UpcomingSurvival of the Fit: How Physical Education Ensures Academic Achievement and a Healthy Life (On Demand – Previously Recorded)

Survival of the Fit: How Physical Education Ensures Academic Achievement and a Healthy Life (1 CME/CE Credit)

America is facing a health crisis of epidemic proportions. By failing to meet basic standards of physical fitness our children are growing increasingly sick. This affects not only their lifespan but also the quality of that limited life—yet no one is taking action. Thirty percent of American kids are overweight with twenty percent meeting the criteria for obesity. Twenty-five percent of these kids have diabetes or prediabetes and this will be the first generation in history who will have a shorter lifespan than the previous. And these kids will not simply die at a younger age like cigarette smokers—they have symptoms now. If obesity was an infectious disease like the flu, it would be front page news, with people wearing surgical masks and carrying pump bottles of Purell.

Lack of fitness affects not just health, but everything about our kids lives. Depression, stress, and anxiety are at record levels. Additionally, study after study shows poor fitness affects ability to learn and has a huge effect on school performance. We know without a doubt that a child who is not physically active is not assimilating information or thinking to their full potential. In other words, there will not be better math scores until we have better health scores. You cannot have a STEM genius without fitness: there is a balance that needs to be struck between nerd and jock.

(Trainer, Daniel Fulham O’Neill, MD, EdD is a board certified Orthopaedic Surgeon as well as a Sport Psychologist and the author of numerous articles in scholarly journals and mass market publications. He is the author of Survival of the Fit: How Physical Education ensures Academic Achievement and a Healthy Life (2021 Teachers College Press).)

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Integrative Psychopharmacology to Enhance Mental Health Care

This comprehensive course bridges the gap between pharmacological interventions and the psychological aspects of mental health care, providing participants with a solid foundation in the principles of psychopharmacology, medication management, and the latest advancements in the field. By integrating various disciplines, this course offers a well-rounded and evidence-based approach to understanding psychotropic medications and their effects on clients.

Participants will engage in case studies, and group discussions to facilitate a deeper understanding of psychopharmacological treatments and their role in clinical practice. The curriculum covers various topics, such as the neurobiology of mental disorders, medication mechanisms, potential side effects, and appropriate dosages. In addition, this presentation emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach between mental health professionals and prescribers, fostering effective communication and teamwork to optimize patient care. By equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of psychopharmacology, this course empowers professionals to provide more informed and holistic care to their clients.

(Trainer, Dr. Tamara I. Thorn is a Certified Physician’s Assistant and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. She holds a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Psychiatry, is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW, DCSW, BCD), and substance abuse counselor (CAADC, MATS). Dr. Thorn has more than twenty years of experience in the health and mental health professions. Dr. Thorn is the owner and director of ACES (Assessment, Continuing Education, Clinical Supervision). Dr. Thorn also holds membership in many professional and community services organizations, such as The Links, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Rotary Club, and The Junior League-Savannah.)