Cites various effects of stress on the nervous system, including sympathetic arousal and the adrenal response. Describes the role of chronic stress in physical and psychological illnesses. Outlines mind-body therapies suitable for integrative health practices. Demonstrates the practical techniques related to mindful relaxation. Discusses the role of meditation and breathing techniques in stress reduction programs. Demonstrates simple exercises for use in alleviating stress symptoms. Describes how the Relaxation Response engages the parasympathetic nervous system. Describes strategies for integrating mindful stress-reduction methods into nursing, mental health, dentistry and other clinical practices.

Explains the complex nature of body fat and why both too much and too little are deleterious to health. Describes how genes, eating behavior, macronutrients, physiology, microorganisms, and the environment interact to produce obesity. Outlines how the food industry’s production of hyperpalatable foods fuels sweet, fat, and salt addiction and the obesity epidemic. Identifies the most effective diets that could produce long-lasting results in weight loss. Explains strategies for maintaining successful weight loss, managing food cravings, and treating emotional overeating. Identifies the relative effectiveness of diet, exercise, medications, and surgery in maintaining weight loss. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Describes, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, nursing, and other healthcare professions.

Describes the pharmacologic differences among cannabis (marijuana), THC and cannabinoids. Discusses the major legal issues surrounding THC at the Federal and State levels. Lists the physiologic and pathologic effects of marijuana (THC) including effects of long term use and potential harm to the adolescent brain. Describes FDA-approved uses for medical marijuana and possible clinical uses for cannabis in chronic pain patients. Explains the known dangers of vaping marijuana and development of EVALI (Lung Injury Due to E-Cigarettes and Vaping). Recognizes the signs and symptoms of acute marijuana intoxication. Discusses the myths and realities surrounding the explosion of CBD products across the country. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Describes, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, nursing, and other healthcare professions.