A Whole Health Life
Finding wellness of body, mind and spirit
Immune Support During the Pandemic
COVID-19 infections are spiking higher than ever. Social distancing and masks are still the most effective approaches while we wait for a vaccine. Supporting your immune system so it can maintain normal virus-fighting activity can also help you stay healthy and well during the long, cold, dark winter season. Here are simple steps you can take to support your immune system. Dish up colorful plates. Aim to consume a rainbow of colors from vegetables, fruits, beans, grains, seeds, teas, spices and other whole plant foods throughout the day. The different colors represent different phytochemicals, each with its unique set of health-promoting properties. Some act as...
Read MoreOur Choices Determine Health of Future Generations
Our decisions over the next 10 to 12 years will dictate whether we and future generations are healthier or sicker. If we stick to our current way of life, scientists predict climate change will bring more infectious disease, heat-related illness, fire- and flood-induced injuries and respiratory ailments as well as increased chronic disease and premature death. But if we take steps promptly to slow global warming, we can still avoid the worst damage and enjoy a longer, healthier and more vibrant life on a healthier world filled with abundant and diverse plants and animals. It’s our choice. We will make our choice with intention or unwittingly, but once it’s made there...
Read MoreMany Forms of Allergies
Physicians often like to talk about a triad of allergic disease. Hay fever, eczema and asthma are the leading allergic disorders, and all three frequently occur in the same people. The manifestations of allergies are varied, however, and may include the following conditions. Hay Fever Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for hay fever. In this condition, your body’s response to allergenic substances causes chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes inside your nose. Subsequent exposure to pollens, dust, dander or other allergens can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, cough, and tearing eyes. Other signs include...
Read MoreCredentialed as National Board Certified Coach
In September I took and passed the Health and Wellness Coach Certifying Exam. It’s the first time this exam has been offered in the U.S. or anywhere in the world. After passing the exam and meeting all of the other requirements, I earned a new credential as a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). What does the credential mean? Here are the details in a news release from the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching: In September 2017, over 1,100 professional health & wellness coaches passed the first Health and Wellness Coach Certifying Examination (HWCCE) to earn the new credential: National Board Certified Health &...
Read MoreSpeaking of Allergies
This picture of creek goldenrod taken near Goat Lake in Washington makes me want to sneeze. How about you? What kind of allergies do you have? Hay fever, eczema and asthma are the leading allergic disorders, and all three frequently occur in the same people. This is the so-called “allergic triad.” The manifestations of allergies are varied, however, and may include the following conditions. Hay Fever Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for hay fever. In this condition, your body’s response to allergenic substances causes chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes inside your nose. Subsequent exposure to pollens, dust, dander or other allergens can...
Read MoreHealth Coaching Available
Elizabeth Smoots, MD, FMCHC, is now offering health coaching online. She is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach and graduate of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. She is also a National Board Eligible Health & Wellness Coach and will be taking the National Board Certifying Exam when it is offered for the first time in 2017 by the National Board of Medical Examiners. Additionally, Elizabeth has many years of experience in the medical field as a physician. Since many people want to know more about health coaching, and what it can do for them, here are some definitions. What is a health coach? A health coach is a trained professional who partners with...
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