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.

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:

• Heart Disease: Often caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking.
• Diabetes: A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, often resulting from poor diet and lack of physical activity.
• Arthritis: A condition causing pain and inflammation in the joints, making movement difficult and affecting quality of life.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that affect the lungs and airways.

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:

• Personalized Care: Holistic care is personalized, considering your unique health history, lifestyle, and goals. Instead of a one-size-fits-all treatment, we will work with you to create a tailored plan that might include dietary changes, exercise, stress management, and therapies.
• Preventive Focus: Prevention is a key component of holistic health. By addressing lifestyle factors that contribute to chronic diseases—such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and chronic stress—you can reduce your risk of developing these conditions or manage them more effectively if they already exist. Read on for more prevention tips.
• Nutritional Support: Diet plays a crucial role in managing chronic diseases. We will guide you in making nutritional changes that support your health, such as incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, balancing blood sugar levels, and ensuring you’re getting essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, Iron, and Vitamin D.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise is vital for managing chronic diseases, but it doesn’t have to be intense. Gentle forms of exercise, such as yoga or walking, can help improve circulation, reduce stress, and enhance mobility, all of which are crucial for managing conditions like heart disease and arthritis.

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:
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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.

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.

 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.

Menopause 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 >>

At 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>> ​

How toxins can enter our body:

1. Inhalation: Toxins can be present in the air we breathe, such as pollutants from car exhaust, industrial emissions, and second-hand smoke.
2. Food: Our food can be contaminated with toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and artificial additives. Processed and pre-packaged foods are particularly prone to contamination.
3. Water: Contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and pesticides can be present in our drinking water.
4. Skin Absorption: Toxins can also enter our body through our skin, particularly when we use personal care products that contain harmful chemicals.
5. Injection: Toxins can enter our body through injections, such as vaccines and medical treatments.
6. Occupational Exposure: Individuals who work in certain industries, such as manufacturing and construction, are at a higher risk of exposure to toxins.

To maintain optimal health, it is important to regularly detoxify our bodies from environmental toxins.
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Why it's important:

​Toxins can weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to illness and disease. A regular detoxification program can help to remove these harmful substances from our bodies and support the functioning of our immune system. This can help to boost our overall health and reduce our risk of developing serious health problems.

​Many environmental toxins are stored in our fat cells, leading to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Detoxifying your body can help to eliminate these toxins, allowing your body to function more efficiently and promoting weight loss.

​Environmental toxins can also affect our energy levels and mental clarity. A detox can help to remove these toxins, allowing us to feel more energetic and focused. This can have a positive impact on our daily lives, allowing us to be more productive and efficient. We offer Total Toxin Testing here at Flourish.

​Toxins can also disrupt the normal functioning of our digestive system, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and constipation. Detoxifying your body can help to improve the functioning of your digestive system, promoting better digestion and reducing symptoms.

​Research has shown that exposure to environmental toxins can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. Detoxifying your body can help to reduce your risk of developing these conditions by removing harmful substances from your body.

Reducing our exposure to toxins can help us to maintain optimal health and reduce the risk of serious health problems. At Flourish, we offer a helpful list of daily, weekly, and monthly Detox Tips. Regular detoxification of your body from environmental poisons is essential to maintaining optimal health. By supporting your immune system, promoting weight loss, improving energy and mental clarity, supporting better digestion, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, a detox can help you feel your best and lead a healthier, more fulfilling life. Consider incorporating a detox program into your routine to take control of your health and protect yourself from the harmful effects of environmental toxins. Get your Daily Toxin Handout>>

In previous blog posts we've outlined the benefits of Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for men and women. The symptoms and discomfort resulting from low hormone levels is very real to those experiencing it. And it is not a condition that should just be tolerated and lived with. We all know that having optimal health both physically and emotionally increases your enjoyment of life. It also makes you more pleasant to be around. If God made us for relationship, then that is vital to our survival. To be loved and lovable.
 
The question then becomes, how do I know if I need BHRT? A consultation with Jackie Tewes APRN, CNP, MSN is the first step. She will do a blood draw to establish hormone levels and explain the results. She will offer suggestions to help you reach your optimal levels (not just share the normal range with you). Jackie will do more than outline next steps - she will educate you - which helps you make an informed decision for your health. Then you can schedule your therapy as needed.

​Here are a few questions that have come from patients and a few answers that will serve as a helpful resource for you.

A: Some symptoms for women include fatigue, night sweats, hot flashes, decreased sex drive, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, irritability, anxiousness, mood swings, depression, and discomfort during intercourse. For men, symptoms may be the same but include decreased bone mass, increased waist size, brain fog, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar.

A: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) helps to re-establish your natural, optimal hormone levels, bringing your body back into balance and improving the negative symptoms you are experiencing. Traditional hormone replacement therapy consists of synthetic hormone preparations which increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, prostate cancer and breast cancer. However, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) does not have these associated risks. Learn more»

A: It is a replacement that is identical in structure to what the ovary and testicle produce. Pellets are bio-identical hormones that are plant-based and smaller in size than a grain of rice.

A: We want to offer the best treatment possible. Because hormones are naturally released, the ideal hormone replacement would be a continuous absorption of a small amount of a natural product over a long period of time. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has been studied extensively and has shown to have the opposite outcomes of synthetic hormone replacement therapy. BHRT can improve bone density, reduce the risk of prostate and breast cancer, lower cholesterol, promote weight loss, and reduce blood sugar.

A: The process of inserting a small pellet painlessly under the skin. It is not surgically implanted, but a small amount of local anesthetic is used to numb the area. The pellet is inserted with a patented trocar, similar to a mini epidural needle. Then a steri-strip is used to close the entry point. After your clinic visit you can return to your regular life. There are a few restrictions for the first three days after treatment such as no swimming, hot tub, or bath and no strenuous exercise.

A: Hormone pellet replacement therapy has become a time-tested treatment that was first performed in 1939. Women will feel the benefits within one week of treatment and men within two weeks. Symptoms are relieved for months from that one pellet insertion.

A: The key is to optimize and balance your hormones. So, depending on when you start to feel symptoms returning and when the lab results show a hormone level change you will know when you need another pelleting treatment. Typically, it is every three to four months for women and every five to six months for men. Let our practitioners create an individualized treatment plan for you.

Watch these patient testimonial videos or read the stories from our patients.

Let the recommendations of others and guidance from a medical professional help you toward a healthier life. Our daily motivation at Flourish Medical +Wellness is to help our patients make an informed decision that brings them closer to who God made them to be. We hope you will schedule your first visit and reach out with any questions.

It helps to understand that toxins are fat soluble, meaning they are stored in our fat. This allows them to remain in our bodies for many years or decades. So, with continued daily exposure to even small amounts, the total amount of toxins in our bodies gradually increases. Toxins are also stored in the fatty tissues of animals and therefore are in the animal products we consume. Now, let's uncover the long-term effects of chemical exposure.

If you are experiencing symptoms of inflammation or would like to know more about your personal exposure to toxins, call us to schedule a total toxin test to check for levels of toxin poisoning. We'll give you the resources and care you need. 

Symptoms for men include fatigue, low sex drive, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, changes in mood and irritability. If you experience brain fog, anxiousness, and stress you likely also have elevated blood sugar levels and high cholesterol. Any one of these symptoms can make daily life insufferable, but many men live with several or all of them. Women experiencing pre-menopause and menopause often report the most bothersome symptoms as mood changes, weight gain, mental fog, decreased sex drive and irritability. Other symptoms may include fatigue, anxiousness, difficulty sleeping, hot flashes, and discomfort during intercourse.

Decide if hormone therapy is the best treatment option for you to regulate your hormones. Consult with our team at Flourish on a regular basis to discuss changing symptoms, especially throughout your menopausal years period by taking the right steps, you can experience freedom from discomfort and frustration. When hormones are properly balanced, things like memory issues, brain fog, fatigue, sleep issues, irritability, mental health concerns, decreased strength, joint pain, and low libido can be concerns of the past.

Hormone therapy is very individualized and should be tailored to each person's needs. It should also be evaluated on a regular basis. At Flourish Medical + Wellness, it's our priority to empower you to live the way God made you to be. A large part of that means no longer being burdened by avoidable health limitations. One of our most cutting-edge treatment options is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). Through BHRT, we can support your body as it works to optimize hormone levels, bring your body back into balance, and improve the negative symptoms you are experiencing.

Learn about the difference between BHRT and HRT treatments and read the stories from our patients.

Together we'll determine the best options for you and offer guidance to improve your health and wellness. Find out more information and contact us to schedule a consultation.