#Melissa Abramovitz APRN/FNP-BC

[holistichealthnews]

Hormone Therapy: Do You Need It?

By Melissa Abramovitz APRN/FNP-BC    

Alarming Trend

Recent studies have highlighted an alarming trend. Over the past few decades, hormone production in individuals has seen a significant reduction compared to historical levels. Take testosterone, for instance, a hormone often associated with male sexual health but also essential for women. In the last 50 years, men’s average testosterone production has fallen by a shocking 50 percent. Concurrently, the healthy equilibrium between various hormones has been disturbed, impacting overall health and wellness.  

The complex interplay between hormones is a dance of fine balance. A drop in certain hormones like estrogen or testosterone, for instance, increases the risk of conditions like diabetes. Research among Type 2 diabetics has shown that elevating these hormones to healthier levels can significantly improve blood sugar control. Moreover, maintaining optimal hormone levels can reduce the risk of serious health issues, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular diseases, demonstrating the holistic role hormones play in our bodies.  

Notably, our external environment and lifestyle choices can significantly affect hormone production. Chronic stress can reduce most hormone production, suppressing the immune system over time. Similarly, depression can lead to lowered hormone levels, further impacting overall well-being. Dietary habits, such as high consumption of sugars and other carbohydrates, can disrupt your body’s hormone balance.  

Environmental Concerns

We also need to be mindful of the numerous environmental toxins that result in hormonal imbalances. Certain herbicides mimic estrogen, confusing our bodily systems, while various food additives and chemicals used in manufacturing processes can upset the delicate hormonal equilibrium.  

Do You Need Hormone Therapy?

So, do you need hormone therapy? It’s a question worth considering, given the critical role hormones play in our health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, such as unexplained weight changes, mood swings, changes in appetite, or fatigue, it might be worth having your hormones tested.  

At Health+Plus, we have experienced Health Care Providers ready to guide you. They can help assess your hormone levels and recommend personalized treatment plans, which may include hormone therapy, if necessary.

Remember, maintaining a balanced hormone level is not just about mitigating symptoms; it’s about optimizing your health and enhancing your quality of life. Don’t wait until symptoms worsen.  

If you are interested in learning more, call 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. We would love to help you take proactive steps today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.  

[holistichealthnews]

Battling Medical Gaslighting for Empowered Healthcare

Missouri Clinic Shines a Light on Patient Advocacy

A recent survey uncovered a staggering statistic: 71% of women have been told by a physician that their symptoms were merely imagined.”

— Dr. David Clark

Increasingly, women are being told that their health symptoms are simply “all in their head,” a disturbing trend known as medical gaslighting. Leading the charge against this insidious issue is Health+Plus, a holistic medicine provider pioneering an initiative focused on listening to patients, validating their experiences, and providing comprehensive evaluations.

“Health+Plus firmly rejects this practice. It has no place in medicine,” he said. Instead, his facility insists on empowering patients, offering a platform where their concerns are taken seriously, and their symptoms thoroughly investigated.

“Your voice matters,” Dr Clark said. “We approach patient consultations with deep empathy, acknowledging the validity of symptoms and committing to understanding the discomfort they’re experiencing.”

A Chiropractic Internist [DABCI] and a Naturopath [NMD], Dr. Clark has been in private practice since 1975. People from all over the country began to hear good reports of Dr. Clark’s success in treating chronic illness with a natural approach began traveling to his little office in Oak Grove. Since 1999, he more than quadrupled the size of that office to accommodate the needs of his patients who seek a natural, caring health approach to their healthcare. Dr. Clark is dedicated to conducting comprehensive evaluations for every new patient, performing an array of medical tests to uncover the root causes of health problems. This thorough examination of the ‘whole person’ helps ensure that no potential health issue is overlooked.

“At Health+Plus, we understand that health problems can stem from a variety of factors, and they endeavor to address all possible underlying causes – from hormonal imbalances to harmful lifestyle choices,” Dr. Clark added. “The facility provides tailored recommendations based on our findings to help improve patients’ overall well-being. It starts, however, with listening and not being dismissive.”

While they cannot guarantee success in every case, Health+Plus underscores its commitment to taking every patient seriously.

“At Health+Plus, we greatly value the trust of our patients and strive to create a safe space where they can openly share their concerns,” says Melissa Abramovitz, APRN/FNP-BC, who collaborates closely with Dr. Clark in providing patient care. “The foundation of that trust is built on actively listening to our patients and taking their experiences seriously.”

“Gaslighting has to go,” Dr. Clark said.

To learn more about Health+Plus or schedule an appointment, call 816-625-4497 or visit their contact page. Be sure to visit their blog for weekly updates, tips, and news about health and well-being.

About Health+Plus

Health+Plus Clinic, based in Oak Grove, Missouri, is a holistic medicine provider dedicated to comprehensive patient evaluations and care. They focus on listening to, validating, and empowering their patients. They strive to build genuine partnerships in their patients’ healthcare journeys and firmly reject the practice of medical gaslighting. For more information, visit HealthPlus.clinic. Health+Plus is not an emergency medical facility. If you are experiencing sudden intense symptoms, visit a hospital, urgent care center, or dial 911 immediately.

[holistichealthnews]

Understanding Risk Factors: Taking Control of Your Health

Understanding Elevated Risk

“Elevated risk” refers to an increased likelihood that something unfavorable could happen. For example, if someone has high blood sugar levels— a sign of pre-diabetes— their statistical risk of developing full-blown diabetes may be 2.5 times higher than someone without those signs. However, an elevated risk doesn’t guarantee a particular outcome will occur. It simply implies that the chance of a negative event is greater.

Reducing Risk Factors

The good news is that many health risk factors can be decreased through lifestyle modifications. Consider the pre-diabetes example. By consistently changing your diet and developing healthier eating habits, you can often bring your blood sugar levels back to normal, reducing your risk of developing diabetes.

Similarly, factors like high cholesterol and high triglycerides can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes. They don’t guarantee these problems, but they do increase their likelihood. By changing your diet, exercising regularly, and considering nutritional supplements (with professional guidance), you can lower your risk and improve heart health.

We’ve previously discussed fatty liver disease here. It is also a risk factor that can be reduced with proper diet and monitoring.

The Ladder

Think about climbing a ladder. The more often you climb a ladder, the higher the possibility of falling. But this doesn’t mean falling is inevitable. If it did, no one would climb ladders!

The same principle applies to health risk factors. They increase the likelihood of negative outcomes, but they can be effectively managed to minimize the associated risks.

Our Approach at Health+Plus

Here at Health+Plus in Oak Grove, Missouri, we offer comprehensive evaluations led by Dr. David Clark and Melissa Abramovitz APRN/FNP-BC. These assessments include checking for potential risks of chronic diseases. We use lab test results, physical examinations, and lifestyle factors to provide personalized recommendations to help individuals lower their risk. Our focus is to empower individuals to take an active role in their health and make informed choices to reduce their risk factors.

Understanding Risk = Taking Charge of Your Health

Understanding risk factors is key to taking charge of your health. An elevated risk doesn’t guarantee a negative outcome, but it serves as a signal to make positive changes. By modifying your lifestyle, improving your diet, exercising regularly, and seeking professional guidance, you can actively reduce your risk factors and promote a healthier future.

Remember, you have the power to make a difference in your own well-being. It is not out of your hands.

Interested in learning more about natural health options we offer at Health+Plus Clinic? Call 816-625-4497 or visit our contact page. We would love to meet you and help you take your first step on the ladder to better health!