What is Lifestyle Health?

A large body of scientific literature supports a strong relationship between lifestyle habits and health. Examples of lifestyle related diseases include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and arthritis. Regular physical activity, not smoking, managing stress, and following recommended nutritional guidelines can have a positive effect on the prevention and management of these chronic diseases. Health care professionals are in a position to influence the health of their patients and clients through education and counseling on adopting positive lifestyle habits.

Program Objectives

The program is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the tools they need to incorporate evidence-based, lifestyle modification into their practice for the management and prevention of chronic diseases.  

Graduates will be prepared to:

• Explain the role of lifestyle behaviors in the management and prevention of chronic diseases
• Address the current disparities in healthcare when in comes to utilizing lifestyle interventions
• Confidently assess and address psychosocial factors that influence behavior
• Provide practical recommendations and strategies for meeting physical activity goals
• Translate nutrition research and guidelines into practical information for making appropriate dietary choices
• Employ effective strategies for engaging patient/clients in positive lifestyle behaviors
• Utilize tools and resources provided and developed through the course in application scenarios and their own practice

Format

Online, interactive learning experience developed by a multidisciplinary team for a working healthcare practitioner or full-time student in a health related discipline. 

Complete the certificate in two, three credit hour courses (6CH).

The program is offered twice a year, beginning in Fall term with a completion date at the end of the following Spring term, and in Summer term with a completion date at the end of the following Fall term. 

Curriculum 

Lifestyle Health I (LHLT 5000)

This course introduces students to the vital relationship between lifestyle and health, specifically the role of lifestyle in the management of chronic diseases. Students will review and be able to confidently assess key psychosocial factors that influence behavior and ability to adopt health-promoting behaviors. Students will be introduced to the role of diet and nutrition in the development, treatment and prevention of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cancer.  The focus of the course will be on providing evidence-based, practical information that can be used in practice.

Lifestyle Health II (LHLT 5001)

This course will focus on key lifestyle variables that influence health including physical activity, smoking, sleep, and stress.  Specific attention will be given to research on effective strategies for engaging patients/clients in regular physical activity, smoking cessation and cessation maintenance, identifying and addressing sleep disorders, and understanding the related but distinct consequences of acute versus chronic stress. The final part of the course will focus on applying knowledge and skills from Lifestyle Health I and II to real life situations. Students will design and facilitate implementation of programs to assist patients/clients with positive changes.

Admissions Requirements

• The applicant must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an  accredited institution
   
• To be considered for admission, the applicant must file the following official credentials with the School of Health Professions, Office of the Dean: 

o      Complete application
o      Application fee (checks or money orders need to be made payable to UNTHSC)
o      Official transcripts  of from highest degree or copy of professional license or certificate.
o      Mail all materials to:

UNTHSC - School of Health Professions
Office of the Dean - Lifestyle Health
EAD 402
3500 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Contact Information:

Debbie Gillespie MS, RDN/LD
Program Director
Phone: 817 735-7638 
Email: Deborah.Gillespie@unthsc.edu
Web Address: lifestylehealth@unthsc.edu