The brain is an amazing organ. It receives information through the five senses of sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing and, in connection with an individual's lifestyle, can have a powerful impact on the health of the body and mind. The brain is affected by virtually every aspect of a person's life including how happy they are, the type of music they listen to, their meditation practices, the quality of their sleep, the type and amount of play in their lives, their levels of stress, the foods they choose to eat, the amount and type of physical activity in which they engage, whether or not they abuse drugs, and whether or not they regularly spend time in nature.
The outcome of this certificate is for the learner to describe the basic structures and functions of the brain and explain how happiness, music, meditation, sleep, play, and lifestyle factors (such as stress, nutrition, physical activity, substance abuse, and nature) affect brain health.
(10.0 contact hours)
Expiration Date (Next date of course revision): 10/01/2026
Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships - The authors/planning committee members have no conflicts of interests or relevant financial relationships to declare relevant to this activity.
Non-endorsement of Products - Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA approval or endorsement of any commercial product.
Accreditation:
American Nurses Credentialing Center
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA Learning Solutions or Commission on Accreditation approval or endorsement of any commercial product(s).
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.
American Board of Managed Care Nursing
The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).
National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).
National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider (Provider Number 451562-11).
The brain is an amazing organ. Weighing approximately three pounds, and containing approximately 100 billion neurons, the brain controls all necessary functions of the body, receives and interprets information from the outside world, and embodies the essence of the mind. Intelligence, emotion, and memories are just a few of the processes governed by the brain.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the components of the nervous system; describe the structures and functions of the brain; explain the functions of the two hemispheres of the brain; explain the role of neuron connections, synapses, and neurotransmitters; describe the effect of normal aging on the brain; describe the role of brain imaging and gene studies in the identification of neurological disorders; examine the effects of genes and the environment; and differentiate between current theories of neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and epigenetics.
The hidden power of everyday positive experiences can change your brain and change your life. Everyone wants to be happy and healthy. By focusing on becoming happier and creating positive experiences, research suggests that you will experience increased energy, improved immune function, increased creativity, improved relationships, and increased productivity—happiness results in a healthier brain, a more vibrant body, and a longer life.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe how happy, positive experiences, and emotions affect the brain. The relationship between happiness and neuroplasticity, determinants of happiness, happiness assessment tools, and practices to increase happiness will be examined.
Whether you are listening to rock music in your car or listening to Mozart at home, music has an effect on your brain. Engaging in musical activity (listening and creating) involves almost every region of your brain. Music affects the brain, the mind, the thought process, and the spirit.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the elements of and principles of sound; how music engages the whole brain; the brain-based benefits of music; the physiological and psychological effects of music; the effect of music on mental health and stress reduction, therapeutic uses and benefits, music and the healthy aging brain; and the future of music and brain health.
Meditation is a mind-body practice with many methods and variations that are all based on the silence and stillness of present-moment awareness. Exciting research is showing that a regular practice of meditation causes physical changes in the brain that can be beneficial to mental and physical health. Meditation can also change the way the brain functions.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to examine current neuroscience research and the effects of meditation on brain waves, identify meditation techniques to enhance brain health, and explore the psychological and physiological effects of meditation.
Do you wake up in the morning feeling sleepy? Do you feel sleepy during the day? A good night's sleep is as essential for your brain and your body as food and water. Sleep deprivation affects the brain in multiple ways, impairing judgment, affecting cognition, and slowing reaction times. Sleep quality affects your mental and physical health in ways science is just beginning to understand.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the effects of sleep on brain health, the role of sleep in health, the impact of sleep deprivation on health; the stages of sleep; and conventional and integrative therapies for improving sleep.
"Act like a child" is probably not a phrase that is on the top of anyone's mind. Yet, researchers are discovering that there are many health benefits to rediscovering your inner child. Play is vital to the health of human beings, and it is an essential component of a healthy life. Play is present in all mammals, including human beings. In human beings, it is equally important for children as it is for adults. While childishness is not desirable, being "childlike" is.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to discuss the impact that play has on the brain and overall well-being; the importance of play in human development; the qualities and characteristics of play; the types of play and play personalities; the health benefits of play; and the ways to incorporate play into everyday life.
Individuals' lifestyles can have a powerful impact on the health of their body and mind. The brain is affected by virtually every aspect of their life. Including their levels of stress, the foods they choose to eat, the amount and type of physical activity in which they engage, whether or not they abuse drugs, and whether or not they regularly spend time in nature.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to discuss the effects of brain health on specific lifestyle factors, including stress, nutrition, physical activity, substance abuse, and nature.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
Software Requirements:
Other:
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
Completion Requirements:
You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.
Cyndie Koopsen
Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC is a nurse who has cared for patients in acute care settings, community clinics, and the home. Her professional nursing career has involved nursing executive leadership and administration, accreditation consultation, staff development and education, community education and wellness, and holistic care. She has designed, developed, and presented numerous educational programs for audiences covering integrative health, promotion and wellness, and chronic disease management and prevention. She is the co-author (with Caroline Young) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.
Caroline Young
Caroline Young, M.P.H., has an extensive public health background that includes experience in research, workshop presentations in various areas of health care, and online and onsite teaching. She has expertise in holistic community health and wellness program design, development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation. She has also designed, developed, and presented integrative health programs for culturally diverse populations, senior populations, and faith communities. She is the co-author (with Cyndie Koopsen) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.
