This course will provide essential facts related to the causes, the natural history,
management and prevention of selected diseases affecting human populations. The epidemiology
and impact of these illnesses on the human populations will be studied. The course
will also promote understanding of the impact of diseases on the individual, the family,
and the community and their response to these illnesses. Ability to synthesize information
based on history, clinical findings, and laboratory work and use this information
for management of different conditions will be highlighted through case studies. Fall
semester only.
This course will define the characteristics of allopathic medicine and will describe
the principles and theories of non-allopathic health systems. A comparison of various
health and healing traditions will be made so as to identify how a holistic approach
to health and healing can be derived. The meaning of complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM) will be defined and evidence of its efficacy will be assessed. Ultimately,
this course will demonstrate how CAM, non-western healing traditions, and conventional
allopathic medicine can be integrated to promote health, prevent disease, manage symptoms
and treat disease. Fall semester only. Accelerated format.
Selected topics in human nutrition will be extensively examined, such as fiber and
health, vitamins and minerals in health and disease, methods of weight control, anorexia
nervosa, and bulimia. Emphasis is placed on methods of evaluating nutrition-related
literature and claims, and interpretation of data and scientific studies relevant
to nutrition.
This course is designed for the health professional working with adolescents. Topics
will include eating disorders, sports medicine issues, risk behaviors, and other common
concerns among adolescents. Summer class. One-week format.
The first half of the course is devoted to examining basic stress concepts, the psychophysiology
of stress, common stressors and their effect, and the relationship between stress
and disease. The second half consists of a comprehensive review of stress management
techniques that deal with cognitive restructuring, relaxation, and relationship building.
Considerable emphasis is placed on personal application and group interaction in the
classes.
Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS; natural history of HIV infection, psychosocial, economic,
educational, ethical, legal, and health care issues related to HIV/AIDS will be addressed.
Impact on social groups (minorities, women, and adolescents) will be discussed. Health
promotion and disease prevention strategies will be highlighted. Summer course only.
Methods of promoting health by controlling environmental factors relating to air,
water, wastes, housing, radiation, and industrial hygiene. Spring semester only. Accelerated
format.
This course is an introduction to the role of culture in health and illness, and it's
role in accessing and utilizing health care in the United States. Special issues such
as women's health, infant health, mental health, and death and dying will be considered
in the context of cultural, racial and ethnic diversity. Alternative medicine and
its use in different cultures will be explored. In addition, how beliefs and values
stemming from one's own culture can affect the provision and consumption of health
care services will be highlighted.
This course explores both Eastern and Western theories and practices of health and
healing through the mind/body connection. Emphasis will be placed on learning mind/body
techniques and assessing the mind's role in preventing disease and promoting healing.
Upon completion of the course, students will understand fundamental principles associated
with the mind/body connection, the concept of psychoneuroimmunology and its role in
health and healing, and appreciate multicultural views of holism of mind/body. In
addition, students will be able to discuss in detail the role of the mind in chronic
and communicable diseases and to engage in practical techniques such as meditation,
yoga, imagery and biofeedback for personal use in health and healing. Spring semester
only. Accelerated format.
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of traditional
Chinese medicine. Topic will include the role of vital energy, or Qi, in health and
healing; diagnostic techniques including pulse and tongue; modalities such as acupuncture,
acupressure, massage, and botanical medicines; and a comparison to Western allopathic
medicine. Summer course only. One-week format.
This course is an introduction to classical homeopathy. Topics will include the theory
behind homeopathic medicine, diagnostic techniques, formulation of homeopathic preparations,
evidence-based modalities for health promotion and disease treatment, and a comparison
of the homeopathic approach to health and healing compared to conventional and allopathic
medicine. Summer class only. One-week format.
This workshop will focus on the newest scientific developments in the causes, prevention,
and treatment of obesity. Among other topics, the workshop will explore the merits
and weaknesses of different prevention and treatment approaches to obesity including
different diets (Atkins, Ornish, Zone, etc.), surgery, medications, physical activity,
behavior modification and more comprehensive strategies. Participants will have the
chance to examine the influence of genetics and environment on human body composition.
Summer course only. One-week format.
This course explains the history of botanical medicines in human health and healing
practices and describes the biological activities of botanical medicines as documented
in peer-reviewed, clinical literature. The safety issues associated with the integration
of botanical medicines into conventional healthcare will be discussed. Clinical literature
associated with the effects of botanical medicines on body systems will also be evaluated.
The course identifies the forms of botanical medicines and discusses federal regulation
of botanical medicines and industry responsibilities. In addition, there will be interpretation
of case studies on the applications of botanical medicines for health promotion, disease
prevention, symptom management and disease treatment. This class provides an integrative
strategy for promoting health and healing using botanical medicines. Fall semester
only. Accelerated format.
Students who elect independent study will select a topic dealing with integrative
medicine to research and study under advisement. Offered every semester.
Students will experience a 135-hour field placement in integrative health settings
such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices to gain experience integrating complementary
and alternative modalities into professional health care. Offered every semester.
The emphasis of this course is the care of clients with cancer. This course examines
the various physiological, psychosocial, and spiritual effects this disease has on
clients and their families. A variety of topics will be discussed including communication,
hope, sexuality, spirituality, loss, pain, and altered body image. The focus of the
course is on the role of the professional nurse in prevention, diagnosis, and client
management.
The emphasis on this course is that caring is a universal concept that can be viewed
from many disciplines. Nurses and professionals in the caring business serve as the
guides in a creative journey connecting human caring and the carious disciplines.
