2021 Conference - The Balancing Act - The Neuroendocrine Endocrinology Triad (self study)

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The Balancing Act: The Neuroendocrine Immunology Triad

APRIL 23-25, 2021

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
As naturopathic doctors, we examine and treat the body as a whole. We understand that all the body systems are connected. It is with this understanding that our patients are able to heal from their mental, physical, and emotional ailments and live their most optimal lives. This year, the CNDA is proud to present our annual conference, Systems Biology - The Integrated Being, A Deeper Dive into Neuroendocrine Immunology.

We have a dynamic lineup of knowledgeable and respected speakers ready to share their clinical expertise and will provide you with the latest in naturopathic and integrative diagnostics, treatment, and management. If you see a variety of different neurological, immunological, and endocrinological conditions in your practice on a regular basis or just want to learn more about this constantly evolving field of medicine, then this conference is for you.

Long term health effects of fire smoke exposure - Louise Tolzmann, ND/ Lyn Patrick, ND (1 general CE)

In the fall of 2020 we saw record breaking fires and record breaking air quality indices on the west coast of the United States. Millions of people were exposed to smoke and poor air quality for days to weeks. In this lecture, Dr. Patrick & Dr. Tolzmann will be presenting on what the impact of smoke exposure has both in the short term, but also on long term health. They will be discussing the newly uncovered details of the mechanisms of injury for this systemic inflammation and discuss ways to test, monitor, and mitigate these insults. Unfortunately fires and smoke exposure are going to continue to occur - as physicians we need to more deeply understand the possible long term health effects and know how to support our patients.

Goals and Objectives:
1. Understand the long term systemic inflammation of exposures to fire smoke
2. Understand the possible long term diseases and pathology after exposure to fire smoke
3. Protective interventions (supplements & botanicals) to help mitigate this damage

Dr. Louise Tolzmann ND got her Naturopathic Doctorate degree from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington in 1997 and completed two years of residency at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She completed advanced training in environmental medicine with Dr. Walter Crinnion and is a fellow of the ISEAI (International Society of Environmentally Acquired Illness). Dr. Tolzmann has lectured on air quality, smoke exposure, wildfire risks, and toxic metals. She has also produced video resources for fire departments to utilize in the training of first responders. She is in private practice in Portland Oregon, where she specializes in environmental medicine and oncology.

Lyn Patrick ND graduated from Bastyr University in 1984 with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine and has been in private practice as a state licensed naturopathic physician in Arizona and Colorado for 35 years.
She is a published author of numerous articles in peer-reviewed medical journals, a past Contributing Editor for the former Medline-indexed Alternative Medicine Review journal, and recently authored a chapter in the newly released textbook Clinical Environmental Medicine (Elsevier 2019). She speaks internationally on environmental medicine, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, endocrine disruption, metal toxicology and other topics. She is currently Faculty for the Metabolic Medicine Institute Fellowship in collaboration with George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Lisa LaDue, LCSW - Body-Mind Crisis First Aid
(1 general CE)

This presentation will provide an overview of the dynamics of each phase of a disaster with the unique perspective of multiple disaster events and a pandemic occurring within a community (such as wildfires and COVID-19). Simple, body-focused interventions will be presented to assist providers in their support and stabilization of their patients. Ways in which these techniques can be used for provider self-care will also be discussed.

BIO:
Lisa LaDue has been actively engaged in disaster response, training, and consultation for over twenty years. She volunteered with the American Red Cross at the Pentagon and New York following the terrorist attacks of September 11; has responded with the National Disaster Medical System to the 2020 Oregon Wildfires and to Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Maria; worked internationally following the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the 2005 Sichuan Earthquake and the 2015 Nepal Earthquake; and is a recognized subject matter expert in mass fatalities management. Lisa is on the leadership team of Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization, and recently completed a multi-year contract with Americares, serving as the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Program Manager for their Hurricane Harvey Relief Project in Houston, Texas.

As a licensed clinical social worker with years of experience in healthcare and disasters, Lisa’s perspective has been formed from personal experiences that led her to an immersion in body-based trauma healing techniques. She offers a fresh view of trauma-informed care, translated into simple interventions that support the healing and support of patients and providers.

Chris Holder, ND/ Jen Riegel, ND - Naturopathic Disaster Medicine (1 general CE)

Join two Naturopathic Doctors as they teach you about being an ND in the wake of a natural disaster. Drs Riegle and Holder have been treating evacuees, first responders, and emergency management personnel for the last 4 devastating fire seasons in Northern California. They will review what skills are needed, how to consider trauma-informed care during treatment, and how to positively impact patients in a short amount of time when they are acutely impacted by disaster. Additionally, they will reveal strategies for working with large emergency management systems such as EOCs and the American Red Cross to ensure a successful partnership.
Dr. Jen Riegle is a licensed Naturopathic Physician with a degree from Bastyr University. She is the owner of Wild Oak Medicine in Santa Rosa, California and the co-founder and medical director of Integrative Healers Action Network, an organization that operates to organize a pathway by which practitioners of integrative modalities may volunteer their time during disasters to deliver safe and effective care to those most in need. As IHAN continues to grow, Dr. Riegle enjoys continuing to learn and teach about trauma informed disaster care with integrative modalities. Her private practice focuses include environmental medicine, autoimmune illness, women’s health, and fertility.

Dr. Chris Holder is a naturopathic doctor who offers holistic integrative medical care with a specialized focus on treating cancer and neurological disorders. He combines the best of Western medical technology with Eastern philosophy in addressing ailments in body, mind, and spirit. Self-discovery and patient empowerment are values he holds in high regard. He practices utilizing unique combinations of treatment modalities from around the world to promote wellness and encourage healing.

PART 1: Neurodegeneration: Causes & Treatment Approaches for Cognitive Decline Impairment
Dr. Diane Mueller, ND (1 general CE)

The CDC estimates that one out of nine adults have cognitive decline, which often begins by the age of 50. Cognitive decline has many social and psychological components. In addition, it can put great stress on family and friends. In this presentation we will discuss the physiology of cognitive decline as well as what can be done for early diagnosis and treatment.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Understand the physiological and biochemical changes of cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment.
2. Utilize tests that can be helpful in identifying cognitive decline.
3. Understand the root causes of cognitive decline.
4. Utilize research based treatments of cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment

PART 2: Neurodegeneration: Cognitive Decline & Prevention
(1 general CE)

The best treatment of cognitive decline is prevention. In this presentation, we will discuss what can be done to prevent cognitive decline. Due to the psychological and social stressors of this disease process, understanding how to work with the psychology of this disease is a necessary part of treatment. We will also cover the psychology of cognitive decline in this presentation.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Understand how to work with patients with depression and social implications of cognitive decline.
2. Understand habits, positive changes and psychological overwhelm of cognitive decline.
3. Understand how to prevent cognitive decline.

Brief Biography:
Dr. Diane Mueller is the co-founder of the Medicine with Heart Institute and online training school in a mind-body based approach to functional medicine. Her medical clinic is known for treating complex chronic diseases of Lyme Disease, Mold Illness, Neurological Disease and Autoimmune Disease. A great majority of the patients at her clinic suffer from cognitive decline on a spectrum of mild all the way to Alzheimer’s Disease. She has found over and over again that cognitive decline can be reversed if treated early. Her main passion and purpose is educating other doctors and helping support their growth and clinical excellence.

PART 1:
Our Second Brain: The Oralmicrobiome & Chronic GI Function: Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis, ND
(1 general CE)

In this presentation, Dr. Sandberg-Lewis will use a case example to illustrate how chronic unresolved dental infections can become a source of GI microbiome imbalance. A patient treated with oral antibiotics for dental abscess was told by her endodontist that there was no remaining infection.

However, Dr. Sandberg-Lewis had treated her for over a year with some moderate-good responses to treatment before further investigating the oral issues. The investigation was prompted by a relapse of her symptoms despite significant improvement in functional GI test results. On referring her for a second dental opinion, 5 areas of infection were found along with a stray bone fragment from a previous dental extraction. After just a few injections of ozone into the infected areas and removal of the bone fragment, she had total and lasting normalization of her GI and systemic symptoms.

Dr. Sandberg-Lewis will demonstrate a relatively simple applied kinesiology technique that he uses to investigate the presence of significant dental health issues in GI patients.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Understand the common healthy oralbiome and alterations found with oral infections.
2. Learn a screening technique for assessing the possibility of oral infections in GI cases.
3. Appreciate the various types of dental infections including gingivitis, dental plaque, periapical and periodontal abscesses.
4. Understand options for treatment of dental infections to help normalize the more distal GI microbiota.

PART 2: Our Second Brain: Bile's Role in Neuroendocrine Immunology (1 general CE)

This presentation will discuss small intestinal microbiota and bile as an symbiotic endocrine “organ”. Beyond a review of bile basics, Dr. Sandberg-Lewis will explain how bile acids control bacterial growth rates and modify carcinogenesis, detoxification and immunity. Furthermore, he will discuss the effect of bile acids on nuclear receptors, glucose metabolism regulation, and other essential homeostatic parameters.
Pathological bile states such as biliary dyskinesia; sludge, gravel and stones as well as overgrowth of bacteria and archaea will be discussed. Choices for botanical, therapeutic nutrients and bile acid supplementation will be included in the treatment options.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Understand that the steroid activity of bile extends to an endocrine organ.
2. Recall and review the physiology and anatomy of the biliary system.
3. Understand the various nuclear receptors controlled by bile acids.
4. Understand the therapeutic use of bile salts, botanical and nutrients for a variety of hepatobiliary and related conditions.
5. Appreciate the relationship between SIBO and hepatobiliary diseases.

Biography
Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis has been a practicing naturopathic physician since his graduation from NUNM in 1978. He has been a professor since 1985, teaching gastroenterology and GI physical medicine. His private practice is at Hive Mind Medicine in Portland, Oregon.

He is a popular international lecturer at functional medicine seminars, presents webinars and is frequently interviewed on issues of digestive health and disease. He is the author of the near-monthly column entitled “Functional Gastroenterology Bolus” in the Townsend letter. He is the author of the medical textbook Functional Gastroenterology: Assessing and Addressing the Causes of Functional Digestive Disorders, Second edition, 2017. In 2014 he was named one of the “Top Docs” in Portland monthly magazine’s yearly healthcare issue and in 2015 was inducted into the OANP/NUNM Hall of Fame.

Within gastroenterology, he has special interest and expertise in inflammatory bowel disease (including microscopic colitis), irritable bowel syndrome (including post-infectious IBS), Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal and bile reflux (GERD), biliary dyskinesia, and chronic states of nausea and vomiting.

Dr. Sandberg-Lewis lives in Portland with his wife, Kayle. His interests include mandolin, guitar and voice, bicycling, kayaking, writing and lecturing.

PART 1: The Hijacking of the Adolescent Brain: Mental Health, Medication & Treatment Strategies (1 pharmacy CE)
by Dr. Krista Anderson-Ross, ND

Presentation Description:
In this second presentation, we will review the interrelationship between nutrition and mental health in adolescents, including the impact of COVID-19. Next, we will analyze how different medications including antidepressants, birth control pills, and sleep medications can deplete specific nutrients. We will then discuss how ADHD medications can have an impact on the dopaminergic system and sleep. Finally, we will discuss how evidence-based treatments can both prevent and address the effects of these medications.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Review the interrelationship between nutrition and mental health in adolescents.
2. Consider the impact of COVID-19 on adolescent mental health.
3. Identify commonly utilized sleep, depression, anxiety, and birth control medications known to deplete specific nutrients.
4. Discuss the dopaminergic action of stimulant medications for ADHD.
5. Implement evidence-based, supportive treatment strategies that can both prevent the susceptibility to and address the effects of these influences (from Part I and Part II).

PART 2: The Hijacking of the Adolescent Brain: Recreational Drugs, Alcohol and Technology
(1 pharmacy CE)

The use of the substances cannabis, alcohol and nicotine during adolescence have long been associated with alterations in brain structure, function and neurocognition. An emerging area of research is the impact of technology use during this vulnerable period, and how it may play a role in one’s susceptibility to substances.

Because the neural pathways that form during adolescence contribute to a strong or weak foundation impacting one’s intellectual, psychological and emotional health for life, naturopathic doctors are in a unique position to help prevent these dependencies from arising by offering support and education to pre-teens, teens and their caregivers including treatment strategies aimed at addressing underlying imbalances which may preclude one to substance use. This presentation seeks to familiarize clinicians with the influences these stimuli have on brain development and neuroendocrine health, with an emphasis on depression, anxiety and sleep.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Trace normal adolescent brain development.
2. Understand the importance of the mesolimbic system and the crucial roles played by GABA and Dopamine.
3. Understand the known impacts on adolescent brain development associated with cannabis, nicotine and technology.
4. Recognize the known impacts on adolescent mental health associated with cannabis, nicotine and technology.
5. Seek out screening tools and resources, and start a conversation with adolescents.

Biography
Krista Anderson-Ross graduated from NCNM in 2002 and maintains a clinical practice in Bend, Oregon with a focus on hormones, sleep, and adolescent health. She has been a staff physician with Labrix of Doctors Data since 2012.

Dr. Krista is a frequent presenter on adrenal and hormone health, sleep, melatonin, the adolescent brain, and the science of lifestyle. Recent speaking engagements include the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) annual convention; Mid-Atlantic Regional Naturopathic Medical Education Conference; Naturopathic Laboratory, Endocrine and Neurotransmitter Symposium (LENS); and Institute of Women’s Heath and Integrative Medicine (IWHIM). Her articles “Sleep: The Emerging Science and its Clinical Implications,” and “We Are What We Think – Downregulating the Chronic Stress Response with Technology-Assisted Mindfulness Meditation” were published in peer reviewed journals in 2018 and 2020.

As a result of raising her own three teenagers and working with that demographic in her practice, Dr Krista has a special interest in adolescent health. She co-founded an organization in her local high school community to support positive mental health by providing support and resources to students and families who have recently moved to the area.

PART 1: COVID-19 Multi Organ Effects: Connecting the Dots by Dr. Andrea Gruszecki, ND
(1 general CE)

Presentation Description:
After a year of living in the “new normal” of COVID-19 infections, clinicians need strategies for both acute and long-term sequelae of COVID-19 infection. The first presentation will discuss acute COVID effects including thymus involution, multi-organ tissue damage and disruption of Th1/Th2 balance. It will then discuss the common physiological denominators for multi-organ and multi-system damage by COVID-19 and strategies for minimizing the effects of COVID-19 infection.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Understand common biochemical pathways that result in multi-organ COVID-19 sequelae.
2. Understand the acute effects of immune system dysregulation during COVID-19 infection.
3. Utilize herbal and nutritional defenses against COVID-19 infection and acute sequlae.

PART 2:
COVID-19 Multi Organ Effects: Long Term Consequences
(1 general CE)

Presentation Description:
After a year of living in the “new normal” of COVID-19 infections, clinicians need strategies for both acute and long-term sequelae of COVID-19 infection. The second presentation will discuss post-COVID-19 effects that result from organ damage and may also involve neurological or endocrine effects. Finally, we will discuss strategies to improve viral resistance and reduce the impact of long-term consequences.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Understand the biochemistry and immunology dysregulations that result in long-term sequelae post-COVID-19 infection.
2. Understand biochemical dysregulations that result in long-term sequelae post-COVID-19 infection in the neurological system, endothelium and epithelium (skin, vasculature, gut), and endocrine system.
3. Ulitize herbal, nutritional and lifestyle management of long-term COVID-19 sequelae.

Brief Biography:
Andrea Gruszecki received her Doctorate in Naturopathy from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. Upon her graduation from SCNM, she worked at the Wellness Center in Norwalk, CT., before starting her own naturopathic practice. She has worked with a variety of patients and has pursued additional studies to ensure the skills necessary to treat the “whole person” using nutrition, physical therapies, education, and mind-body therapies. Her experiences in private practice evolved into an inclusive model of medicine for use by conventional and CAM providers, designed to allow cross-specialty communication among health care providers. This model has been published online (Forward Into the Past: Reclaiming Our Roots Through an Inclusive Model of Medicine NDNR eNewsletter June 2013). She has presented continuing medical education on a variety of subjects, including the food sensitivities, amino acids, gut microbiome, and toxic exposures.

Dr. Gruszecki serves as a clinical consultant for US BioTek Laboratories, writing, researching and presenting interpretations and information on a variety of health-related subjects. She is the author of the Mineral Status Evaluation chapter in the most recent edition of the Textbook of Natural Medicine, and she has authored articles for NDNR and the Townsend Letter. She draws upon years of experience and the latest research during her consultations and is often able to provide novel insights for clinicians.

PART 1:
The Wonderous Woman: A Deeper Look at PCOS by Dr. Amy Day, ND
(.5 general CE/ .5 pharmacy CE)

We’ve come a long way from the earlier understandings of this syndrome. Rarely presenting with cysts on the ovaries, we need to gain a deeper understanding of the many faces of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This presentation will help attendees know how to dig deeper when patients come to you with adult acne, stubborn weight gain, irregular cycles or hirsutism so you can more fully understand what is going on. And, once you know what version of PCOS is at play for your patient and what mechanisms to focus on, you can go further in your treatments and be more successful in helping your patients!

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Recognize and diagnose PCOS.
2. Better understand the various ways PCOS can show up in patients.
3. Become comfortable with creating multi-faceted and effective naturopathic and conventional treatments based on diagnostic work up.
4. Have an updated review of pharmaceuticals used to treat this condition.
5. Learn clinical pearls to start helping your patients next week!

PART 2: The Wonderous Woman: 6 Keys to Endometriosis Success
(.5 general CE/ .5 pharmacy CE)

Endometriosis used to be thought of as being just “lesions in the pelvis” that were caused by hormone imbalances. Thus the main treatments developed so far have been hormone suppressing drugs and surgical removal. We now know that endometriosis is a full-body systemic disease involving the dysregulation of both the endocrine AND immune systems, and can be impacted by many diverse factors. In this presentation, attendees will learn what endometriosis actually is and gain confidence in helping patients navigate their treatment options. By providing a holistic multi-system treatment plan, patients will finally find the relief they are seeking.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Recognize and diagnose endometriosis.
2. Gain compassion for patients and their experiences when they are suffering with this challenging condition.
3. Become comfortable with creating multi-faceted effective treatment plans.
4. Have an updated review of pharmaceuticals used to treat this condition.
5. Learn clinical pearls to start helping your patients next week!

Brief Biography:
Dr. Amy Day, ND received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) in Portland, OR in 2004 and was the fourth ND licensed in California. She is the founder and clinic director of The Women’s Vitality Center in Berkeley, CA where her team of NDs and health coaches provide support for women who are struggling with stress, fatigue and hormonal issues. Applying the wisdom of her own journey, she has helped thousands of women feel empowered about their bodies, and has helped them to naturally regain their health and vitality.

Dr. Day is a respected educational and motivational speaker. She has been on faculty at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is a guest lecturer to doctors, nurses, osteopaths, acupuncturists, and also to the public. She is a current member and past board member of the California Naturopathic Doctors Association, a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Endometriosis Association.

Dr. Amy Day’s compassionate and holistic approach combines diet, exercise, lifestyle counseling, stress management, nutritional supplements, herbal medicines and bioidentical hormone therapy. For more information, please visit www.WomensVitalityCenter.com

PART 1: Gut Bugs: Prevention of Endotoxemia by Dr. Guy Citrin, ND

You are more bacteria than you are human with 10 trillion human cells outnumbered by over 100 trillion bacteria cells in and on your body. The human genome contributes just 1% genetic material to daily metabolic function compared to the 99% that is contributed by the microbiome. An often-overlooked role of the microbiome is to prevent post-prandial endotoxemia and the inflammatory devastation that follows. This lecture will illustrate the danger of having post-prandial endotoxemia and why this condition is being called the number one cause of mortality worldwide as it sets up the body for virtually every chronic disease. This condition is caused by eating and a failure of the microbiome to protect its host from this response. You simply cannot completely correct any chronic condition without addressing post-prandial endotoxemia. This presentation will discuss how the microbiome controls the immune system, the brain, the endocrine system, and nutrient production.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Understand the form and function of the human microbiome.
2. Understand the development and establishment of the human microbiome and factors that disrupt optimal development.
3. Understand how the microbiome controls the immune system, the brain, the endocrine system, and nutrient production – the critical cross-talk between the microbiome and the host.
4. Understand post-prandial endotoxemia and its resulting effects on the human body.
5. Develop strategies for probiotic therapy that can impact post-prandial endotoxemia.

PART 2: Gut Bugs: Understanding the Microbial Endocrine System

The gut microbiome is now considered a virtual endocrine organ that interacts directly and indirectly with the rest of the body. A healthy microbiome leads to healthy hormone balance, but many factors can disrupt this balance leading ultimately to chronic disease. In this presentation, attendees will learn how the microbial endocrine system can impact the health of patients and what you can do to bring that delicate system into balance.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Describe how the gut microbiome impacts hormone production.
2. List bacteria that produce specific hormones.
3. Explain how gut dysbiosis can lead to hormonal dysfunction.
4. Discuss actionable changes that any person can make to increase diversity of the gut microbiome.
5. List nutrients that can significantly enhance microbial diversity.

Brief Biography:
Guy Citrin is a Naturopathic doctor based in Los Angeles. Dr. Citrin received his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from NUHS and was a resident at the Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic under medical director and physician of the year in 2016, Dr. Margaret Beeson. He has trained extensively in various modalities ranging from general primary care and chronic diseases to functional and regenerative medicine. He views the body as an integrated whole and focuses on holistically treating the root cause rather than the symptoms of his patients.

PART 1: The Metabolic Male: Adipocytokines & Insulin Resistance by Dr. Matthew Cavaiola, ND
(.75 general CE/ .25 pharmacy CE)

Rates of male hypogonadism continue to climb both in older and younger men as well as the rates of insulin resistance and diabetes. There is, without a doubt, causality between fat, adipocytokines, metabolic dysregulation and male hypogonadism. This talk will describe the nature of this issue, discuss the interrelationships between glycemic dysregulation, fat and adipocytokines and the harmful disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis they cause. Attendees will learn how to evaluate a patient for metabolic male hypogonadism using laboratory testing and other objective means and be able to understand how to and/or prescribe medications to manage these cases.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Understand the relationships between glycemic dysregulation, fat, adipocytokines and HPG axis disruption.
2. Evaluate a patient using appropriate laboratory testing and other objective means.
3. Manage metabolic male hypogonadism using pharmaceutical interventions.

PART 2: The Metabolic Male: Integrative Management of Hypogonadism
(.75 general CE/ .25 pharmacy CE)

In the second part of this lecture focusing on metabolic male hypogonadism, attendees will learn about evidence-based methods to help men improve their hormonal levels and overall health. Heavy emphasis will be placed on integrative management of glycemic dysregulation, insulin resistance, adipocytokine-altered hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) function. Dietary and other lifestyle interventions will be discussed as will select nutrients, botanicals and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Attendees will be able to walk away after this two-part lecture feeling confident in knowing how to evaluate and successfully treat men suffering from metabolic male hypogonadism.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Prescribe therapeutic dietary and lifestyle interventions for men with hypogonadism.
2. Understand evidence-based rationale for using botanicals and selected nutrients to manage metabolic male hypogonadism.
3. Learn if testosterone replacement therapy is indicated to treat men with metabolic male hypogonadism and how to prescribe it.

Biography:
Dr. Matthew Cavaiola grew up near Annapolis, Maryland in a family where natural medicine was the norm. He went to the University of Delaware where he received his undergraduate degree in Biology and a Master's degree in Human Nutrition. He then went on to receive an additional Master's degree in Acupuncture from the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture and his Naturopathic Medical Degree from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, both located in Phoenix, AZ. He is passionate about education and has dedicated his entire life to getting healthier and sharing the knowledge that he has picked up along the way with his colleagues, patients and students. He specializes in men’s health and has lectured on many topics in the field including prostate health, testosterone replacement therapy, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. He incorporates many healing modalities into his naturopathic medical practice, Conscious Human Medicine, located in Santa Monica, CA that he shares with his partner.

PART 1: The Immune Brain Loop: Neurotransmitters, Endocannabinoids, Opioids and Immunity by Heather Zwickey, ND
(1 general CE)

Several systems in the body interact with each other to impact health, yet we often study them in isolation. Understanding how the immune system interacts with the nervous system, endocannabinoid system, opioid system, endocrine system, and the microbiome provides clinicians with a more complete picture of disease. Moreover, a knowledge of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) links modern biomedicine with historical constitutional types and provides a variety of therapeutic approaches to a patient.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:

Describe how the immune system, nervous system, endocannabinoid system, and opioid system interact.
Report the relationships between cytokines, neurotransmitters, endocannabinoids, and opioids.
Discuss the role of cytokines, neurotransmitters, other chemicals in the brain and microbiome.
List diagnoses known to have relationships with PNI systems.
Suggest treatment possibilities based on PNI and microbiome relationships.

PART 2: The Immune Brain Loop: Endocrine Immune Relationships (1 general CE)

Presentation Description:
This presentation will discuss how the endocrine system interacts with the immune system with respect to the production of male and female sex hormones, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal hormones, and adipokines. Next it will cover how the microbiome influences the endocrine and immune interactions. With this knowledge and understanding, attendees will be able to recommend hormonal therapeutics to manipulate and elicit immune effects.

After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:

Discuss endocrine-immune interaction with respect to sex hormones.
Discuss endocrine-immune interaction with respect to HPA hormones.
Describe the mechanisms by which hormones elicit immune effects.
Suggest hormonal therapeutics to manipulate immune responses.

Brief Biography:
Heather Zwickey earned a Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbiology from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center with a focus on infectious disease and vaccine development. Dr. Zwickey went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship and teach medical school at Yale University where she worked on immunotherapy for cancer.

She was then recruited to the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR, where she launched the Helfgott Research Institute and established the School of Graduate Studies, developing programs in integrative medicine research, nutrition, and global health among others. She currently leads an NIH funded clinical research training program focused on training the next generation of integrative medicine researchers. She teaches at many universities and speaks at conferences world-wide. At Helfgott Research Institute, Dr. Zwickey applies her immunology expertise to natural medicine, with specific interest in the gut-brain axis in neuroinflammation.