprotective properties of key nutraceuticals and how to incorporate them into patient care.
Examine the relationship between insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease to determine how certain nutraceuticals and dietary interventions can support insulin sensitivity and overall cardiovascular health.
Analyze key components of the Mediterranean diet and explain its evidence-based benefits for reducing cardiovascular risk.

Outline

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment & Testing

Key biomarkers for cardiovascular risk: hs-CRP, myeloperoxidase, coronary calcium score, oxidized LDL
Advanced testing options
The NMR panel and its role in assessing lipoprotein particle size and number

Address Insulin Resistance for Cardiovascular Health

Insulin resistance and its connection to cardiovascular disease

The Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Health

Mediterranean diet and its components (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, fish)
Studies linking the Mediterranean diet with reduced cardiovascular risk
Emphasize the role of polyphenols, healthy fats, and fiber in supporting heart health

Essential Nutraceuticals for Cardiovascular Health

Omegas (EPA/DHA)

Omega-3 fatty acids in reducing inflammation and improving lipid profiles
Evidence supporting the use of EPA/DHA for cardiovascular protection

Turmeric

Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin and its impact on heart health
Research on turmeric’s role in reducing arterial plaque and supporting endothelial function

Resveratrol

Resveratrol as a polyphenol with cardioprotective properties
Role in improving endothelial function, reducing oxidative stress, and potential benefits in metabolic syndrome

Others: Berberine, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Inositol, CoQ10

Address Insulin Resistance: Key Nutraceuticals

Zinc, magnesium, chromium, alpha-lipoic acid
Probiotics & gut health: Explore the gut-heart connection and how probiotics can influence insulin sensitivity and inflammation
Dietary interventions: How a diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and low glycemic index foods can support insulin sensitivity

Other Considerations for a Functional/Lifestyle Medicine Approach

Sedentary lifestyle
Sleep
Stress
Alcohol intake
Tobacco use
Environmental toxins

Practical Application & Case Studies

Practical tips to integrate nutraceuticals into clinical practice

Any potential interactions or contraindications

Case study examples

Studies where nutraceutical interventions led to improved cardiovascular outcomes

Target Audience

Physicians
Physician Assistants
Nurses

Copyright :

12/12/2024

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

Define the complex process of menopause and peri menopause transition.
Determine the risks and benefits of bio identical hormone replacement.
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

Integrative Mental Health: Treating Anxiety and Depression with a Whole-Person Perspective

As a therapist, you’ve likely seen the frustration and exhaustion in your clients’ eyes – the weight of anxiety that never fully lifts, the heaviness of depression that keeps pulling them back.

You’ve guided them through traditional interventions, but for some, progress is slow, inconsistent, or even stagnant. The reality is that anxiety and depression are complex, deeply personal experiences that don’t fit neatly into one-size-fits-all treatment models.

When clients don’t respond to standard approaches, it can leave both therapist and client feeling defeated.

Join Dr. Ashley Smith, author of The Way I See It: A Psychologist’s Guide to a Happier Life, to stop merely managing symptoms and begin to address the full spectrum of factors contributing to anxiety and depression - biological, psychological, social, existential, and lifestyle-based.

This 3-hour course will give you everything you need to get started on your path to providing truly holistic care. You’ll learn:

A whole-person assessment approach to identify and select intervention targets
A ready-to-use framework for holistic care to guide your treatment plans
Values-based goal-setting strategies to target lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, sleep, and spirituality, that matter most to your client
Ethical guidelines for staying in your zone of competence
Current research on the role of supplements, psychedelics, and medications and indications for use of each

Through case studies, hands-on exercises, and an ethical lens on whole-person care, you will learn how to craft individualized, dynamic treatment plans that empower your clients to heal – not just cope.

Join us to explore a new way forward - one that treats the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

Program Information

Objectives

Define biological, psychological, social, existential, and lifestyle factors that contribute to anxiety and depression.
Identify key assessment tools and strategies to address client concerns across the five domains or holistic mental health care.
Determine ethical considerations and best practices for integrating lifestyle-based, biological, and interdisciplinary interventions into clinical practice.

Outline

The Case for Whole Person Care

The many forms of anxiety and depression
The five pillars of holistic care:
- Biological
- Psychological
- Social
- Existential
- Lifestyle
Competence, collaboration, and coordination of care
Traditional treatments: The state of the research
The latest evidence supporting holistic intervention
Limitations of the research and potential risks

A Whole-Person Assessment Approach

Assess the five domains through:
- Clinical interview
- Self-report measures
- Wellness and values measures
- Bio/behavioral data and technology
Experiential activity: Case conceptualization

HOLISTIC TREATMENT INTERVENTIONS TO TARGET ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Lifestyle Interventions

Need-to-know information for clinicians
- Beyond sleep hygiene
- Foods that impact moods
- Movement and the mind
Make changes that last
- Habit stacking
- Values-based goal setting

Biological Interventions

Latest research on psychotropic medications
Top 5 supplements to support the nervous system
Psychedelics: Current research and guidelines

Psychological Interventions

3 mindfulness strategies to use anywhere
Mind/body techniques to mitigate stress
Psychoeducation: Positive psychology vs toxic positivity
The science of happiness: Take-aways to implement immediately
Experiential activity: Non-medication mindfulness techniques

Social Interventions

Interpersonal strategies to support healthy relationships
THINK, FAST, and GIVE: DBT skills for interpersonal effectiveness
Healthy boundaries with people, social media, and technology

Existential Interventions

Creative interventions to support finding meaning
Worldview mapping
Align choices with values and beliefs

Tying it All Together

Apply the framework to intervention
Where to begin: Collaborative prioritization
Experiential Activity: Treatment Planning

Integrative Care in the Therapy Room

Zone of competence: Ethical considerations
When to refer and to whom
Coordination of care and collaborative decision-making

Target Audience

Counselors
Psychologists
Social Workers
Marriage and Family Therapists
Addictions Counselors
Nurses
Physicians
Dieticians

Copyright :

08/05/2025

Functional Nutrition for Orthopedics

Dip your toes into the waters of functional nutrition, or food as medicine! Discover what functional nutrition is and how to apply the principles to orthopedic-related conditions including osteoarthritis, weight optimization before joint replacement surgery, fractures, osteoporosis, and concussions. Evidence backed supplements to help manage orthopedic conditions will be discussed. You will develop effective methods to introduce functional nutrition topics to patients in a standard office visit and learn techniques to overcome common barriers. Kristin Schmidtgall MPH, MPAS, PA-C, will share real life examples from her own orthopedic practice and the patient transformations that have taken place!

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate how food can be used as medicine for various orthopedic ailments.
Develop functional nutrition recommendations for patients with osteoarthritis.
Plan food recommendations to reduce weight before total joint replacement surgery becomes necessary.
Incorporate brief functional nutrition discussions within clinical visits.

Outline

Osteoarthritis

Common symptoms
Diet recommendations
Lifestyle recommendations
Supplement recommendations

Weight Loss Before Joint Replacement Surgery

Data on optimum BMI
Fasting options
Optimizing nutrition during fasts

Fracture Recovery

Bone remodeling process
Foods to improve process
Supplements to help

Post Operative Period

Cellular level picture of surgical recovery
Mental health component
- Optimize serotonin production
Supplements

Osteoporosis

Prevalence- why we see it in ortho
Labs
Nutrition
Supplements

Autoimmune Arthritis

Why these happen
Diet options to reduce inflammation
Referrals
Supplements

Concussions

Physiology
Calorie restricted diet
CCMI recommendations
Supplements

Time Management During the Office Visit

Show minute breakdown of an office visit
Techniques to optimize retention
- Handouts
- Websites/apps

Challenges

Patient readiness
Nonwestern approach
Family support
Cost/lack of insurance coverage
- HSA
- Bulk purchasing

Case Simulations/Presentations

Osteoarthritis
Weight loss
Autoimmune arthritis
Fracture/surgery recovery
Osteoporosis
Concussions

Copyright :

05/24/2024

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

Determine the phenotypes of PCOS and diagnostic criteria.
Explain how treating the microbiome improves metabolic health.
Differentiate between conventional and functional medicine approaches to management of PCOS.
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

Motivational Interviewing for Busy Clinicians: Transform Brief Patient Interactions to Promote Behavior Change

Have you felt frustrated and out of ideas on how to help your patients make healthy lifestyle changes? Do you feel like you are just repeating yourself at each patient encounter and getting nowhere? Are you worried that if your patients don’t make healthier choices soon, it might be too late? You are not alone. So many healthcare professionals feel the same way. If you only could help patients move in the direction of healthy change, you know it would make such a positive impact on their lives.

We all know diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are some of the leading causes of death and disability in our country. If we as clinicians can help our patients with their modifiable risk factors, we can help them reduce their risks for illness, injury and disease. Many patients know what needs to be done to reduce their risks, but don’t or can’t make the necessary behavior changes on their own. What hinders them from making the changes they desire to? Is it a problem of motivation, fear, confidence or even prioritization? Imagine if you could have a better conversation with your patients that helps them explore their reasons for making healthy changes and help them move into action.

Utilizing MI in your practice can feel difficult with time constraints and so many things that need to be addressed in a typical patient visit. In this course, you will learn practical ways to incorporate MI into your patient encounters. You will learn how you can use MI, even in brief encounters, to help move patients in the direction of change to improve their health and well-being.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine how MI can help their patients with healthy behavior change.
Demonstrate key MI fundamental skills.
Identify patient situations/problems where MI might be helpful.
Plan for ways to integrate an MI approach into routine patient visits.

Outline

Healthy Lifestyle Changes are Difficult to Make: Discover the Skills to Help Your Patients Find Success

The patient perspective
How clinicians get in the way
MI as a tool for behavior change

Motivational Interviewing Essentials: Principles and Skills

Review of the Spirit, Tasks and Skills of Motivational Interviewing
Strategies for evoking change talk
Techniques for responding to Sustain Talk and Discord
Included updates from the 4th edition of "Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change and Grow" by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick (creators of MI)

Integrating MI into Practice: Practical Ways to Incorporate MI During Your Patient Encounters

Utilizing MI in brief encounters
Integrating MI into your assessments
Providing advice and information in an effective way
MI for remote health encounters (telehealth)

Target Audience

Nurses
Physicians

Copyright :

01/15/2024

Beyond the Plate: Address the Multifactorial Nature of Geriatric Malnutrition

This session will expand on the traditional clinical view of malnutrition to encompass the complex web of factors that contribute to poor nutritional status in older adults. While examining how psychological, social, and environmental elements create barriers to adequate nutrition, the content provides specific nutritional strategies tailored to the physiological changes of aging. Stacey Woodson, MS, RN, LDN will discuss ways to conduct multidimensional assessments that include both traditional nutrition parameters and broader contextual factors. The intervention approaches balance macro and micronutrient considerations with practical implementation strategies, such as food fortification techniques that caregivers can implement at home. Emphasis is placed on innovative models that bridge clinical nutritional care with community resources and support systems, recognizing that sustainable improvements require both precise nutritional intervention and addressing the underlying factors that limit food access, preparation, and consumption.

Program Information

Objectives

Recognize the multiple factors (nutritional, psychosocial and environmental) contributing to malnutrition in older adults.
Design holistic intervention plans that integrate targeted nutritional strategies with approaches addressing underlying contributors to malnutrition.

Outline

Geriatric Malnutrition is Multidimensional

Physiological, psychological, and social factors
Impact on functionality, independence, and quality of life
Healthcare burden and economic implications
Unique macronutrient and micronutrient requirements in aging

Beyond Clinical Factors

Social isolation and loneliness
Economic barriers and food insecurity
Cognitive impairment and depression
Medication side effectives and polypharmacy
Protein-energy malnutrition patterns specific to older adults

Comprehensive Assessment Framework

Integrating nutritional, functional, and psychosocial evaluations
Patient-centered interview techniques, appropriateness of interview techniques
Biomarkers and anthropometric measures for nutritional status
Assessing micronutrient deficiencies common in aging (B12, D, calcium)

Innovative Intervention Models

Community-based approaches and meal programs
- Meals on wheels, SNAP, farmer’s market programs
Addressing sensory impairments that affect eating
Nutrient-dense meal planning for reduced appetite
Food fortification techniques for home implementation

Building Sustainable Support Systems

Policy considerations and advocacy
Connecting clinical care with community resources
Family and caregiver education on nutritional fundamentals
Strategies for medication timing and food interactions
Dietary approaches for common comorbidities (heart failure, diabetes, kidney disease)

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright :

10/15/2025