Topics
All workshops are continually updated as new research becomes available. All can be presented at a level to meet the needs of different audiences. For example, they can be suitable for health care professionals with continuing education credit or college credit approval, or simplified for presentations to the public. Similarly, they can be adapted to meet specific needs, such as a public health emphasis, a rural health emphasis, hospital-based practice emphasis, etc. The following topics are currently available; others can be developed by arrangement.
Prenatal Update ("Hot Topics in Prenatal Nutrition")
Depending on the length of the presentation desired (usually between 1 hr and 6 hrs) and the goals of the conference planners, new research will be included in any or all of the content areas described below. Recent important findings about specific nutrients and pregnancy outcome will be addressed (e.g. omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin D, selenium, zinc, etc.,) as well as optimizing outcome in pregnancies complicated by conditions such as diabetes.
Nutrition and Fertility
Nutrition factors that can affect fertility and fetal loss.
Nutrition and the Prevention of Birth Defects: "Beyond Folic Acid"
An overview of the newest research into periconceptional nutrition, and exploration of a number of nutritional factors (in addition to the well-recognized role of folic acid) that have a role in the prevention of a variety of birth defects.
Nutrition Issues in the Management of High Risk Pregnancy
Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Preeclampsia, Pre-existing Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Maternal HIV, Maternal PKU, Underweight and Overweight Mothers, Adolescent Pregnancy (Each of these can also be presented as a separate topic in greater depth.)
The Global Issue of Mental Retardation from Endemic Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency during pregnancy is the number one preventable cause of mental retardation in the world. Recently iodine deficiency has re-emerged as a problem in the US as well. Overview of the issues, including mechanisms, interventions, potential interactions with inadequacy of other nutrients, and the new recommendations of the World Health Organization (W.H.O.)
Nutrition Issues in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Fetal alcohol syndrome is the major preventable cause of mental retardation in the US. Avoidance of alcohol prior to conception and throughout pregnancy is clearly ideal, but for many individuals, the situation is far from "ideal." Focus is on research into nutrition factors that can influence the degree to which alcohol damages the fetus, with the goal of minimizing damage especially in those circumstances in which compliance with the recommendation to abstain from alcohol use is unlikely to occur.
Prenatal Nutrition and Long-term Health Effects (Fetal Origins Hypothesis)
Focus is on research into the effects of very early nutrition on immune function, and risk of diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, etc. in adulthood.
Practical Nutrition Counseling Concepts, Tips and Techniques for the WIC Office.
Making Sense Out Of All Those Baby Formulas
Overview of the appropriate use (and inappropriate use) of all types of infant formulas. Includes a 26-page guide to the issues and all commercial infant formulas available in the U.S. The guide is updated at least every six months to remain current.
Nutrition Issues in Breastfeeding
- What is in there and why does it matter? Overview specific nutritional components of human milk, including: taurine, EPA, DHA, cholesterol, carnitine, MCT, nucleotides, methionine: cystine ratio, casein:whey ratio, etc., and comparison with contents of commercial infant formulas. Related digestibility and immune system issues.
- Nutritional Adequacy Issues in Breastfeeding. Current research into the nutritional adequacy of human milk, vitamin/mineral supplementation and aspects of the mother's diet that can affect the macronutrient and micronutrient adequacy of her milk.
- Miscellaneous Issues in Breastfeeding: Growth patterns; introduction of other foods; maternal diet relative to colic, allergy, maternal weight loss, maternal bone health, etc.
- Dollars and Sense: Overview of the latest data evaluating the relative costs and benefits (at a personal and a public health level) of recommending and encouraging breastfeeding as the preferred method of feeding infants.
- Breastfeeding the Infant with Special Needs Nutritional value of human milk with a focus on issues of importance for children with metabolic, digestive, and/or motor prob-lems. Advantages or disadvantages of providing human milk to children with these con-ditions, and adapting feeding to allow the child to receive human milk when standard nursing is unsuccessful, or when the composition of the feeding must be adapted due to unusual nutritional requirements.
Hot Topics in Children's Nutrition
A potpourri of nutrition issues in the news with implications for optimizing the health of growing children. Depending on the length of the presentation desired (usually from 1- 6 hours) and the goals of the conference planners, the newest research in general nutrition issues affecting children, and any or all of the following content areas will be included.
Meeting Special Nutrition Requirements in the School Setting
Includes: appropriate nutrition goals that should be included in the Individual Educational Plan (IEP), adapting the school food service to meet special nutrition requirements, helping teachers deal with critical diet restrictions/requirements (allergies, diabetes, PKU, spina bifida, etc.) in the classroom.
The Epidemic of Childhood Obesity and Type II Diabetes in Children
Overview of the increasing problem of childhood obesity and its health consequences. The newest research into contributory factors including micronutrient issues and approaches that may be useful in addressing weight issues in children and in minimizing complications.
Issues in Pediatric and/or Adolescent Vegetarianism
Identifying the benefits of vegetarian diets for children and/or adolescents, as well as specific recommendations for avoiding serious problems that develop when diets are not well planned.
Nutrition Issues for Infants and Children with Special Needs
Chronic health conditions in children increase the likelihood of experiencing serious nutrition problems because requirements can be different from recommendations for healthy children. This presentation will highlight common problems with serious health consequences, and suggest solutions. Information will be included about: adjustments in nutrient and calorie intake for nonstandard body composition, growth patterns and/or mobility; drug/nutrient interactions; and approaches to preventing nutrition problems while coping with issues such as dysphagia, constipation, hypotonia and appetite.
Depending on the length of the program and goals of the planners, information can be provided about nutrition issues in general, with certain conditions included as examples. Each of the following topics can be also be presented as a separate topic in greater depth, or a selection of topics could be put together: Follow-up Nutrition for Low Birth Weight Infants, Congenital Heart Defects, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, Diabetes, Inborn Errors of Protein Metabolism (e.g. PKU), Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy (including the ketogenic diet for seizure control), Dyslipidemias, Cystic Fibrosis, Galactosemia, Down Syndrome, Cancer, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Failure to Thrive, Drug/Nutrient Interactions, ADHD and Autism.
Micronutrient Adequacy during Childhood and Risk of Chronic Diseases
The newest research into the role of micronutrient adequacy in childhood and risk of chronic diseases and conditions such as Type I and Type II Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and Macular Degeneration. Simple, safe and inexpensive interventions to decrease risk.
Alternative Techniques for Growth Assessment of Children with Nonstandard Body Composition or Growth Expectations
Use and interpretation of:
- rate-of growth calculations;
- measurements beyond standard height and weight (crown-rump length, knee height; arm span; chest circumference, skinfold assessments, arm circumference, arm muscle estimation);
- special growth charts (Down Syndrome, achondroplasia, Turner Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, premature infants, exclusively breast-fed infants, various ethnic groups, etc.);
- correcting for prematurity;
- selecting appropriate (but nonstandard) NCHS percentile goals for children with unusual body composition.
Hot Topics in Nutrition
A potpourri of topics in the news, new research of general interest, and interpretation. The contents change with new research and length of presentation desired. Depending on the amount of time allowed and the interests of a particular audience, it will include the most recent and important information about diet and nutrition in some or all of these areas:
Wound Healing and Nutrition
Appropriate nutrition therapy can prevent the need for hospitalizations and other costly interventions. Among those already hospitalized, it can decrease complications and shorten the length of stay. The presentation includes an overview of nutrition issues critical to wound healing and prevention of pressure ulcers, current research in this area, and identification of simple and effective screening techniques and interventions.
Issues in the Use Nutritional Supplements
Overview of current research in the appropriate use and the abuse of nutritional supplements, safety guidelines, nutrition health fraud, pyramid sales schemes, etc.
Vitamin/Mineral and Other Micronutrient and Lipid Issues in Diabetes
An overview of current research into the altered requirements for a number of micronutrients in diabetes mellitus, the metabolic consequences (and diabetic complications) of failing to recog-nize the altered requirements, and suggestions for providing safe/adequate levels in this popula-tion. This topic can be one-to-two hour sessions desired for certain conferences, but it is also presented in the form of an all-day workshop (e.g. for Diabetes Educators, etc.) which includes a more in depth examination of each of the subtopics. The subtopics include: alpha lipoic acid, carnitine, taurine, gamma linolenic acid, omega-3:omega-6 fatty acid ratio, magnesium, chromium, selenium, zinc, vitamins E, B6, C, and D, folic acid, and phytochemical antioxidants.
Nutrition and Eye Health
Overview of research into nutrients that have special importance in minimizing risk of vision problems related to diabetes complications, macular degeneration, cataract, xeropthalmia and night blindness. The role of antioxidants, carnitine, and phytochemical pigments such as lutein and lycopene will be included.
Nutrition in the Aging Population
Overview of the effects of aging on nutrition requirements, effects of nutrition on aging and degenerative conditions (e.g. macular degeneration, impaired cognition and memory, deafness, and incontinence), psycho-social issues in nutrition, drug/nutrient interactions, nutrition screening in the elderly population, and nutrition issues for those living in long-term care facilities. Depending on length and program goals, may include discussion of chronic conditions described separately above (e.g. osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, parkinsonism, and dementia)
Nutrition Issues in Dermatologic Conditions
Depending on length/focus, this includes the role of nutrition in dermatologic problems such as acne, psoriasis, ichthyosis, epidermolysis bullosa, and skin issues in celiac disease and allergy.
Nutrition Issues in Osteoporosis
Overview of calcium and vitamin D absorption and metabolism, special roles/issues regarding other nutrients (vitamins A, K, and B12, magnesium, fluoride, folic acid and boron), other dietary and behavioral factors that affect nutrient requirements and availability.
Nutrition Issues in Multiple Sclerosis
In addition to nutrition problems that very commonly arise as MS progresses related to drug/ nutrient interactions and decreased mobility, several nutritional factors appear to have a role in the rate of progression of debilitating symptoms, and possibly even in the etiology of this complex disease. The presentation includes an overview of research and suggestions for patient care / public health interventions that may decrease MS morbidity.
Focus on Common Nutrition Issues in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disease
Current research suggests that a wide range of conditions have inflammation as a central feature. Many are labeled "autoimmune diseases." The list includes, MS, Lupus, Type I Diabetes, Celiac Disease, Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and others. Inflammation is also now receiving considerable attention in other conditions such as macular degeneration and cardiovadscular disease. Interestingly, the nutrition factors of concern have begun to show a consistent pattern across all of these conditions, focusing on dietary influence on prostaglandin production, increased free radical production requiring adjustments in antioxidants, and a key role for hormone-related nutrients such as vitamin D in the etiology of these conditions and in the management of them. This presentation describes simple interventions likely to be beneficial in all of these conditions.
Mental Health / Neurology Nutrition Update
Nutrition Issues in: Diabetic Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Drug/Nutrient Interactions, Alcoholism, Muscular Dystrophy, Dementia, Depression, Nutrition in Neurotransmitter function, etc. (Each of these can also be presented as a separate topic.)
Sorting Out All Those Fats and Lipids
A review of lipid metabolism done with cartoons and mnemonics. This presentation is designed for health professionals who have struggled for years getting all that Omega3/ Omega6/LDL/ VLDL/HDL/Chylomicron/TransFattyAcids/Saturated/Polyunsaturated/ Monounsaturated/ Niacin/HMGCoAReductase/Homocysteine/FatSubstitutes/Antioxidant/SolubleFiber/Insoluble Fiber/Free Radicals/What'sHot/What'sNot" stuff straight and keeping it accessible in memory.
Aunt Cathy's OTHER Nutrition Issues in Cardiovascular Disease
The focus is on nutrition issues beyond the "Americans need to eat less fat and salt" message that is already a well-recognized concept (although this information can certainly be included in more detail if a comprehensive workshop is desired). Instead, a review of current research is presented about the developing roles of:
- Selected micronutrients (e.g. vitamin K, B vitamins and homocysteine level; antioxidant issues; new copper and magnesium issues; concerns about high iron intake and supplemental beta-carotene; antioxidant issues, various minerals and hypertension, etc.)
- Biologically active, non-nutrient phytochemicals in foods (e.g. isoflavones, allicin, lutein, lycopene, genistein, various forms of fiber, etc.)
- Manipulation of qualitative aspects of dietary fat (e.g. saturation issues, inflammation and platelet aggregation related to the eicosanoids produced by the omega-3 vs omega-6 families of fatty acids, and the atherogenicity of specific fatty acids.
- Drug/nutrient interactions in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions.
Nutrition Issues in Cancer Risk Reduction
A review of current research is presented about the developing roles of:
- Selected micronutrients (e.g. vitamins D, E, and K, selenium, folic acid, magnesium)
- Biologically active, non-nutrient phytochemicals in foods (e.g. isoflavones, allicin, lutein, lycopene, genistein, sulforaphane, various forms of fiber)
- Amount and type of dietary fat related to specific forms of cancer
- Food preparation issues (e.g. the production of carcinogens from certain cooking and food preservation practices; aflatoxin, nitrites/nitrate issues, etc.)
- Drug/nutrition interactions of concern in cancer risk.
Nutrition Issues in Support of Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and Radiation
Overview of the newest research on nutritional factors with the potential to minimize side effects and/or enhance the efficacy of various therapy regimens, and identification of nutrient interactions with therapies that have the potential to do harm.
Breast Cancer: Up Close and Personal
Experiences with treatment for breast cancer (surgery, chemotherapy, stem cell transplant and radiation), including personal observations and information about nutrition factors that influence ability to tolerate treatment and side effects, and which can affect recovery.
Nutrition Issues in Prostate Cancer
Focus on research about nutrition and prostate cancer specifically, both in terms of decreasing risk of the development of prostate cancer, and in optimizing nutrition for prostate cancer survivors. Presented in several states for "Us Too," an organization of/for men with prostate cancer and their families.
Infection Connection: The Role of Selenium in Immune Competence
New research about the importance of selenium adequacy in risk of sepsis and pneumonia, especially among the elderly, hospital patients, and others at high risk. Also discussed: the role of selenium adequacy in viral mutation, in cancer susceptibility and other metabolic roles of selenium.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis (iron overload) is a very serious organ-damaging genetic condition that has been presumed to be quite rare. However, it has now been shown to be much more common than previously thought. The primary treatment is regular phlebotomy (blood removal), but there are a number of important nutrition adjustments that can support frequent therapeutic phlebotomy and which have the potential of minimizing some of the damage from the condition. People with this condition are also at great risk of nutritional deficiencies due to misguided attempts to minimize iron absorption that also remove other essential nutrients from the diet. Specific guidelines are provided to optimize health.
What ELSE Is WIC Doing?
Important but often overlooked contributions of the WIC Program (beyond those commonly cited such as decreased anemia and low birth weight) that make a substantial difference in the health of the entire population. Information to share with legislators and other decision-makers in Public Health.
Food-Borne Illness: New Risks/New Issues
An overview of important issues in the prevention of food-borne illness, such as an increasing incidence of salmonella infection (and a link to conditions such as arthritis), non-traditional (and unrecognized) sources of botulism, a lethal strain of E. coli in food, previously rare problems with parasitic infestations due to increased consumption of raw seafood, imported foods, and/or the use of microwave cooking, and concerns regarding prions (e.g. "Mad Cow Disease.")
OTHER Nutrition Issues in Celiac Disease
Now known to be much more common than previously thought, celiac disease is also now known to have health implications beyond intestinal damage. A diet free of gliadin and gluten (free of wheat, rye and barley) is the central therapeutic intervention. Information on the specifics of this diet is widely available, so it is not included in this presentation. The focus here is on additional nutrition issues such as assuring nutrient adequacy on a restrictive diet and when intestinal function is compromised, and on additional nutrition adjustments of potential benefit in a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition.
Getting Practical with Nutrition-Related Laboratory Values
The focus is the appropriate use and interpretation of laboratory indicies of nutritional status and situations in which requesting laboratory assessments is inappropriate, potentially misleading and/or an unnecessary expense. Laboratory indices usually included are: hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin, serum transferrin receptor, reticulocyte count, mean cell volume, albumin, transferrin, prealbumin, retinol binding protein, methylmalonic acid, homocysteine and selected serum nutrient levels.
Health Implications of Phytochemicals in Foods
Overview of substances other than vitamins and minerals found naturally in certain foods and their influence on health. Includes carotenoids such as lycopene and lutein, isoflavones such as genistein in soy, sulforaphane in broccoli, allicin and SAC in garlic, anthocyanins, resvesterol/resveratrol limonene, curry/turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, indoles, polyphenols in grape seed, tea, etc.
Nutrition and HIV/AIDS
Providing appropriate nutrition for people with HIV/AIDS is difficult because of chronic diarrhea/ malabsorption and drug/nutrition interactions. Research suggests that preventing malnutrition can be critical to the survival, overall health and quality of life of those infected. For example, at times the immune system failure that is assumed to be due to the progression of the disease may actually be due to malnutrition, and that immune function may rebound when it is corrected.
Health Applications and Implications of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to be of importance in a variety of specific health conditions and there are new concerns regarding the ratio of omega 6:omega 3polyunsaturated fats in the diets of Americans. In addition, new concerns are being raised about the ability of some individuals to make the metabolic conversions to produce several key fats, such as EPA and DHA. Assuring an appropriate intake has great potential for improving health, and it is not difficult to do (as described in this presentation.) The scientific literature reflects roles for omega-3 fatty acids in a wide range of health conditions, such as: AIDS/ HIV; Alzheimer's Disease; Arthritis; Asthma; Attention Deficit Disorder, Bone Health; Cancer Prevention (General) plus Lung, Breast, Colon and Prostate Cancer, and as an Adjunct to Chemotherapy in Cancer Treatment; Cardiovascular Disease (Esp. Heart Disease, Hypertriglyceridemia and Stroke); Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Cystic Fibrosis; Depression; Diabetes; Epilepsy; Eye Health – Macular Degeneration & others; Inflammatory Diseases (general); Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn's Disease & Chronic Ulcerative Colitis; Kidney Disease; Lupus; Multiple Sclerosis – MS; Pancreatitis; Parenteral Nutrition (Feeding via an I.V.); Polycystic Ovary Disease; Schizophrenia; Pregnancy & Infant Issues: retinal and brain development, risk of premature delivery and allergic disease.
Health Applications and Implications of Poor Vitamin D Status
Vitamin D inadequacy is now well recognized as being an frequently unrecognized epidemic in the northern tier of the United States (and elsewhere at similar latitudes.) At the same New research is also documenting potentially important roles for vitamin D in the prevention or progression of conditions such as: Arthritis: both osteo and rheumatoid ; Cancer (prostate, pancreas, colon & breast); Dermatology; Diabetes (type I and type II); Heart Disease; Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Lupus and Fibromyalgia; Immune-system function, Multiple Sclerosis (MS); Myopathy and Sarcopenia (muscle damage and weakness); Osteoporosis; Pregnancy Complications and Fetal Development Issues: (Impaired fetal development, prenatal programming of adult disease, high blood pressure/PIH/toxemia/pre-eclampsia, and schizophrenia.
Health Applications and Implications of Poor Vitamin K Status
Vitamin K is now being found to be inadequate in the diets of many Americans. Our understanding of our ability to rely on intestinal bacteria to provide enough vitamin K is changing, and it is now known that we are much more dependent on food or supplement sources than was previously thought. At the same time, new discoveries are being made about the role of vitamin K inadequacy in artery calcificitaion (a risk for cardiovascular disease), osteoporosis, pregnancy complications, kidney damage and cancer of the liver and colon. Its well-known role in blood clotting is also getting new attention with changing information about the importance of assuring adequacy of vitamin K intake in making certain drugs safer to use (such as warfarin.) Many people misunderstand about this and the result is jeopardized health from limiting vitamin K intake too much.
The following programs can be arranged to be offered through a local college for up to three undergraduate or graduate credits for a one-week course. They can also be offered without college credit (e.g. by a state Department of Health for state-wide WIC training or by a health system / hospital) or for continuing education credit.
3-day to 2-week intensive "Nutrition Issues"courses include:
Nutrition Issues in:
- Infancy and Childhood
- Normal and High Risk Pregnancy
- Vitamin/Mineral and Lipid Issues in Diabetes
- Micronutrient Update
- Women's Health
- The Aging Population
- Lipid/Fats/Cholesterol Update
- Mental Health and Neurology
"Back to Basics and Up to Speed"
A short course focusing on the changes that have occurred in our understanding of nutrition to evaluate the continued validity of nutrition assumptions we all were taught in light of new knowledge and research.
Consumer Issues in Nutrition
Overview of current issues in the news affecting consumers: safety of the food supply (genetically engineered foods, pesticides, new fat and sugar substitutes, food-borne illness, etc.); phytochemicals and health; nutrition quackery, fad diets; recommendations regarding optimal intake of various forms of fat, fiber, sodium, sugar, nutrients, etc.
Nutrition Issues for Practicing Health Care Professionals
Overview of pertinent and up-to-date nutrition concepts in support of medical or nursing practice in a wide variety of areas, or if desired, within a selected area of practice (e.g. diabetes care, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, etc.)