SEF-EDG8033 - Certificate in Nutrition, Chronic Disease, and Health Promotion

Course Description

Nutrition is a major determinant of health as well as many common chronic diseases. Understanding the role of food and water, and making appropriate changes in one’s diet can have powerful effects, both positive and negative, on health throughout life, influencing current health and whether or not an individual develops diseases as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The burden of chronic diseases is rapidly increasing worldwide as traditional, largely plant- based diets are quickly being replaced by high-fat, energy-dense diets with a substantial content of animal-based foods. Hunger and malnutrition also remain devastating problems facing the majority of the world’s poor and needy people. The relationship between nutrition and disease is irrefutable. This certificate addresses these issues and more and provides a solid foundation of knowledge and information to support individuals who wish to enhance their own well-being as well as health care professionals who wish to evolve in their profession, create new job opportunities for themselves in the exploding field of nutrition, health promotion, lifestyle coaching, etc.

Course Outline

Lesson 01 - The Politics of Food

Food production and politics are intimately connected. Decisions about what foods are produced, how they are produced, how food and animals are treated, as well as the personal connections related to food are complex and challenging. Food subsidies, school lunch programs, human and animal rights, the environmental consequences of food choices, and ultimately the health of all humans and other beings are all influenced by politics, lobbyists, and informed consumers.

Lesson 02 - Hunger and Malnutrition

Almost 800 million people in the world are suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Most of these individuals live in developing countries. However, there are millions more in developed countries who go to bed each night hungry. Children are the most visible victims of malnutrition. Paradoxically, the world produces enough food to feed everyone. So why does hunger exist? There are many causes and perhaps with an understanding of these causes and a commitment to solutions, hunger and malnutrition can be prevented.

Lesson 03 - Genetically Engineered (Modified) Foods—Safe or Sinister?

Genetically engineered ("GE") or genetically modified ("GM") foods are foods with foreign genes (genes from other plants, animals, or substances) inserted into their genetic codes. While the debate continues, most experts agree there is no consensus on the safety of genetically modified foods. Organizations aligned with the chemical/biotechnology industry provide claims of safety while numerous other healthcare organizations request transparency, clear labeling, and long-term studies on health effects.

Lesson 04 - Food and Mood: What's the Connection?

"You are what you eat!" How often have most of us heard this phrase? While it may be a common saying, it remains a very true one for many good reasons. Food has the ability to affect our bodies and minds in profound ways. It can influence how we feel, think, sleep, and function every day. By choosing healthy, nutrient-dense, calorie-appropriate, organic foods and drinking adequate amounts of water, we provide ourselves with optimal opportunities to experience positive physical and mental health.

Lesson 05 - Foodborne Diseases

Foodborne diseases affect 10% of the world's population every year, equivalent to millions of individuals across the globe. These diseases can cause extremely uncomfortable short-term health problems and very serious long-term health consequences, including permanent disabilities and death. Virtually all foodborne diseases are preventable with proper food handling and preparation techniques.

Lesson 06 - How Safe Is Your Water?

According to the World Health Organization, access to safe water is essential to health and a basic human right. Yet globally, unsafe water causes millions of deaths from diarrhea, malaria, malnutrition, and drowning. The United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world, but national statistics do not tell individuals about the quality and safety of the water coming out of their own taps. In addition, more and more reports are surfacing about contaminants in the U.S. water supply. Healthcare professionals play an important role in preventing waterborne illness and in educating the public about potential health risks related to exposure to microbial and chemical contaminants in drinking water.

Lesson 07 - Nutrition, Toxins, and Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems both in the United States and worldwide. Globally, hundreds of millions of people are affected by chronic diseases. The personal, social, and community costs of these diseases range in the billions of dollars every year. People with chronic diseases often suffer a slow, debilitating, decline of overall health and well-being. However, many chronic diseases can be prevented via a nutritious diet, healthy lifestyle, and avoidance or reduced exposure to environmental toxins.

Learner Outcomes

The outcome of this certificate program is for the learner to describe the relationship between nutrition, chronic disease, and health promotion.

Notes

This is an asynchronous online course offered through the third party vendor ed2go. This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook. The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online. There are no set meeting times and you may work on the material whenever it is convenient for you. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

Completion Requirements:

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.