Environmental health is based on the premise that what we eat or are exposed to in our environment directly affects our health. It examines the impact of air pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, toxicants, and other environmental factors on the health of individuals and populations.

Designed for medical and nursing personnel, this Introduction to Integrative Environmental Health course primarily focuses on the broader patterns of disease caused by environmental toxicants. Learn about major chemicals affecting our health – as we break down impacts through our environment: Air, Land, and Water. Sharing the latest research linking chronic disease and environmental toxicants, students see how to support a patient's whole health. The course is not an exhaustive review of individual toxicants but focuses on the toxicants of greatest concern and prevalence. Important resources are shared throughout.

Once you've completed this Introduction course, enroll in The Integrative Environmental Health: Advanced Approaches. This course will build upon the Introduction course by exploring a more in-depth clinical approach – what populations are most at risk, how to take an environmental health patient history, emerging research, and case-based learning – to reinforce clinical relevance.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Appraise the emerging research links between environmental toxicants and the documented rise of complex chronic illnesses, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancers, neurodevelopmental disorders, and reproductive health.
2. Identify how an integrative medicine model may be applied in the prevention of environmentally-associated diseases.
3. Identify the primary categories of chemical toxicants present in the environment and interpret how their mechanisms of action may impact human health.
4. Recognize and identify the range of toxicants known to demonstrate endocrine disruptor activity in humans.
5. Acquire familiarity with consumer resources that can help individuals reduce unnecessary environmental toxicant exposures and recognize how cultural and socioeconomic status may influence their number of exposures and ability to limit exposure.
6. Identify several resources for patients and clinicians interested in environmental advocacy.

Curriculum

• Module 1: Introduction
• Module 2: From Environment to Humans
• Module 3: Air
• Module 4: Land
• Module 5: Water
• Course Evaluation and Exam

Completion Requirements

Complete all the coursework, course evaluation, and the final test with a score of 70% or better. Upon successful completion, you will be able to print your certificate of completion.

Target Audience

This enduring material educational program is intended for physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, psychologists, and psychiatrists in any specialty. In addition, all healthcare professionals who have an interest in an integrative approach to healing are targeted.

Certificate

When all of the above requirements are met (during the agreed-upon timeline), a link for the completion certificate is available to download and print anytime from "My Account." If a specific credit type was selected at registration, your certificate will indicate earned credits.

Disclaimer

This course does not constitute medical advice. Healthcare providers should exercise their own independent medical judgment.

All case studies and patient scenarios in this course are used for illustrative purposes. All depictions of persons (other than faculty) are models and not actual patients.

Course Fees

Physicians - $239.54
Other Healthcare Professionals/General Public - $169.22.
Students - $143.77

The Center (AWCIM) is waiving the registration cost. Enrollment is free!