The course provides a summary of concepts, practices, and issues related to functional and integrative health as a component of patient care. It addresses how primary pillars of health including nutrition, hydration, activity, environmental exposures, sleep, and stress can contribute to systemic dysfunction and impact a patient’s holistic health and wellness. Natural therapies to improve the body’s innate healing abilities with a focus on lifestyle changes, reducing toxic exposures, supporting the gut-brain connection and detoxification pathways, and incorporating natural supplements and vitamin/minerals are explored. This course also addresses benefits and barriers to this type of care within the current healthcare system and how this relates to the trajectory of chronic disease.
Prerequisites
HC 105 and NUR 125 are recommended.