Provider Track  (CPE / CME Available)	Speaker
8:00 – 9:00 am	Revolutionizing Healthcare: Uniting Functional, Lifestyle, and Integrative Medicine to Heal Our Broken System	Melody Hartzler
9:15 – 11:15 am	Nutrition as Medicine: The Healing Power of Food for Resilience and Longevity	Tom Guilliams
11:15 – 12:30 pm	Lunch
12:30 – 2:30 pm	Foundations of Well-Being: Nurturing Health Through Stress Management, Sleep, and Community Connection	Lindsey Dalton
2:45 – 4:45 pm	Navigating the Gut: Exploring the Foundations of Gastrointestinal Wellness	Melody Hartzler Tom Guilliams

Revolutionizing Healthcare: Uniting Functional, Lifestyle, and Integrative Medicine to Heal Our Broken System (1 hr)

Description:

We’ll explore how the principles of functional medicine, which emphasize understanding the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and addressing imbalances, can complement lifestyle medicine’s focus on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and other lifestyle factors to optimize health outcomes. By embracing an integrative approach that combines the best practices from these disciplines, healthcare providers can revolutionize patient care and effectively tackle the rising tide of chronic diseases plaguing our society.

Objectives:

1. Introduce the concepts of functional medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative medicine, highlighting their holistic approaches to healthcare.
2. Explore the current challenges and shortcomings in our healthcare system, addressing the root causes of chronic diseases and the limitations of conventional medical practices.
3. Demonstrate the transformative potential of incorporating functional and lifestyle medicine into mainstream healthcare, emphasizing prevention, patient empowerment, and personalized treatment plans.
4. Inspire healthcare providers to become catalysts for change by adopting an integrative approach to patient care, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and prioritizing proactive health management over-reactive symptom management.

Nutrition as Medicine: The Healing Power of Food for Resilience and Longevity (2 hrs)

Description:

Central to the discussion is the role of inflammation in driving disease processes and how specific dietary components can modulate inflammatory pathways within the body. By examining the current state of the Standard American Diet (SAD), characterized by its abundance of processed foods and nutrient-poor choices, participants will gain insight into the detrimental effects of modern dietary habits on public health.

This discussion will also discuss how metabolic reserves support physiological resilience and longevity.

Objectives:

1. Examine the relationship between nutrition and health, emphasizing the concept of “food as medicine” and its impact on chronic disease prevention and management.
2. Investigate the role of inflammation in disease development and progression, highlighting how dietary choices can either fuel or mitigate inflammation within the body.
3. Discuss how metabolic reserves support physiological resilience
4. Assess the current state of the Standard American Diet (SAD) and its implications for public health, including the prevalence of nutrient-poor, processed foods and their contribution to chronic diseases.
5. Explore evidence-based dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting, and fasting-mimicking diets, discussing their potential health benefits and applications in clinical practice.
6. Discuss the phenomenon of nutrient depletions, particularly in the context of drug-induced nutrient deficiencies, and examine how addressing these deficiencies can optimize patient health outcomes.
7. Provide strategies for healthcare providers to develop personalized nutrition recommendations tailored to individual patient needs, considering factors such as medical history, dietary preferences, and lifestyle.

Foundations of Well-Being: Nurturing Health Through Stress Management, Sleep, and Community Connection (2 hrs)

Description:

Beginning with an exploration of circadian rhythm disruptions and their implications for chronic disease, we’ll delve into practical strategies for optimizing sleep quality and quantity, empowering patients to achieve restorative sleep patterns through lifestyle modifications and evidence-based interventions.

Next, we’ll explore the intricate relationship between chronic stress, hormone imbalances, and the development of chronic diseases, equipping attendees with effective stress management techniques and resilience-building practices to support patients in achieving optimal health outcomes.

Objectives:

1. Explore the critical role of stress management, quality sleep, and social connections in promoting overall health and well-being.
2. Examine the physiological effects of disruptions in circadian rhythm on health, including their contribution to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, metabolic syndrome, and mood disorders.
3. Provide practical tips and lifestyle modifications for improving sleep quality, addressing common sleep disturbances, and supporting patients in achieving restorative sleep patterns.
4. Discuss the relationship between chronic stress, hormone imbalances, and the development of chronic diseases, emphasizing the importance of stress management techniques in disease prevention and management.
5. Introduce the vagus nerve and its role in regulating the body’s stress response, immune function, and emotional well-being, along with exercises that patients can incorporate into their daily routines to stimulate the vagal nerve.
6. Explore the impact of childhood trauma on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and strategies for supporting patients with a history of trauma, including trauma-informed care and resilience-building techniques.
7. Investigate the profound effects of loneliness and social isolation on both physical and mental health, highlighting the importance of community connections and social support networks in disease prevention and recovery.

Navigating the Gut: Exploring the Foundations of Gastrointestinal Wellness (2 hrs)

Description:

The gut serves as the epicenter of our overall health, playing a pivotal role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and even mental well-being. Through a functional medicine lens, we’ll unravel the complexity of GI symptoms, viewing them not as isolated issues but as manifestations of underlying imbalances within the body’s systems.

Central to our discussion is the concept of the gut-brain axis and gut-immune axis, which highlight the bidirectional communication pathways between the GI tract and other physiological systems. Attendees will gain insight into how disruptions in these communication pathways can contribute to a wide range of health conditions, from digestive disorders to autoimmune diseases and mental health disorders.

Furthermore, we’ll explore the dynamic ecosystem of the gut microbiome, comprised of trillions of microorganisms that play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and influencing systemic health. Drawing from the latest research, we’ll discuss evidence-based interventions for modulating the gut microbiome, including dietary approaches rich in prebiotic and probiotic foods, as well as targeted nutraceutical interventions.

Objectives:

1. Introduce a functional medicine approach to understanding gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, emphasizing the interconnectedness of gut health with overall health and disease.
2. Explore the complex relationship between the GI tract and various physiological systems, including the immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system, highlighting the bidirectional communication pathways known as the gut-brain axis and gut-immune axis.
3. Discuss the role of the gut microbiome in maintaining GI health and its influence on systemic health, immunity, metabolism, and mental well-being.
4. Examine evidence-based interventions for optimizing gut health, including dietary strategies, nutraceutical interventions, and lifestyle modifications aimed at supporting a diverse and balanced gut microbiome.
5. Provide practical recommendations for healthcare providers to implement personalized interventions for patients experiencing GI symptoms, addressing root causes and promoting long-term digestive wellness

	Provider Track  (CPE / CME Available)	Employer/Broker Track  (HR Credit)
8:15 – 9:15 am	The Future of Healthcare	The Future of Healthcare
9:30 – 11:00 am	Foundations of Gastrointestinal Wellness	Empowerment Through Health Coaching
11:00 – 12:00 pm	Lunch	Lunch
12:00 – 2:00 pm	Coaching Excellence: Guiding Patients Effectively	Connections of Gastrointestinal Health To Overall Health
2:15 – 4:15 pm	Autoimmune Lifestyle Interventions	Weight Management Employer Health Programs

Provider Day 2

Foundations of Gastrointestinal Wellness (1.5 hrs)

Description:

Poor gut health is a major root cause for many health conditions.  In this session, the speaker will discuss how the gut microbiome and inflammation can have an impact on not only GI disorders but on overall health.  They will outline various treatment options for the more prevalent GI disorders. 

Objectives:

1. Describe the impact of the gut microbiome and gut inflammation on GI disorders and overall health
2. Discuss integrative treatment options for prevalent GI disorders

Coaching Excellence: Guiding Patients Effectively (2 hrs)

Description:

Elevate your coaching game with must-have skills and communication strategies essential for steering patients toward a healthier lifestyle. We’ll delve into the art and science of effective health coaching, tailoring your approach to fit different patient needs, creating a supportive space, inspiring motivation, and fostering a trusting relationship that will set the stage for successful health outcomes. 

Objectives:

1. Understand the fundamental principles and significance of effective health coaching
2. Learn techniques to create a collaborative relationship with patients
3. Adapt coaching techniques for diverse needs
4. Create a safe space for patients to express their needs and process emotions
5. Develop strategies to inspire patients to reach their goals

Autoimmune Lifestyle Interventions (2 hrs)

Description:

In this session, the speaker will delve into the intricate interplay between the gastrointestinal system and immune function. Discover how diet and lifestyle choices profoundly affect the immune system and explore integrative approaches that can be employed to support and harmonize this critical component of overall health. Gain valuable insights to enhance your practice and help patients on their journey to better immune health.

Objectives:

1. Recognize the connection between the gastrointestinal system and immune function  
2. Review the impact of diet and lifestyle on the immune system 
3. Identify integrative approaches to support and balance the immune system 

Employer/Broker Day 2

Empowerment Through Health Coaching (2 hrs)

Description: 

Discover the secrets to unlocking your health potential. Uncover practical ways you can use your mindset to influence your wellness goals and conquer roadblocks that stand in your way. Learn to speak up for yourself, express your needs, and leverage your health coach in your journey to a healthier, happier you! 

Objectives:

1. Understand the powerful connection between mindset and achieving your health goals
2. Navigate through your brain’s natural resistance to change
3. Leverage your health coach to optimize your progress
4. Confidently express your needs and concerns in (and out) of the coaching relationship
5. Learn practical strategies to overcome roadblocks and stay on track towards your goal

Connections of GI Health to Overall Health (1.5 hrs)

Description:

In this session, the speaker will offer essential insights into the pivotal relationship between gastrointestinal well-being and overall health. Gain a comprehensive understanding of how digestive health influences various aspects of your life and learn how to improve overall health by focusing on GI health.

Objectives:

1. Discuss the intricate links between gastrointestinal health and overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of a healthy gut in maintaining vitality and resilience.
2. Describe ways for fostering GI health through diet and lifestyle choices, enabling them to make informed decisions for improved personal wellness.
3. Explore the direct impact of GI health on productivity, absenteeism, and overall workplace performance.
4. Navigate the ways employers can support and promote gastrointestinal health among employees, resulting in a happier, healthier, and more engaged workforce.

Reducing Cost in Autoimmune (2 hrs)

Description:

In this session, the speaker will provide practical strategies to effectively manage the financial burden associated with autoimmune conditions. They will explore cost-saving measures, improved healthcare utilization, and ways to enhance the overall well-being of individuals with autoimmune diseases.

Objectives:

1. Educate consumers on cost-effective approaches to managing autoimmune conditions, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare while reducing financial strain.
2. Highlight the financial impact of autoimmune diseases on employers, offering insights into the potential cost savings that can be achieved through proactive measures.
3. Provide practical guidance on optimizing healthcare utilization and leveraging preventive strategies to reduce medical expenses related to autoimmune conditions.
4. Encourage employers to implement wellness programs and accommodations that support employees with autoimmune diseases, ultimately fostering a healthier, more productive workforce while minimizing healthcare costs.

	Provider Track  (CPE / CME Available)	Employer/Broker Track  (HR Credit)
8:15 – 10:15 am	Expo / Networking	Expo / Networking
10:15 – 11:15 am	Keynote #2	Keynote #2