Chronic diseases are more common than you might think, affecting millions of people worldwide. These long-term conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and chronic respiratory diseases, require ongoing medical attention and lifestyle adjustments. But what if there was a way to manage these conditions that went beyond just treating the symptoms? That’s where a holistic approach comes in—a method that looks at the whole person, not just the disease. What Are Chronic Diseases? Chronic diseases are conditions that last a year or more and require continuous medical attention or limit daily activities, or both. Unlike acute illnesses, which come on suddenly and are typically short-lived, chronic diseases develop over time and can last a lifetime. They can impact every aspect of a person’s life, from physical health to emotional well-being and social relationships. Common chronic diseases include:
The Importance of a Holistic Approach Traditional medicine often focuses on treating the symptoms of chronic diseases with medications or surgeries. While these treatments can be effective, they don't address the underlying causes of the disease. A holistic approach, on the other hand, considers the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and aims to identify and treat the root causes of illness. Here’s how a holistic approach can make a difference:
Prevention: Why it Matters Preventing chronic diseases is crucial not just for maintaining your current health but for ensuring a higher quality of life in the future. Chronic conditions often develop slowly, but their impact can be profound - affecting everything from your physical capabilities to your mental well-being. By focusing on prevention, you’re investing in a healthier, more vibrant life. Here are some actionable steps you can take today to safeguard your health: 1. Prioritize a Balanced Diet Your diet is one of the most powerful tools in preventing chronic diseases. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can significantly reduce your risk of developing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Mind your portions. Eating the right amount of food is as important as eating the right kinds. Overeating, even healthy foods, can lead to weight gain and associated health risks. 2. Stay Physically Active Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening your heart, and improving your overall well-being. Exercise doesn’t have to be intense or time-consuming—consistency is key. Find an activity that you enjoy and can commit to regularly. Aim for regular movement with the goal of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Any movement is better than none. Even short, daily walks can make a big difference. Building muscle through strength training exercises can help improve your metabolism, support joint health, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. 3. Manage Stress Effectively Chronic stress is a significant risk factor for many chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Finding ways to manage stress can improve both your mental and physical health. Practice mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. They can help you stay grounded and manage stress more effectively. Setting boundaries and learning to say no by setting limits on your time can help prevent burnout and reduce stress. Regularly schedule time for activities that relax and rejuvenate you, whether it’s reading, spending time in nature, or enjoying a hobby. 4. Get Regular Wellness Check-Ups Preventive healthcare is an essential part of chronic disease prevention. Regular check-ups and screenings can detect potential health issues early, when they’re most treatable. Be sure to monitor your key health indicators. Keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Early detection of abnormalities can prevent the progression to chronic disease. Utilize technology! Tools like the In-Body scanner available at Flourish Medical + Wellness can provide valuable insights into your body composition, helping you track changes over time and adjust your lifestyle as needed. Stay up to date on screenings. Depending on your age, gender, and health history, regular screenings for conditions like cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis are vital. 5. Build a Supportive Community Social connections play a crucial role in maintaining health and well-being. Having a supportive network can motivate you to stay on track with your health goals. Join a Wellness Class. Engaging in group activities like yoga or fitness classes can provide both physical benefits and a sense of community. Stay connected and spend time with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to seek support if you’re struggling with stress or making lifestyle changes. Get involved. Volunteering or participating in local events can help you feel more connected and reduce feelings of isolation. Take Action Today Preventing chronic diseases requires a proactive approach to your health. By making small, consistent changes to your diet, exercise routine, stress management practices, and healthcare habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions.
At Flourish Medical + Wellness, we’re here to support you on your journey to better health. Don’t wait until tomorrow to take control of your health—start today. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you live a healthier, happier life. Contact us for a consultation. Perimenopause and menopause are natural phases in a woman's life, marking the transition from the reproductive years to the post-reproductive stage. These phases are often accompanied by a variety of symptoms and are surrounded by several myths and misconceptions. Understanding these changes can empower women to navigate this stage of life with confidence and grace. Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, we are here for you – we have an effective approach that offers relief while improving the trajectory of your health. Myths and MisconceptionsMenopause Happens Suddenly Contrary to popular belief, menopause is not an abrupt event but a gradual process that can take several years. Perimenopause, the stage leading up to menopause, can last for several years and is characterized by hormonal fluctuations and symptoms. Menopause Means the End of Your Sex Life While changes in libido and vaginal dryness are common during menopause, they can often be managed with treatments such as bioidentical hormone therapy or lubricants. Open communication with your spouse and healthcare provider is key. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the Only Treatment HRT is what most women are aware of when it comes to treatment. This treatment has been studied extensively and has shown to have significant risks associated with treatment. BHRT on the other hand has been shown to not only be extremely effective in managing symptoms, but also helps prevent further disease processes and promotes healthy aging. Hormones are the fuel that keeps the body functioning well. When this fuel runs out multiple disease processes can occur including osteoporosis, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and dementia. It is very important to understand that BHRT and HRT are very different! Not all hormone therapy is created equal. Finding a provider who knows how to individualize bioidentical hormone therapy and uses natural replacement options is key to safe, effective hormone therapy. Menopause Only Affects Women's Reproductive Systems Menopause is a natural part of aging that can affect many aspects of a woman's health, including bone density, heart health, and mental well-being. It's important to take a holistic approach to health during this time. Menopause is the Same for Every Woman Just as every woman's menstrual cycle is unique, so too is her experience of menopause. Symptoms can vary widely in terms of type and severity, and what works for one woman may not work for another. Perimenopause and menopause are natural phases in a woman's life that can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms. By understanding these changes and dispelling common myths and misconceptions, women can take control of their health and well-being during this transitional period. You do not have to suffer with these symptoms. Learn more about our approach at Flourish Medical + Wellness and experience relief. Watch our Flourishing During Menopause Zoom Webinar from May 29, 2024 >> Women, I think, don't even understand that no - you don't have to live this way; there are things that we can do to improve that quality of life.” – Jackie Tewes Watch the Revelations Podcast featuring Jackie TewesAt Flourish Medical + Wellness, we're all about making sure your body works at its best. We’re very aware of the research compiled over hundreds of years on how to keep people healthy and thriving. And we aren't fond of just extending life by taking meds every day to cover up symptoms. Our approach to medicine is all about helping you live long and stay healthy, as God intended. Here are ten ways to flourish as we partner with you in your wellness. #1 Weight LossAt FMW we believe that an effective weight loss program needs to be tailored to each individual’s lifestyle, health, age, and hormone levels. Therefore, we offer a variety of weight loss options in order to provide optimal results for each individual patient. With the goal of sustainable weight loss, the best approach is with a balanced and individualized strategy that considers factors like nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and long-term habits. Restoring optimal hormone levels, testosterone, estradiol, and thyroid, is an integral part of a successful weight loss plan. This makes weight loss more attainable as well as sustainable! Learn more about FMW weight loss testing and treatments>> #2 IV TherapyIntravenous (IV) nutrient therapy is a treatment which includes ingredients like essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids proven over decades to play a significant role in our health and wellness. IV nutrient therapy is a safe, effective, and restorative therapy used to aid in treating several medical conditions and to boost your immune system. Our IV therapy is customized to meet each individual’s nutritional needs and is administered directly into the veins which provides significantly more benefit than oral and traditional supplements and medications. Check out the benefits and our nutrient menu>> #3 Hormone TherapyHormone imbalance happens to both men and women and can have a significant impact on overall health and wellness. Hormones are one of the most important regulatory systems in the body. They function as messengers, interacting with specific target cells and organs to stimulate them into action. Hormone replacement therapy offers relief from many of the uncomfortable symptoms caused by a hormone imbalance. It can change your life! Read our patient’s stories>> Understand your options and learn more in the video from Jackie Tewes>> #4 Toxin RemovalGod designed our bodies to be able to detoxify and heal in most circumstances, however, with continuous toxin exposure and a lack of nutrient dense foods to nourish our bodies and support healing, those natural detoxification pathways can become blocked or stagnant. When this occurs, toxins build up inside the body and can cause diffuse inflammation, leading to disease processes. At Flourish, we offer thorough toxin testing and detoxification options. Discover the symptoms of toxin overload>> #5 NutritionWe have all heard (and likely tried) dozens of diets to help us achieve our weight goals. Nutrition means so many different things to each of us. The focus that we offer is to rely on natural, healthy foods that nourish our bodies in order to help us function optimally. Small, sustainable changes are the focus as they are often longer lasting solutions and easier to implement. That’s why we offer a handy (free) Food Swap Guide to make healthy grocery shopping a little easier. At Flourish, we also partner with you through holistic Functional Medicine methods. Perhaps intermittent fasting is an approach you’ve been wanting to investigate. We’ve got a great resource for you. #6 SupplementationOur best resource for nutrition should be food but there are many situations where we need to look at supplementation to enhance the amount of vitamins and minerals our bodies are receiving. Most American diets are full of refined carbohydrates and sugars and are insufficient in essential vitamins and antioxidants. This can leave you deficient in many key nutrients that are needed to prevent chronic disease, and to run all body systems effectively. A balanced diet provides a source of vitamins and minerals, but taking dietary supplements with your healthy diet is beneficial in ensuring your body has enough of the nutrients it needs each day. Our (free) Holistic Home Remedies booklet is a great place to start! And our supplement recommendations are available for you to purchase online or at our clinic. #7 Essential OilsEssential oils are concentrated extracts derived from various plants and have been used for centuries for their potential health and wellness benefits. While individual experiences can vary, here are some commonly reported benefits of essential oils: aromatherapy, stress and anxiety reduction, improved sleep, pain relief, immune system support, headache relief, skin care, natural air freshener, home cleansers, mood enhancement, and repelling insects. With so many benefits and essential oils to choose from, it’s a great way to flourish! You can learn more and order from our own doTERRA essential oil shop>> #8 Aesthetic TherapyAt Flourish, our definition of wellness encompasses all aspects of whole-person care, including physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Appearance can have a profound impact on wellness and how we interact with those around us. That is why we offer aesthetic treatments and have chosen to use the safest FDA-approved products to keep you feeling and looking your best. Botox® Cosmetic is the first FDA-approved treatment to improve frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines in adults. The best results come from a well-trained medical provider who understands facial anatomy and musculature and customizes treatment to each individual patient. That's one of the reasons to schedule your Botox® Cosmetic treatments with us. Learn more>> #9 Gut HealthIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in the relationship between gut health and overall well-being. We now understand that the gut plays a central role in our health, impacting everything from digestion to the immune system and even mental health. One approach that's gaining traction in the pursuit of optimal gut health is functional medicine. At FMW we also know the increasing exposure to toxins in our environment can worsen symptoms. That is why we offer a parasite protocol. Parasites weaken the body’s natural defense mechanisms which allows for easier invasion by parasites. They may be the underlying trigger for a variety of chronic health conditions, like autoimmune diseases and irritable bowel syndrome. We offer testing and treatment! Learn more about parasite protocol>> #10 Emotional HealthTo flourish, we must place a priority on our emotional wellness. Our medical practice seeks to bring wholeness through physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. That’s why we offer more in-depth testing. If you have been struggling with physical, mental, or emotional symptoms that have no known or identifiable cause, a trapped emotion may be the cause. Working with the Governing Meridian energy pathway and applied kinesiology, these trapped emotions can be identified and removed, leading to healing and improvement or resolution of the associated symptoms. Learn more>>
We’ve shared a few of the ways you can flourish in 2024! Hopefully, you’ve discovered what makes us different from other medical clinics. Our personal approach to YOUR individual needs is the focus. And the treatments and plans we suggest for you aren't determined by insurance companies. Instead, we give you the care that fits you like a glove. We look at your symptoms, offer appropriate testing, complete a comprehensive assessment to determine your care plan. It's all about personalized care here at Flourish Medical + Wellness. Learn more about our Team and call us to schedule your first visit! |
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