Shifting the Healthcare Paradigm with Lifestyle Medicine

Event Description

Health care in this country more closely resembles “sick care.” While advancements in research and technology have enabled us to sufficiently treat acute health issues, the health care system is miserably failing at preventing and treating chronic disease. It’s estimated that 6 in 10 U.S. adults have one chronic disease and 4 in 10 have two or more. Individuals with chronic diseases use the majority of health care services and account for most of the costs. 

The paradigm needs to shift from reactive to proactive. Lifestyle medicine places emphasis on the whole person and uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic disease. This continuing education event will detail how a lifestyle medicine approach to health can combat the chronic disease epidemic and revolutionize the health care system. Providers and employers will learn foundations and effective implementation strategies related to a variety of topics including nutrition, autoimmune disease, weight management, gastrointestinal wellness, and mental health. 

Provider Day 1

•  Personalized Nutrition into your Practice (1.5 hrs)
  • Description: What’s the best diet? As research advances, it becomes more apparent that there isn’t one “best diet”. The field of precision nutrition is rapidly emerging as we begin to acknowledge that the “one-size-fits-all” approach to diet isn’t working to reduce the risk and prevalence of nutrition-related disease. During this session, the speaker will discuss an evidence-based approach to effective implementation of personalized nutrition into practice.
  • Objectives: 
    1. Review what encompasses personalized nutrition
    2. Gain knowledge about the clinical implications of key nutrients and bioactive compounds in personalized nutrition
• Stress- HPA Axis- Mental Health (2 hrs)
  • Description: Mental health has been a hot topic over the last few years.  From isolation to fear there are many reasons as to why poor mental health seems so rampant.  During this session, the speakers will discuss the impact HPA dysregulation plays in mental health and various approaches to rebalancing the HPA axis. 
  • Objectives:
    1. Review the physiology of the HPA axis
    2. Discuss how stress impacts adrenal health
    3. Describe the connection between adrenal function and mental health
    4. Introduce integrative approaches to support HPA homeostasis and mental health
• Weight Management and Disease (2 hrs)
  • Description: Weight loss and management is a hot topic in our society of late. Many people are looking for quick fixes and not doing the work to make changes to lose weight and keep it off long-term.  This session will outline the different factors that contribute to weight loss resistance and the actions people can take to reach a healthy weight sustainably.
  • Objectives:
    1. Understand the underlying pathophysiology that contributes to weight loss resistance and obesity
    2. Discuss the role the gut microbiome plays in weight management
    3. Describe the connection between stress, increased cortisol, and obesity
    4. Explore integrative approaches to foster weight loss and support healthy weight management

Employer/Broker Day 1

• Weight Management Employer Health Programs (2 hrs)
  • Description: Obesity is an epidemic in our society today and it is a contributor to many chronic health problems.  In this session, the speaker will discuss the trickle down effect of how obesity can contribute to poor employee productivity.  They will also share different ways of incorporating weight management programs into your employee health offerings. 
  • Objectives:
    1. Discuss the current obesity epidemic and its toll on the healthcare system
    2. Understand how healthy weight management is linked to employee productivity
    3. Identify integrative and sustainable approaches to incorporate into employee weight management programs
• How Nutrition Impacts Your Health (1.5 hrs)
  • Description: It may seem far fetched, but nutrition greatly affects a person’s overall health and productivity. In this session, the speaker will discuss how the foods a person eats can contribute to various health conditions.  They will convey how healthy eating can improve employee performance and how you can support healthy habits in the work environment.
  • Objectives:
    1. Review the fundamentals of nutrition
    2. Discuss how the standard American diet impacts health and contributes to disease
    3. Understand how healthy eating habits benefit the workforce and business
    4. Identify interventions employers can take to improve employee eating habits
• Handling Stress in the Workplace & How Stress Impacts Your Health (2 hrs)
  • Description: During this session, the speakers will offer valuable insights into recognizing, managing, and mitigating workplace stress. Discover practical strategies to enhance well-being and productivity while gaining a deeper understanding of the profound effects of stress on your overall health.:
  • Objectives:
    1. Discuss the correlation between prolonged stress and its adverse impact on physical and mental health
    2. Introduce effective stress management techniques, empowering attendees to navigate workplace challenges with resilience and composure
    3. Provide practical guidance on creating a stress-reducing work environment, leading to increased employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity
    4. Foster a comprehensive understanding of the symbiotic relationship between stress management, employee well-being, and organizational success, encouraging proactive measures to promote a healthier workplace culture

Provider Day 2

• Foundations of Gastrointestinal Wellness (1.5 hrs)
  • Description: Poor gut health is a major root cause for many health conditions.  In this session, the speaker will discuss how the gut microbiome and inflammation can have an impact on not only GI disorders but on overall health.  They will outline various treatment options for the more prevalent GI disorders. 
  • Objectives:
    1. Describe the impact of the gut microbiome and gut inflammation on GI disorders and overall health
    2. Discuss integrative treatment options for prevalent GI disorders
• Coaching Excellence: Guiding Patients Effectively (2 hrs)
  • Description: Elevate your coaching game with must-have skills and communication strategies essential for steering patients towards a healthier lifestyle. We'll delve into the art and science of effective health coaching, tailoring your approach to fit different patient needs, creating a supportive space, inspiring motivation, and fostering a trusting relationship that will set the stage for successful health outcomes. 
  • Objectives:
    1. Understand the fundamental principles and significance of effective health coaching
    2. Learn techniques to create a collaborative relationship with patients
    3. Adapt coaching techniques for diverse needs
    4. Create a safe space for patients to express their needs and process emotions
    5. Develop strategies to inspire patients to reach their goals
• Autoimmune Lifestyle Interventions (2 hrs)
  • Description: In this session, the speaker will delve into the intricate interplay between the gastrointestinal system and immune function. Discover how diet and lifestyle choices profoundly affect the immune system and explore integrative approaches that can be employed to support and harmonize this critical component of overall health. Gain valuable insights to enhance your practice and help patients on their journey to better immune health.
  • Objectives:
    1. Recognize the connection between the gastrointestinal system and immune function
    2. Review the impact of diet and lifestyle on the immune system
    3. Identify integrative approaches to support and balance the immune system

Employer/Broker Day 2

• Empowerment Through Health Coaching (2 hrs)
  • Description: Discover the secrets to unlocking your health potential. Uncover practical ways you can use mindset to influence your wellness goals and conquer roadblocks that stand in your way. Learn to speak up for yourself, express your needs, and leverage your health coach in your journey to a healthier, happier you!
  • Objectives:
    1. Understand the powerful connection between mindset and achieving your health goals
    2. Navigate through your brain's natural resistance to change
    3. Leverage your health coach to optimize your progress
    4. Confidently express your needs and concerns in (and out of) the coaching relationship
    5. Learn practical strategies to overcome roadblocks and stay on track towards your goal
• Connections of GI health to overall health (1.5 hrs)
  • Description: In this session, the speaker will offer essential insights into the pivotal relationship between gastrointestinal well-being and overall health. Gain a comprehensive understanding of how digestive health influences various aspects of your life and learn how to improve overall health by focusing on GI health.
  • Objectives:
    1. Discuss the intricate links between gastrointestinal health and overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of a healthy gut in maintaining vitality and resilience
    2. Describe the methods for fostering GI health through diet and lifestyle choices, enabling them to make informed decisions for improved personal wellness
    3. Explore the direct impact of GI health on producivity, absenteeism, and overall workplace performance
    4. Navigate the ways employers can support and promote gastrointestinal health among employees, resulting in a happier, healthier, and more engaged workforce
• Reducing Cost in Autoimmune (2 hrs)
  • Description: In this session, the speaker will provide practical strategies to effectively manage the financial burden associated with autoimmune conditions. They will explore cost-saving measures, improved healthcare utilization, and ways to enhance the overall well-being of individuals with autoimmune diseases.
  • Objectives:
    1. Educate consumers on cost-effective approaches to managing autoimmune conditions, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare while reducing financial strain.
    2. Highlight the financial impact of autoimmune diseases on employers, offering insights into the potential cost savings that can be achieved through proactive measures.
    3. Provide practical guidance on optimizing healthcare utilization and leveraging preventive strategies to reduce medical expenses related to autoimmune conditions.
    4. Encourage employers to implement wellness programs and accommodations that support employees with autoimmune diseases, ultimately fostering a healthier, more productive workforce while minimizing healthcare costs.

Day 3: Expo and Final Keynote