Environmental Health: An Integrative Approach (2022-2024)

Environmental Health: An Integrative Approach (2022-2024) is organized by Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine.

Current Approval Period - CNE January 15, 2022, to January 14, 2024

Description:
Environmental health is based on the premise that what we eat or are exposed to in our environment has a direct effect on our health. It examines the impact of air pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, toxicants, and other environmental factors on the health of individuals and populations. From historical environmental events like lead poisoning in ancient Rome to the potential impact of phthalates in modern times, this course explores the interaction between the environment and human health and its role in mediating disease. 

Designed for medical and nursing personnel, in this Environmental Health course you will examine the importance of considering environmental factors in virtual patient cases; develop a working knowledge of the strengths and limitations of environmental health research; and understand why certain populations, such as children, are particularly vulnerable. After completing this course, you will be better prepared to give informed and insightful responses to patients' questions about the ever-evolving field of environmental health.

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Appraise the emerging research links between environmental toxicants and the documented rise of complex chronic illnesses, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancers, • neurodevelopmental disorders, and reproductive health.
• Identify how an integrative medicine model may be applied in both the prevention and treatment of environmentally associated diseases.
• Identify the primary categories of chemical toxicants present in the environment and interpret how their mechanism of action may impact human health.
• Recognize and identify the range of toxicants known to demonstrate endocrine disruptor activity in humans.
• Identify vulnerable patient populations in terms of environmental toxicant exposures.
• Apply a structured approach to taking an environmental medicine history that includes consideration of potential toxicants in air, land, and water.
Acquire familiarity with consumer resources that can help individuals reduce unnecessary environmental toxicant exposures and recognize how cultural and socioeconomic status may influence their number of exposures and ability to limit exposure.
• Assess the impact of some of the emerging technologies and agricultural practices on environmental medicine and how they affect human health.
Identify several resources for patients and clinicians interested in environmental advocacy.

Curriculum:
• Introduction to Environmental Health
• Taking an Environmental Medicine History
• From Environment to Humans
• Air
• Land
• Water
• Patient Waiting Room
• Emerging Research
• Wrap Up
• Course Evaluation
• Exam