The Health Advantage

Wellness Optimization: How You Can Create Your Best Self Now

Today, research assistant and adjunct professor Kirsten Thornhill shares insight on personalized wellness optimization. Kirsten highlights the importance of healthy self-reflection and discusses how a “triple AAA threat” approach of awareness, accountability, and action can improve wellness. Kirsten Thornhill, MS, is a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences student and research assistant at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions [https://rm.edu]. Kirsten is also an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University, teaching physiology in the Biology Department. She contributes articles and guidance on health-related topics to medium.com [http://medium.com]’s Authority Magazine, guiding wellness seekers through a process with small and realistic steps.

How to Live a Heart Healthy Lifestyle

Today, Physician Associate Viet Le, provides tips for a healthy heart lifestyle and helps us better understand our lifetime risk of heart disease. Viet discusses Life's Essential 8 [https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8] tips from the American Heart Association and how we can apply them in our daily lives. Viet Le, PA-C, is an Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Research and Preventive Cardiology PA at Intermountain Healthcare where he has worked since 2012. He is also an adjunct faculty member in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU).

Sports Injuries: A Parent's Guide to Managing the Recovery Process

Today, Dr. Mark A. Campbell helps parents and young athletes understand the mental and emotional aspects of the injury recovery process and how to be deliberate in the steps to recovery to overcome what can be a life-changing event for many. Dr. Mark A. Campbell received his Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences in Health Promotion & Wellness from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Dr. Campbell uses his background in wellness, sports medicine, exercise science, and performance psychology to impact change across all areas of life. His diverse background affords him the ability to help audiences see the world through many lenses. Dr. Campbell shares his unique blend of holistic education, application, and experience with audiences worldwide. He spent almost a decade leading programs for the US Army and the Department of Defense, which included assisting the military and government leads from fourteen Allied nations in developing wellness-based transition programs for their wounded warrior populations. He then acted as the Director of Mental Conditioning for the World Series Champion Washington Nationals. Mark holds the Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) and Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist (CWWS) through the National Wellness Institute, where he currently serves as the Senior Fellow for Healthcare and Ability.

Speech & Language: Using AAC to Find Other Ways to Communicate

Today, Megan Roberson and Dr. Priscilla Danielson discuss what Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) means, why supporting families is needed, and what AAC can do for the communicator who is having trouble successfully communicating with family, friends, and others. Megan Roberson is the mother of a 3-year-old, non-speaking boy who now uses various AAC strategies to communicate with those around him. Priscilla Danielson is a faculty member at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU). She has been working with children and adults using AAC for over 17 years. Priscilla comes from a background in Assistive Technology, language development, and adolescent/child literacy. She truly believes everyone has something to say!