March Madness CE Sale!

March Madness Continuing Education Sale @pdresources.org

March Madness is here and we’re celebrating with 30 CE Courses Under $30! How do you pick?

March Madness CE Sale

The following courses are included in the sale, all priced at $29 (savings of $10-$40 per course):

  1. Clinical Supervision for Healthcare Professionals is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE) course that will outline best practices in psychotherapy supervision and review the structure of the supervisory relationship.
  2. Autism: The New Spectrum of Diagnostics, Treatment & Nutrition is a 4-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that reviews diagnostic changes in autism as well as treatment options and nutrition interventions – both theoretical and applied.
  3. Active Listening: Techniques that Work for Children and Parents is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that offers a valuable compilation of practical and ready-to-use strategies and techniques for achieving more effective communication through active listening.
  4. Gender Identity and Transgenderism is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE) course that reviews issues in the formation of gender identity and the possible resultant condition of transgenderism, formerly transsexuality.
  5. E-Therapy: Ethics & Best Practices is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE) course that examines the advantages, risks, technical issues, legalities and ethics of providing therapy online.
  6. Improving Social Skills in Children & Adolescents is a 4-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that discusses the social skills children and adolescents need to develop to be successful in school and beyond.
  7. Really Bizarre Sexual Behaviors is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE) course that reviews a variety of infrequent and atypical sexual practices.
  8. When Your Young Client is Defiant is a 3-hour online CEU course that teaches clinicians effective and practical strategies to manage challenging and defiant behavior in their young clients.
  9. Animal-Assisted Therapy and the Healing Power of Pets is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE) course that discusses the challenges and rewards of human-animal interactions.
  10. Medical Marijuana is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE) course that presents a summary of the current literature on the various medical, legal, educational, occupational, and ethical aspects of marijuana.
  11. Codependency: Causes, Consequences and Cures is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE) course that offers strategies for therapists to use in working with codependent clients.
  12. Improving Cultural Competence in Substance Abuse Treatment is a 4-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that proposes strategies to engage clients of diverse racial and ethnic groups in treatment.
  13. Ethics & Risk Management: Expert Tips VII is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that addresses a variety of ethics and risk management topics in psychotherapy practice.
  14. Improving Communication with Your Young Clients is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that teaches clinicians effective and practical communication and conversational skills to use with young clients and their families.
  15. HIV/AIDS: Therapy and Adherence is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that discusses adherence issues in populations at high risk for HIV infection and provides strategies for healthcare professionals to encourage people with HIV to seek and maintain medical treatment.
  16. Visuals for Autism: Beyond the Basic Symbols is a 2-hour online video continuing education (CE/CEU) course that demonstrates when, how, and why to use visuals with students with autism.
  17. Helping Your Young Client Persevere in the Face of Learning Differences is a 3-hour online video CE course that provides new strategies and techniques for helping students develop a love of learning
  18. Unusual Psychosexual Syndromes, Part 1: Koro, Autoerotic Asphyxia, and Necrophilia is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE) course that presents three of the most unusual human sexual behavior disorders.
  19. Building Resilience in your Young Client is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that offers a wide variety of resilience interventions that can be used in therapy, school, and home settings.
  20. Beyond Calories & Exercise: Eliminating Self-Defeating Behaviors is a 5-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that “walks” readers through the process of replacing their self-defeating weight issues with healthy, positive, and productive life-style behaviors.
  21. Clergy Stress and Depression is a 4-hour online CEU course that provides clinicians with an understanding of the complex factors that cause stress and depression in clergy, along with recommendations for prevention and treatment.
  22. Prescription Drug Abuse is a 3-hour online CEU course that examines the effects of the rise in prescription drug abuse, as well as treatment options for abusers.
  23. Anti-Social Youth & Conduct Disorders is a 3-hour online CEU course that offers tailored tools that you need to manage and help anti-social and conduct disordered youth and children.
  24. School Refusal Behavior: Children Who Can’t or Won’t Go to School is a 4-hour online CEU course that breaks down the distinction between truancy and school refusal and examines a number of psychological disorders that may be causing – or comorbid with – school refusal.
  25. Emotional Overeating: Practical Management Techniques is a 4-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that disusses the causes of emotional eating and provides cognitive and behavioral exercises that can help to eliminate the addictive pattern.
  26. Couples No-Fault Counseling is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that teaches how to help couples to give up their BAD (blame, argue & defend) communication style and replace it with active listening.
  27. The Grieving Self is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that looks at stories of the bereaved to determine the major issues to address to reconnect those who grieve to a stable sense of self.
  28. Mindfulness: The Healing Power of Compassionate Presence is a 6-hour online continuing education (CE) course that will give you the mindfulness skills necessary to work directly, effectively and courageously, with your own and your client’s life struggles.
  29. Nutrition in Mental Health is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that discusses how good nutrition impacts a person’s mental health and well being.
  30. Anxiety: Practical Management Techniques is a 4-hour online continuing education (CE) course that offers a collection of ready-to-use anxiety management tools.


Sale prices are valid Tuesday, March 14, 2017 through Monday, April 3, 2017. Offers valid on future orders only.

Click here to view sale courses available per profession.

 

Nutrition’s Role in Managing Depression

By LeeAnn Weintraub

Nutrition's Role in Managing DepressionWhile the holiday season is said to be bright, cheerful and merry, for people struggling with depression this can be the hardest time of the year.

Whether it is a case of “the blues” or clinical depression, seeking out support and implementing a daily routine of self-care, including balanced eating, can help you back onto the road of physical and emotional stability.

Experts point to various factors that make the holiday seasonal emotionally challenging.

First, December is a time for self-evaluation and reflection, so financial hardships, unraveling relationships and mounting piles of work can cause feelings of hopelessness.

Plus, there are the excess demands to make the holidays perfect while juggling stressful family dynamics.

People lacking social support, especially elderly people who may be isolated due to health problems and those who have recently lost a loved one, are at increased risk for depression. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health considers depression in those 65 years and older to be a significant public health concern.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 7 percent of U.S. adults and more than 10 percent of adolescents aged 12-17 have had at least one major depressive episode in the past year.

A leading cause of mental illness, depression not only impacts the brain, but is associated with many other physical health problems.

People who suffer from depression are four times more likely to experience a heart attack and, strikingly, are four times more likely to die within the following six months after having a heart attack compared with those who are not depressed.

Depressed adolescents are twice as likely to become obese compared with non-depressed youth. A study published recently in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that weight gain in depressed adolescents is mostly a result of negative body image.

Those who perceived themselves as overweight were twice as likely to be obese one year later.

While seeking professional help is a key part to treating depression, healthful eating and nutrition can play a useful role in getting better and hopefully finding some holiday joy.

Here are some tips to get started on yourself or maybe someone you know:

  • Seek balance when enjoying holiday comfort foods. Keep portion control in mind when it comes to higher calorie holiday foods so you can eat your favorites without feeling guilty or deprived.
  • Choose nonalcoholic beverages. Remember that alcohol is a depressant, so steering away from the booze at holiday gatherings can help keep your mood more stable.
  • Low vitamin D levels are linked to depression. Since a primary source of vitamin D is from sunlight exposure, it can be extra challenging to get adequate vitamin D during winter months. Go outdoors to increase your daily dose of vitamin D.
  • Choose foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats from such foods as salmon, walnuts, flax seeds and extra virgin olive oil help reduce inflammation and support brain function, including memory and mood.
  • Don’t skip breakfast. Including a balanced morning meal with protein and fiber, such as eggs and whole grain toast, can aid with mood, memory and energy levels.


Make whole foods your base. Eating plenty of nutrient-dense whole foods will help ensure you are taking in the important nutrients needed to make neurotransmitters including amino acids, vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid, and minerals, such as zinc and iron.

LeeAnn Weintraub, a registered dietitian, provides nutrition counseling and consulting to individuals, families and businesses. LeeAnn can be reached at [email protected].

Source: http://www.dailynews.com/health/20151130/nutrition-depression-issues-can-be-monitored

Related Online CEU Courses:

Nutrition in Mental Health is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that discusses how good nutrition impacts a person’s mental health and well being.

Depression is a 1-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that provides an overview to the various forms of depression, including signs and symptoms, co-existing conditions, causes, gender and age differences, and diagnosis and treatment options.

Professional Development Resources is approved to offer online continuing education (CE/CEU) courses by the American Psychological Association (APA); the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA); the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR); the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy; the Florida Boards of Social Work, Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology & School Psychology, Dietetics & Nutrition, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy Practice; the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board and Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors & MFTs; and by the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists and State Board of Social Worker Examiners.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Diet and Lifestyle Interventions

By Anne Danahy, MS, RD, LDN

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of mood disorder or depression, which occurs consistently in the fall and winter, and resolves in the spring and summer. Symptoms of SAD include:

  • Feeling sad, anxious, or “empty”
  • Irritability
  • Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased energy
  • Heavy, leaden feeling in arms or legs
  • Changes in weight, especially weight gain
  • Changes in appetite, usually an increased craving for carbohydrate foods


Risk Factors:

Seasonal Affective DisorderIt is estimated that SAD affects nearly one half million Americans each year, with women more likely to suffer from seasonal depression than men, and younger adults more at risk than older adults. Those who live furthest from the equator are more likely to experience SAD.

Research suggests that SAD is triggered by a reduction in the amount of sunlight or daylight, which upsets the body’s natural clock. A change in seasons can affect production of the hormone melatonin, which plays a part in regulating sleep and mood. Reduced exposure to sunlight can also negatively impact production of the serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood.

Although diet and sedentary lifestyle are not risk factors for developing SAD, studies on depression suggest that those with diets low in certain nutrients, such as vitamin D and omega-3 fats, may be at greater risk for depression, and symptoms often improve when intake of these nutrients is increased. Additionally, individuals who eat a diet high in refined carbohydrates and/or lead a sedentary lifestyle may experience worse symptoms associated with SAD, especially weight gain, lack of energy, and fatigue.

What You Can Do:

While symptoms of SAD are generally minor for most, anyone who suffers from depression is advised to see their doctor to rule out any serious behavioral health issues. Studies have shown that light therapy (sitting next to a special light box which mimics the sun), is an effective treatment for SAD for many people. For those with more severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend an antidepressant or cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition, the following diet and lifestyle modifications may be helpful:

  • Increase your intake of omega-3 fats from salmon, sardines or other fatty fish, grass-fed beef, walnuts, flax seeds, soybeans, and enriched eggs. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in brain health. Although most studies examine their effect on mood disorders and other types of depression, several reviews of population studies, including those in Finland and Iceland, showed a negative association between fish eating and depression, including seasonal depression. In addition, researchers have found an association between lower plasma omega-3 levels and depression, and improvements in depression when subjects received supplemental doses.
  • Make sure you get adequate vitamin D by exposing your face and arms to sunlight for 10 minutes each day, eating fatty fish, eggs, and fortified milk, and taking a vitamin D supplement if necessary. Vitamin D plays many important roles in the body, and studies have found a negative association with depression. In a study that examined the effects of adding vitamin D to antidepressant treatment in subjects with major depressive disorder, researchers found that adding 1 500 international units (IU) of vitamin D to treatment was superior in treating depression. Although much research has established an association between low levels of vitamin D and higher likelihood of SAD, studies on the benefits of using vitamin D supplements alone to treat SAD have been inconsistent.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes several servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy foods, fish, and lean proteins. Plant foods especially have beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals that may play a role in regulating mood, body, and brain health. In a review of 21 studies that compared dietary patterns to depression, Lei et al found that individuals with low intake of fruits and vegetables had higher odds of depression. The researchers also noted that although it has been difficult to establish the role of individual nutrients in preventing or treating depression, it may be possible that the various nutrients contributed by an overall “healthy diet” act synergistically to prevent depression.
  • Choose complex carbohydrates over refined carbs. One of the symptoms of SAD is an increased craving for carbohydrate foods. Unfortunately, filling up on sweets, pasta, and other refined carbohydrate foods causes a spike in blood glucose and insulin levels, and often leads to weight gain and fatigue. In addition, research from the Women’s Health Initiative found that higher glycemic index foods actually contribute to depression, especially in postmenopausal women. Choosing more high fiber, whole-grain carbohydrates such as oatmeal, brown rice, farro, or whole-wheat pastas helps to regulate glucose levels, and supplies a steady supply of lower calorie energy throughout the day.
  • Aim for exercise most days of the week. In addition to helping to prevent winter weight gain, regular aerobic exercise, for at least 30 minutes each day has been shown to improve mood and reduce both major depression and seasonal affective disorder. Exercising outside in sunlight has been shown to have even greater benefits.


Source: http://www.nutrition411.com/articles/seasonal-affective-disorder-diet-and-lifestyle-interventions

Related Online CEU Courses:

Depression is a 1-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that provides an overview to the various forms of depression, including signs and symptoms, co-existing conditions, causes, gender and age differences, and diagnosis and treatment options.

Nutrition in Mental Health is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that discusses how good nutrition impacts a person’s mental health and well being.

Professional Development Resources is approved to offer continuing education by the American Psychological Association (APA); the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA); the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR); the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy; the Florida Boards of Social Work, Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology & School Psychology, Dietetics & Nutrition, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy Practice; the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board and Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors & MFTs; and by the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists and State Board of Social Worker Examiners.

Nutrition in Mental Health

By Joyce Donahue, MA, RD, LD/N

Nutrition in Mental HealthSo often, we think of nutrition and its relationship to our bodies from the neck down. How it affects our heart, how it affects our colon, for example. Why do we not acknowledge its impact on our brain health as well? If a patient were to undergo an elective surgical procedure, he or she may be advised to lose weight, gain weight, or avoid certain medications or herbs beforehand. These recommendations are made to help ensure maximum recovery with minimal complications. Why would we not take this approach when dealing with mental illness as well? Shouldn’t we try to achieve optimal nutritional health of the brain if we are trying to heal it?

A poorly nourished body contains a poorly nourished brain. It has been my experience that clients who take the nutritional component of their mental health or substance abuse recovery/rehabilitation seriously, are more likely to be successful and experience “wellness” in their mental health. A more holistic approach is necessary. It is essential to treat the body and mind as one. The brain does not live in isolation to the rest of the body. More and more medical experts are realizing that every biochemical reaction in the brain occurs as a result of the nutrients we feed that brain. Mental illness needs to be attacked with various approaches, medical nutrition therapy being one of them.

One of my favorite quotes, and one that I truly believe in, came from Hippocrates when he said, “Food is thy medicine and medicine is thy food.” Whether we are treating substance abuse, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or schizoaffective disorder, we need to focus first and foremost on proper nutrition for the brain.

Nutrition in Mental Health is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that discusses how good nutrition impacts a person’s mental health and well being. Includes discussions on “mental wellness” versus “mental illness,” hypothyroidism and it’s impact on mental health, neurotransmitters and amino acids, glycemic index, vitamins, fatty acids, caffeine, chocolate and aspartame, and herbal supplements and medications. Case studies are provided. This course will give the reader some insight into this concept, by providing the student with clinical research, anecdotal information and a good background for understanding the role nutrition plays in mental health.

This online course provides instant access to the course materials (PDF download) and CE test. After enrolling, click on My Account and scroll down to My Active Courses. From here you’ll see links to download/print the course materials and take the CE test (you can print the test to mark your answers on it while reading the course document). Successful completion of the online CE test (80% required to pass, 3 chances to take) and course evaluation are required to earn a certificate of completion. Click here to learn more.

Professional Development Resources is approved to offer continuing education by the American Psychological Association (APA); the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA); the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR); the California Board of Behavioral Sciences; the Florida Boards of Social Work, Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology & School Psychology, Dietetics & Nutrition, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy Practice; the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board; the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors & MFTs; and by theTexas Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists and State Board of Social Worker Examiners.