It has been said that the only way to fully understand why something is broken is by having knowledge of how it works. This same school of thought can be applied to the human body. Before we can be able to understand what may cause or may already be causing distress to the human system, we must first, understand its inner workings. With this understanding, we may be able to reduce symptom severity and frequency as well as limit the chances of further unwanted physiological changes; this is where your knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology and lifestyle medicine comes in.
Understanding how to advise your clients on reducing disease risk can add another dimension to your nutrition business. We will be exploring this further as you continue to read, and you will learn how this knowledge can give you a competitive advantage.
Why should health and nutrition professionals study Anatomy, Pathophysiology and Lifestyle Medicine?
According to the World Health Organization, lifestyle related diseases remain the biggest human killers for the past 20 years. To understand how to give your clients recommendations that will help them embrace lifestyle change, you have to first gain a foundational knowledge on the structure of the human body (Anatomy); how the body functions (Physiology); the physical, structural and biochemical imbalances that can occur in the body (Pathophysiology); and then, understand the genetic or modifiable lifestyle factors that contribute to disease risk (Lifestyle medicine).
Filling the gap with Lifestyle Medicine
Our risk for lifestyle related diseases like heart disease, infections, diabetes, cancer, and mental disorders can be reduced. Increased risk for these is attributed to lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, psychological stress, poor sleep, obesity, harmful toxic exposures like indoor and outdoor pollution, and (lack of) exercise, among others.
Modifiable lifestyle factors are the centrepieces of lifestyle medicine and by gaining knowledge of these factors, you can make your mark in the health sector by helping to mitigate disease risk while optimising health and wellbeing. When you understand how these factors contribute to higher mortality rates, you as a health or nutrition professional can encourage your clients to make the necessary lifestyle changes that might help reduce the risk for these diseases.
Which health and nutrition professionals need Anatomy, Pathophysiology, and lifestyle medicine knowledge?
The short answer is – all health and nutrition professionals need this knowledge.
Although the study of the human body can seem complex, it is important that every health and nutrition professional have a strong foundational knowledge on how the human body functions.
Nutrition and health professionals (such as those certified with The Health Sciences Academy under a Level 5 or 6 certification) may put forward lifestyle and dietary recommendations to reduce disease risk within the scope of their accredited specialisations.
Where can one learn about Anatomy, Pathophysiology and Lifestyle medicine?
We have amazing news!
This Friday, we will be introducing a new certification to The Health Sciences Academy!
We have received questions like:
“How is my body affected by this disease?”
“What caused it?”
“Is it possible to prevent it?”,
“Do lifestyle choices matter?”
“How can we promote longevity?”
“I’ve heard of lifestyle medicine, but what does it do?”
We have been hard at work, building a science-based certification that will provide and equip you with most up-to-date foundational knowledge into anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and lifestyle medicine so you can begin to make impactful recommendations to your clients and help them embrace necessary lifestyle changes.
Our brand-new certification called the Fundamentals of Anatomy, Pathophysiology, and Lifestyle Medicine™ will enhance your professional opportunities and help you gain a deep insight into the causes and consequences of unwanted imbalances in the human body, and the lifestyle factors impacting health and wellbeing.
