FDH Foundation’s Certified Health Coach (CHC) Program
42 University Credit Hours
(Offered through the University of Natural Medicine, Santa Fe, NM)
Choosing Health & Saving Earth: How to Consume Food & Medicine
– Diploma (4 credits, Pass/Fail, No prerequisites) Tel-Oren
(Providing Membership Certification with the Functional & Dental Health (FDH) Foundation)
All 4 Credits are required towards Certified Health Coach Diploma and apply towards any of the University’s Degree Programs. For Foundation membership certification only (without diploma), both parts (the 2-day seminar and the assignment, plus exams) are required, but only two credits are awarded so as to reduce cost.
Course Description:
This course will prove the existence of an intimate correlation between the health of humans and the health of the ecology; it will demonstrate how any food choices that negatively impact our environment will inevitably destroy our own health as well (and vice versa).
A scientifically sound course of action will be delineated to promote long-term health for our earth and ourselves. This will not be a \"fad diet\" course or a shortsighted scheme designed to create a popular best-selling book at the expense of our planet. The USDA's \"food pyramid\" and its \"building blocks\" will be dismantled. You will learn a simple, responsible, natural, logical, conscientious, unadulterated human diet that produces drug-free health and longevity without compromising our children's future.
1. A Two-Day Seminar (2 Credits, includes Pass/fail Written Exam, No Prerequisites)
Content:
A.Introduction to Functional Medicine and to Biological Dentistry.
B. Ecological Nutrition For Life - How to Eat and Live as Nature Intended.
The first day starts with a description of today's health trends, philosophies, and therapeutic approaches. The various definitions of health and disease will be discussed, leading to logical deductions regarding allopathic medicine's techniques of diagnosis and treatment. More holistic means of diagnosis and therapy will be offered, with scientific reasoning and common-sense approaches that support prevention, early diagnosis, and cause-oriented treatment of disease. Functional medicine will be defined, and several popular functional evaluations will be presented with sufficient details to empower the layperson to make valid decisions about self-assessments. The student will be able to recognize common tendencies and symptoms that would suggest utilizing these functional assessments and methods for obtaining and interpreting them will be discussed. The day continues with a discussion of the agricultural, industrial, and environmental sources of heavy metals and their toxic effects on the human body. Special focus is then given to mercury and other relevant heavy metals, and the role of dental amalgam in mercury exposure and toxicity. A review of the vast scientific literature will demonstrate the detrimental effects of mercury (and other components of amalgam) on the physiology of our immune system, central nervous system, endocrine system, general metabolism, the cardiovascular system, and our organs of detoxification. The benefits, risks, and basic aspects of dental procedures for amalgam removal are discussed, as well as methods for assessment of heavy metal burden, dental material compatibility, and other evaluations of dental health and disease. The controversies surrounding root canals, cavitations, and periodontal disease will be briefly explored as well as the nutritional aspects of dental and oral health, including detoxification pathways and procedures.
The last 3 hours of the first day and the entire second day promise to be a fascinating journey through our evolution, explaining the impact we have on our health and on our planet as consumers and producers of food. Both logical and scientific methods will be used to illustrate the optimal dietary lifestyle for humans, according to evolutionary and anthropological signposts, including discussions about proteins, fats, carbohydrates, animal flesh, dairy products, plant foods, raw foods, living foods, and the effects of out eating habits and choices on our physical, mental, and emotional health as individuals and as a society. Many nutritional myths will be dispelled, and the commercial and health food industries exposed (from canola oil to GMO's) as giant manufacturers of dietary propaganda designed to produce huge profits at the public's expense.
2. Assignment (2 Credits, Pass/fail exam, No Prerequisites)
Content:
“The Food Revolution” By John Robbins
John Robbins, author of Diet for a New America and founder of EarthSave International, states the purpose of this hard-hitting, counter-cultural book: \"to provide solid, reliable information for the struggle to achieve a world where the health of people and the Earth community is more important than the profit margins of any industry, where basic human needs take precedence over corporate greed.\" Eating whole foods, high-fiber, plant-based diets has become a conscious spiritual choice for millions of people who are appalled by the health risk posed by the typical Western diet — not to mention the harm done to the environment by the industries needed to support it. With the ardor of a zealot, Robbins presents a stinging critique of the dangers associated with many of today's foods. He charts the connection between diet and breast, lung, and colon cancer; reviews the growing incidence of food-borne illnesses every year from meat and poultry contaminated with E. coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria; exposes the calcium conspiracy of the dairy industry and the dangers of low carbohydrate diets; and reveals the cattle and chicken industry's culpability in ground water and air pollution. The author also shares the latest information about the dangers of genetically altered foods, and presents the connection between world hunger, global warming, and cruelty to animals, with what we eat. Robbins promotes another way: \"To me the best diet is one that connects us to our humanity and helps us to feel grateful for the gift of life.\" The book is an ethically charged masterwork. Every food choice we make has to do with compassion for our bodies, for life in general, for the hungry people of the world, and for future generations.
Functional Medicine Practicum for Health Care Practitioners/Nutrition Consultants
Three-Day Lecture plus Assignments (5 Credits Total, Pass/fail) Tel-Oren (Prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology-4 Credits, Biochem-4 credits, Choosing Health & Saving Earth-4 Credits)
The first module of this unique course lists with some depth the majority of frequently ordered functional health assessments along with their clinical indications, their strength and weaknesses, and their historical/political perspectives. The scientific literature's support for these tests will be emphasized and critical thinking will be encouraged regarding the internal and external validity of each test. Assessments for cardiovascular health, cancer, hormonal status, heavy metal burden, various metabolic activities, immune function, allergies/sensitivities, and gastrointestinal integrity will all be included. The student will be given a practical assignment, ordering 3-4 self-assessment tests and 3-4 tests on friends/family members, and writing a short interpretation summary with treatment recommendations based on each test. The second module will be dedicated to interpreting and applying the information derived from the functional assessments covered in the first module, in conjunction with history and examination findings. Case studied will be discussed; action plan algorithms will be explored, along with independent, intuitive approaches to individualized patient care.
Basic Clinical Biochemistry
Distance Learning (4 credits) Wilson
(Credit for similar University course work accepted)
Areas of study: Metabolism (Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates, Enzymes), Nutrition, Bioenergetics, and Genetics. This course integrates and summarizes the essentials of clinical biochemistry for the student to understand and assimilate information in the biochemical field.
Basic Human Anatomy & Physiology
Distance Learning (4 credits) Smith
(Credit for similar University course work accepted)
Areas of study: Osteology, Neurology, Dermatology, EENT, Myology, Syndesmology, Splanchnology, Endocrinology, Genetics, Histology, Gastroenterology, Metabolism, Cardiology, Embryology, Gynecology, and Immunology. Because the structures of the body are so exquisitely adapted to carry out specific functions, the student can best understand anatomy and physiology when they are presented together. This course uses a systems rather than a regional approach, which facilitates our focus on the relationship between structures and function. Visual aids include CD-ROM cadaver study and/or disc and other computer programs to assist the student.
Nutritional Assessment and Counseling
Distance Learning (2 credits) Tel-Oren
This basic course in nutrition succinctly reviews all the known macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, etc.), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, etc.) and their clinical/nutritional significance. A short summary of basic clinical assessment protocols is provided (history and examination, physical and laboratory tests, and diet analysis) to enhance the nutritional consultant's knowledge and ability to interact with other healthcare providers. Brief clinical protocols for all major conditions and situations (including gynecologic, obstetrics, geriatric, and infant nutrition) are listed, including clinical definitions, causative/contributory factors, protective factors, assessments, and therapy for each condition. Finally, a concise summary of nutrient biochemistry and physiology is provided for student reference.
Introduction to Homeopathy
Distance Learning (1 credit) Tel-Oren
The student will be introduced to basic terminology and concepts of homeopathy, as well as to its history, popularity, and politics. A review of the scientific publications regarding homeopathic treatment will complement the common anecdotal evidence. Remedy preparation, philosophy, trends, and safety issues will be discussed. The student will become acquainted with some acute remedies as s/he “recommends” the appropriate therapy to the presentation of real case studies
Fundamentals of Herbology
Distance Learning (4 credits) Tel-Oren
This course begins with a historical overview of herbal medicine, covering various concepts among different cultures that relied on healing herbs during the last 5000 years. The wisdom of herbal pioneers, who contributed to the understanding of medicinal herbs and to their widespread use, will be explored. Political and financial/industrial considerations that affected the public's awareness and access to herbal remedies will be reviewed. The scientific merits of herbal therapy versus allopathic drugs will be discussed. Finally, the most popular healing herbs will de listed, along with their properties, medicinal effects, indications, scientific support, and methods of preparation.
Natural Detoxification Methods
Distance Learning (4 credits) Tel-Oren
This course serves as a complete guide to detoxifying the various organs and systems of the human body. It includes an in-depth description of internal and external sources of toxicity, the means of exposure, the mechanisms of damage to human physiology, the resulting symptomatology (both physical and emotional/mental), and specific techniques for clearing our body and mind. Methods of prevention and detoxification programs targeting different populations are presented.
Blood Chemistry and Urine Analysis
Distance Learning (4 credits) Smith
In this course, the student will learn to evaluate clinically the results of blood chemistry testing and urinalysis in order to identify nutritional/metabolic imbalances and underlying causes of disease. Acquired knowledge will be used to design and recommend nutritional and wellness programs for the prevention and correction of the biochemical imbalances identified. Instead of clinical laboratory reference values, suggested optimal values are used in an effort to evaluate the individual more holistically. Nutritional recommendations and other natural therapies that are appropriate for various specific scenarios will be taught.
NUT501 Medical Nutrition
Distance Learning (4 credits) Tel-Oren
This comprehensive course of medical nutrition reviews intensively all the basic scientific concepts of nutrition, including digestion, absorption and metabolism, as well as macro and micro-nutrients. Various therapeutic nutritional approaches targeting the most common conditions and ailments, including preventive measures, will be thoroughly discussed. Diagnostic considerations regarding frank and functional nutritional deficiencies will be explained in depth, and appropriate treatment plans devised. Required text: Medical Nutrition From Marz, second edition, by Russell Marz.
Immune Therapy
Distance Learning (3 credits) Tel-Oren
The immune system’s physiology is one of the most complex to understand, let alone manipulate. The changes in our environment during the last century have been adding significantly to the burden of this already taxed system, assaulted by drugs, antibiotics, chemicals, vaccines, stress, heavy metals, artificial foods, etc. In this course we will review the basic features and functions of the immune system, and then study the stress factors that damage it, followed by tactics that may restore its balance and various dietary/supplemental factors that can significantly boost its function. Stress management, holistic therapies, and liver/gut treatments are considered in the context of enhancing immune competence and preventing immunological diseases, both chronic and acute, from allergies to cancer and from infections to AIDS. This should result in improved resistance to potential pathogens and carcinogens, as well as a reduction in the incidence of autoimmune disorders. The textbook used for this course is The Road to Immunity by Kenneth Bock, M.D. and Nellie Sabin.
Healthier Choices
Two Modules: Distance Learning and Practical Application (2 credits)
The first module of this course involves reading materials that acquaint the student with alternatives to toxic home and office products. The student will be informed about toxins in the air, in building materials, cleaning agents, food items, household goods, personal care products, pesticides, office products, and water. Practical methods to assess allergies/sensitivities to indoor/outdoor substances will be discussed, as well as simple approaches to reducing and preventing such environmental sensitivities. The course will provide encouragement and resources for buying habits that are healthier for the earth's environment and its inhabitants. Better choices in purchasing food and food preparation products will be emphasized, including education regarding the composition of a \"healthy\" shopping cart, what must be absolutely avoided, attention to ingredient lists, and recommendations for kitchen tools that promote healthy eating.
The second (hands on) module will teach the practical application and implementation of the first module, especially in regards to optimal food preparation. Techniques, tactics, and methods, which maximize nutritional value, save time, reduce waste, and save resources/money will be explored. The practical use of kitchen appliances that promote efficiency in the kitchen will be demonstrated. A brief overview of the first module's topics will be delineated, with an emphasis on practical perspectives.