There is no such thing as "anti-aging" in medicine. But, there is such a thing as more graceful aging and that is what this course is about—learning what we can do to allow our bodies to work more efficiently and create a more comfortable aging process. Students will learn how every chronic disease that we try to avoid (or treat after it occurs) is really just the body doing what it is supposed to do based on the instructions that we give it from the outside world—homeostasis in action. Students will explore a new understanding of how our genes play a role in the development of disease or dysfunction and an appreciation of how to influence "genetic expression." The common chronic diseases of aging, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, reflux, and more, will be discussed in detail with the goal of understanding what medicine does for those diseases now, and alternative ways to approach them. We will also learn the proper way to evaluate and use the tools at our disposal: diet, exercise, herbs, vitamins, relaxation techniques, etc. Lastly, the newest tool in the toolbox (now available to Marylanders, at least legally), medical cannabis, will be discussed in detail with regard to the endocannabinoid system and its contribution to homeostasis and wellness.
916.231.01 Homewood campus
Wednesday, Feb. 19 to March 25, 6:45 to 8:45 p.m.
Cost: $210 (six sessions)
JHU full-time faculty/staff are eligible for 80% tuition remission; spouse for 50%. The discount will not be applied if registering online. Contact 410-516-8516 for registration details.
