Chiropractic has always been about the amazing power the body has to heal itself. At the core of this philosophy is the chiropractic adjustment and spinal health, which allows the body to naturally function at an optimal level. For nearly a century, Cleveland Chiropractic College has been a strong proponent of this philosophy of health.
With health care costs soaring and reform under way, legislators, policy makers and health practitioners of all kinds are joining the chiropractic chorus in promoting the advantages of good health and prevention. Government agencies and private businesses are now proposing programs that encourage healthy behaviors.
On September 7, Cleveland Chiropractic College did what comes natural by introducing its new Master of Science in Health Promotion (MSHP) program on the Kansas City campus. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the U.S. Department of Education have approved the degree program.
“There are encouraging signs that lifestyle-based prevention and health promotion are quickly becoming a top priority of public health policy,” President Carl S. Cleveland III said. “Cleveland Chiropractic College has always supported this view, and the MSHP program is a good fit for the institution.”
There are many good reasons to explore this innovative, 36-hour program, offered through Cleveland College of Graduate Studies. Candidates may have a passion for helping people lead healthier lives or may be looking for a rewarding new career in an emerging field. Or they may already be a successful chiropractor or other health provider looking for enhanced knowledge and a compelling way to expand their practice.
Dr. Karen Doyle is the director of the MSHP program. Prior to joining the staff at Cleveland, Doyle was the Health Promotions Coordinator at Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg, Mo. In addition, she taught at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg for more than 10 years in the Department of Health and Human Performance. Doyle has a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology/Gerontology from the University of Kansas.
“Dr. Doyle’s extensive knowledge in worksite wellness and health promotion programs, coupled with years of experience in the field, qualifies her as an ideal choice to chair this new post,” President Carl S. Cleveland III said. “Everyone at the College joins me in welcoming Dr. Doyle and looks forward to her leadership of this new program.”
Doyle has guided the new program through the preparatory stages and will direct its progress through the inaugural class and beyond.
“Cleveland understands how the business of Health Promotion impacts lifestyles for a lifetime,” Doyle said. “I look forward to educating students and training leaders who will make healthy investments in the lives of others.”
The basis of health promotion is educating people to make lifestyle and behavioral changes that are conducive to good health. These changes begin with individuals, before expanding throughout a community. Health promotion shapes the core values and improves the quality of life of people across every demographic— young and old, men and women—regardless of ethnic background or financial status. Today, health promotion principles are more important than ever, affecting teachers, employers, policy-makers and communities as a whole.
Cleveland College recognizes that health promotion encompasses a variety of methods and forms that contribute to optimal health. It involves a belief that every person functions best when they are mentally, physically and spiritually healthy. MSHP program students will explore a body of knowledge that provides opportunity for personal growth and leadership.
Within the health care industry, health promotion ideas are gaining momentum by teaching people to value health and invest in disease prevention. The evidence is clear that enlightened policies, organizations, economics, environmental interventions and other support functions influence quality of life.
Students may choose a 6- or 9-trimester track to complete the MSHP degree program. Curriculum topics include history, principles and philosophy of health promotion; theories of health behaviors; design, implementation and evaluation of health promotion programs; basic principles of epidemiology; introduction to research and research methods; environmental and ecological issues; and nutritional epidemiology. There is a comprehensive examination upon completion of all coursework. Students are prepared to test for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or comparable certification prior to graduation.
Cleveland’s MSHP students will learn to assess individual and community needs and interests for healthier lifestyles; develop strategic plans that improve health behaviors; facilitate health promotion strategies; research and evaluate current health promotion efforts and trends; and become active participants and contributors in the health industry and community.
