Identifies food constituents (macro and micro-nutrients, phytonutrients) that can help prevent or treat disease. Describes how modern processed foods can adversely impact health. Outlines the major benefits of healthy eating related to immune function, aging, gastrointestinal (GI) functions, and cognition. Explains the role of nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition in optimizing gene activity or expression. Describes how nutrition myths, pseudoscience, and an obsession with “clean eating” can compromise health and lead to orthorexia. Outlines how the information in this course can be used to improve patient care outcomes. Describes, based on the information presented, the implications for dentistry, mental health, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, occupational, and physical therapy, and other health professionals.

The course “Brain Health: Mood, Metabolism and Cognition” provides an overview of key factors that can improve mental health, as well as to ensure cognitive health. This course includes a discussion of: (1) the importance of stress management, (2) physical activity, (3) weight management, (4) early diagnosis and proper management of diabetes and pre-diabetes, (5) key dietary factors to “defend the castle”, including the concept of “nutritional psychiatry”, (6) ways to improve gut health so as to improve brain health, (7) proper sleep hygiene, (8) the importance of oral health, and, finally, (9) how to incorporate some of the characteristics of our ancestors’ lifestyle (i.e., address our modern “Paleo-Deficit disorder). Health professionals who complete this course will gain a much fuller understanding of the factors that impact brain health, as well as a range of techniques to help themselves, and their patients/clients, improve/preserve cognitive function and ensure positive emotional and mental health.

Describes the structure and function of neurons, glia, neurotransmitters, and brain regions. Explains how the brain produces and is a ected by anxiety, trauma disorders, and depression. Describes how stress is the foundation for anxiety, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), trauma, and many depressions. Describes the new criteria for the diagnosis of PTSD, trauma disorders, and anxiety disorders. Outlines the symptoms and treatment of the major anxiety disorders, including dental anxiety. Lists the difference in symptoms and treatment of trauma disorders, including PTSD. Explains the nature and course of depression as a co-factor in PTSD, trauma, and anxiety disorders. Describes, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, nursing, and other healthcare professions.