This lecture explores the composition and function of the human gut microbiome and its role in maintaining health. It examines how dysbiosis contributes to common conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, and mental health issues, and discusses evidence-based strategies to support microbiome health through diet and lifestyle. The session also highlights how social determinants of health—such as diet quality, environmental exposures, and access to care—shape microbiome diversity and contribute to health disparities.

1. Describe the composition and functions of the human microbiome and its role in maintaining health.
2. Explain the relationship between microbiome imbalance (dysbiosis) and common disease states (e.g., GI disorders, obesity, mental health).
3. Examine how social determinants of health influence the gut microbiome and contribute to health disparities.
4. Identify evidence-based strategies for modulating and supporting a healthy microbiome through lifestyle and diet.

This evidence-based session explores the rapidly growing field of Lifestyle Medicine—an approach that emphasizes sustainable behavior change to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic metabolic diseases. Participants will review current epidemiological data on metabolic health, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, and learn how lifestyle interventions—nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, substance avoidance, and positive social connection—serve as powerful therapeutic tools. Through real-world case studies and clinical outcomes, attendees will gain practical insights into implementing Lifestyle Medicine in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes, reduce medication dependence, and advance the shift from disease management to true health restoration.

1- Define Lifestyle Medicine and its six evidence-based pillars
2- Interpret current epidemiologic data on metabolic health and chronic disease trends
3-Apply lifestyle interventions to prevent, treat, and reverse common chronic conditions 4-Describe how social determinants of health influence patients’ ability to adopt and maintain lifestyle changes, and identify practical strategies to address these factors and promote health equity in clinical practice.

The goal of the lecture is to increase PA recognition of malnutrition across populations, the risks associated with malnutrition, and the PAs role as a front line provider in screening and diagnosing malnutrition.

1. Use the evidence based tools to quickly and efficiently screen for malnutrition in both inpatient and outpatient settings. 
2.  Discuss the value of diagnosing identified patients with at-risk for malnutrition or malnutrition. 
3. Recognize the role that food insecurity plays in malnutrition, and patients at risk. 
4. Describe the role that malnutrition plays on patient outcomes.