What is Functional Medicine?

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Functional Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Health and Wellbeing

Introduction

In an era where healthcare often feels like a one-size-fits-all solution, many people are turning to functional medicine as a more personalized and holistic approach to improving their health and wellbeing. Functional medicine aims to uncover the root causes of health issues rather than simply treating symptoms. In this blog post, we'll explore what functional medicine is and how it can help individuals regain control of their health and lead more fulfilling lives.

What Is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a patient-centered, science-based approach to healthcare that views the body as an interconnected system. Rather than focusing solely on treating isolated symptoms, functional medicine practitioners seek to understand the underlying factors that contribute to a person's health problems. This approach allows for a more comprehensive and personalized treatment plan tailored to each individual's unique needs.

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“Functional medicine is a patient-centered, science-based approach to healthcare that views the body as an interconnected system.”

Key Principles of Functional Medicine

1. Holistic Approach: Functional medicine recognizes that the body is a complex web of interconnected systems, including physical, mental, emotional, and environmental factors. It considers the whole person rather than just their symptoms.

2. Personalized Care: Functional medicine practitioners take the time to understand each patient's genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to develop a customized treatment plan. This individualized approach often yields more effective and sustainable results.

3. Root Cause Analysis: Instead of merely addressing symptoms, functional medicine digs deeper to identify the root causes of health issues, which can include nutritional imbalances, inflammation, hormonal disruptions, or lifestyle factors like stress.

4. Integrative Therapies: Functional medicine combines traditional and alternative therapies to address a patient's unique needs. This might include nutrition, dietary changes, supplements, physical activity, stress management, and more.

How Functional Medicine Can Help

1. Chronic Disease Management: Functional medicine can be particularly effective in managing chronic diseases like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. By addressing the underlying causes, patients can experience improved symptom relief and long-term health outcomes.

2. Weight Management: Functional medicine takes a comprehensive approach to weight management, considering factors such as metabolism, hormonal balance, dietary habits, and emotional well-being. This approach often results in sustainable weight loss and improved overall health.

3. Mental Health Support: Functional medicine recognizes the strong connection between physical and mental health. It can help individuals struggling with conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders by addressing nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and lifestyle factors.

4. Optimal Aging: Functional medicine isn't just about treating illness; it's also about optimizing health and longevity. By addressing factors like inflammation and oxidative stress, functional medicine can help individuals age gracefully and maintain their vitality.

5. Prevention: Functional medicine places a strong emphasis on preventive care. By identifying and addressing risk factors before they manifest as disease, individuals can proactively safeguard their health and reduce the need for future medical interventions.

Conclusion

Functional medicine offers a refreshing alternative to the conventional healthcare model by prioritizing personalized, holistic care that seeks to uncover and address the root causes of health issues. By considering the interconnected nature of the body and the individuality of each patient, functional medicine empowers individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing. Whether you're struggling with a chronic condition, seeking to optimize your health, or looking to prevent future health issues, functional medicine may hold the key to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Visit our Health and Wellness services page to learn more about our Functional Medicine services and much more!

5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain

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HOW TO help someone struggling with emotional pain

Suicide is a critical public health issue, and it's crucial to know how to support someone who may be experiencing emotional pain and contemplating self-harm. Taking action can save lives. In this blog post, we'll discuss five essential steps you can take to help someone in emotional distress.

1. ASK: "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" Starting the conversation about suicide can be challenging, but studies have shown that asking a person at risk if they are having suicidal thoughts does not increase the likelihood of suicide. In fact, it can be the first step towards getting them the help they need. Be direct and empathetic when asking this question.

2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing access to highly lethal items or places is a critical aspect of suicide prevention. If the person at risk has a specific plan, inquire about it, and take steps to remove or disable the means to carry out that plan. While this may not always be easy, it can make a significant difference in their safety.

3. BE THERE: One of the most powerful ways to help someone in emotional pain is to be there for them. Listen carefully to what they are thinking and feeling. Research suggests that acknowledging and discussing suicide can actually reduce suicidal thoughts. Create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to open up about their struggles.

4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Ensure you have the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number (call or text 988) and the Crisis Text Line number (741741) saved in your phone. These resources are available 24/7 and can be a lifeline for someone in crisis. Additionally, help the person connect with a trusted individual, such as a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional. Encourage them to seek support from people who care about their well-being.

5. STAY CONNECTED: Your support doesn't end after the crisis has passed or when they've received professional care. Staying connected and following up with the at-risk individual can make a significant difference. Studies have shown that the number of suicide deaths decreases when someone continues to check in and offer support.

Helping someone in emotional pain requires empathy, understanding, and a willingness to take action. By following these five crucial steps – asking, keeping them safe, being there, helping them connect, and staying connected – you can play a vital role in suicide prevention. Remember that reaching out to professionals and crisis hotlines can also be a crucial part of the support network. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.

If you would like to request a non-urgent appointment with our office, please email us so we can schedule an appointment with one of your expertly trained staff.

7 helpful tips to address back-to-school anxiety

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How to manage back-to-school anxiety

As students, families, teachers, and parents prepare for going back to school, there are often a lot of emotions. Some students are excited, some are nervous, some are angry, and others unsure or experience a combination of many feelings. The one certainty is that people are talking and having feelings about going back to school. And heading back to school means a change in routines. There is no one right way to prepare or respond, however, here are some suggestions to consider:

Tip One - Routines

Before school starts, help kids establish healthy routines including bedtime, getting up in the morning, screen time, and regular meals.

Tip Two - Listen

Listen to your children and validate their thoughts and feelings; just saying ‘don’t worry’ may cause more anxiety and possibly prevent kids from expressing themselves.

Tip Three - Self-check

Check in with your stress levels – remember that everything doesn’t need to be “perfect” for the first day.

Tip Four - Fun transition

Blend back to school with fun activities so transition is less sudden. For example, plan a trip to the lake, go hiking, a shopping or movie outing, camping, or whatever your child enjoys.

Tip Five - Be attentive

Ask questions and listen to what your child is saying about his or her experiences the first few weeks of school. Don’t try to “fix” everything, rather listen and figure out a plan together (if needed).

Tip Six - Be prepared

Prepare for what you can – anxiety thrives in uncertainty – so do a test run for school, go to open houses or school community events offered before the beginning of school and in the first few weeks of the start of school.

Tip Seven - Communicate with the school

Talk to school counselors to provide updates since the previous school year regarding any social, family, emotional or behavioral issues that may have arisen.

Bonus!

If you child continues to struggle with being back in the school routine you may want to consider professional help. Having a professional to lend their expertise and guidance on navigating these changes can help both the child and parents. If you would like to request an appointment with one of our expert staff, please contact us.