Stress & Chronic Disease: The Role of the Community Pharmacist as a First Responder

In these trying times, our bodies are very familiar with the stress response – a cascade of hormones from the hypothalamus and the pituitary and adrenal glands. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) is involved in regulating body temperature, digestion, the immune system, mood, sexuality, and energy usage. It is also a component of the fight-or-flight response to stressors and the release of stress hormones like cortisol. A growing body of scientific evidence has expanded our knowledge of the role the HPA axis plays in both bodily systems and HPA axis dysfunction, a byproduct of an overactive stress response that can lead to chronic disease.

By attending Stress and Chronic Disease: The Role of the Community Pharmacist as a First Responder, independent pharmacists can position themselves as first responders in treating HPA axis dysfunction. During this one-day, online symposium, you’ll learn about the impact of cortisol on the nervous and immune systems, examine common illnesses in the context of hypocortisol states that mediate disease progression and prognosis, and treatment strategies. The faculty of experts presenting at this learning opportunity will provide you with the tools and resources to become a catalyst for patient transformation, disease prevention, and health promotion in your community.

The George Washington University Hospital Department of Pharmacy is approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This live activity is approved for 7:00 hours of continuing education credits for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

DUTCH Medical Director, Dr. Carrie Jones, will be speaking on, “What’s the Deal with Cortisol: Assessing Our Patients.” Be sure to also check out her blog post on the same subject over at Lifestyle Matrix Resource center.