Nutrition and healthy lifestyles are rarely taught within medical education, yet it's endlessly proven that both have monumental effects on the body. Often even superseding medications. From basic nutrition and advanced dietary needs, to daily activity recommendations, the majority of emergency medical providers aren't near as educated as we should be. We are called to help people with long term diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, yet we are focused primarily on medication and missing fundamental knowledge about lifestyle modification. Our patients trust and depend on us for our medical knowledge, yet very few of us actually know what a "healthy" meal is, nor embrace the importance of daily movement. We need to start by prioritizing our own health first, which then allows us to educate others and be the role models patients are expecting.
Learning Objectives:
Define macronutrients vs micronutrients, including quality, quantity, and the balance of each
Demonstrate understanding of different dietary lifestyles and their associated health benefits and risks
Formulate ideas on how to implement a wellness program within your department