Nutrition Nursing CEU Courses

Body fat is more than just a layer of insulation. Scientists are making surprising discoveries about the effect of body fat on health. The amount of stored fat and its distribution on the body appear to be important indicators of underlying metabolic complications, especially the lipid abnormalities found with metabolic syndrome. Body shape, measured by waist circumference, is a good indication of where people carry their excess fat and whether they are at increased risk for disease. The etiology of disease risk is related to the types and amounts of regulatory substances produced by excess visceral fat. Knowing how these regulatory substances influence our patients' underlying diseases or disorders can give us clues to identify patients with increased risk factors so we can educate them about lifestyle changes.

• Identify the current problem and contributing factors of obesity in the U.S.
• Describe the management and treatment options for obesity.

• Identify three common eating disorders.
• Recognize the health risks of three common eating disorders.
• Recall treatment options for three common eating disorders.

You probably are aware that malnutrition can increase morbidity and mortality, but did you know that malnutrition can increase readmissions, medical costs, and even falls? Poor nutrition status is associated with increased length of hospital stay, elevated risk of complications, and infections. Unfortunately, it is not always identified, formally diagnosed, or treated. Learn the facts about the causes, definition, and incidence of malnutrition and how an interprofessional team approach can dramatically improve outcomes.

What is a healthy weight? Multiple factors impact our body weight and size, yet as healthcare providers, we often focus more on the scale readout rather than the behaviors that influence our patients’ weight and health. This module discusses the psychological and physical issues facing those with obesity, along with the impact of chronic dieting and weight bias on health. It also provides tools, such as tips on motivational interviewing, non-diet health goal setting, for the provider to use in clinical practice, and briefly reviews traditional weight management guidelines.

People who are food insecure- even at marginal food security- are at greater risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity, depression, disability, and premature mortality costing the United States $160 billion in direct and indirect healthcare cost. Food insecurity exacerbates poor glycemic control impacting many patients. Shockingly, 1 in 3 critically ill adults do not have enough money for food, medicine, or both in the United States. Screening for food insecurity and helping patients access important community resources is the missing ingredient in effective healthcare.  

Diabetes increases the risk for several chronic and acute complications. Early detection and treatment are essential to managing these complications. This course will focus on diabetes, kidney disease, nephropathy and other co-morbid conditions in persons with diabetes. Screening tools, the latest research, risk factors, recommended dietary guidelines and other interventions will be included.

“You are what you eat” is taking on new meaning as we gain an understanding of epigenetics and nutrigenomics. Nutrients can alter gene expression in ways that have a significant impact on the development of chronic disease. Given the influence nutrients have on gene expression and disease risk, nutrigenomics is an exciting area of study with the potential to change the devastating effects of chronic disease. Because of an increased awareness of nutrigenomics, several commercial products and services are now available to consumers. Considerable efforts are underway on a national level to generate the tools necessary for developing personalized medical interventions, instead of the population-based interventions that are used today.