Osher WISE Course: What Should I Take? Making Informed Choices About Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicine

Wednesdays, October 7–28, 6:00-7:30 p.m. PT

Approximately 1 in 5 adults uses a plant-based herbal supplement, and 1 in 2 uses a vitamin or mineral product. Many people do not tell their health care providers about the supplements they are taking. This communication gap can increase the risk of interactions with prescription medications, existing health conditions, and other treatments. As the use of dietary supplements continues to grow, it is important for people to understand how to evaluate these products, recognize their potential benefits and risks, and identify which supplements are supported by strong scientific evidence. Accessing reliable, evidence-based information can help everyone make safer, more informed decisions about their health.

This four-week course will help participants learn essential tips for dietary supplement selection and evidence-based information on the effectiveness and potential risks for supplements and herbals commonly used for longevity, heart health, bone health, and other uses. This course is chaired by UCSF Clinical Pharmacy Faculty, Dr. Candy Tsourounis and Dr. Cathi Dennehy.

• October 7: Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicine Essentials: What You Need to Know

• October 14: Supplements for Healthy Aging: What's Popular, and Should I Take It? 

• October 21: Longevity: Can Supplements Help You Live Longer and Healthier?

• October 28: Vitamins and Minerals: What Makes Sense for You

Register here

Our educational programming, formerly known as Osher Mini Medical School for the Public, has been reimagined as Osher WISE (Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone). This public education program offers courses on integrative health topics that are current and compelling, providing an opportunity for community members to become active, informed participants in their own journey to health and well-being.

https://osher.ucsf.edu/Osher-WISE