Our Approach
On the first complete office visit we spend about an hour, this includes a review
of your health history, a pertinent physical exam, and a discussion of diet, lifestyle
and stresses. We also want to know what your health goals are - that is, what do you
want to achieve from naturopathic care? Diagnostic tests may be recommended or ordered,
and records may be requested from previous physicians.
An individualized treatment plan will then be prescribed to address your specific
health concerns. This may include cleansing and detoxification, immune support, a
therapeutic diet, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements,natural injection
therapies, and herbs to support and rebuild your health. We discuss recommended lifestyle
changes, therapeutic exercise, and whatever else we think may be appropriate and helpful
for your particular situation. All of these will serve to stimulate your own internal
healing process and bring your body back to balance and vitality.
Most patients who see us have 3 concerns about regular medicine. One - they don't
get enough time with their doctor, two - they're tired of taking drugs. Drugs often
help temporarily, but stop the drug and the symptoms return, not to mention the sometimes
severe side effects. Three - the doctor often doesn't stress wellness or overall health,
if lab tests are normal the patient is considered OK even if they're feeling rotten.
As a naturopathic doctor I provide my patients with an alternative to conventional
medicine and drug therapy. I stress wellness and long term health, not just symptom
removal. I encourage lifestyle changes that will preserve and improve your health
for the rest of your life. I help my patients to detoxify both body and mind to help
prevent the onset of chronic health problems.
Most health problems result from imbalances in our body/ mind system. These imbalances
can result from many different causes such as: poor lifestyle (such as a junk food
diet or lack of exercise), genetic predisposition, toxic exposures to chemicals and
metals, infectious agents, overuse of drugs (prescription, over the counter or street),
chronic loss of sleep, injuries, and life stresses that haven't been dealt with.
The conventional approach to remove undesirable symptoms is to prescribe a drug. Tylenol
may temporarily get rid a headache, for example, but this does nothing to get rid
of the cause of the headache. In natural health care our goal is to address the cause
of the symptoms, and to support the body in healing itself, so that you can be truly
healthier with minimal side effects.
The importance of follow-up
I see most patients with a chronic health problem for a follow-up visit one to three
weeks after the initial visit, and then every 3 to 4 weeks for a number of months.
In this period of time we usually see substantial improvements. At each visit the
treatment plan will be modified based on how you are doing. Long term follow-up may
vary from every month to every 3 months or simply having you come in when you feel
you need a tune up. Because we are all individuals with individual problems, the time
it takes to feel really well again will vary depending on the nature of the problem,
the severity of the symptoms, and how well you are able to comply with the treatment
program.
When to visit our clinic
Acute health problems - colds and flu, acute infections, children's health problems,
such as ear infection, injury recovery?. Chronic health problems - fatigue, fibromyalgia,
arthritis, digestive problems, heavy metal toxicity, ADHD, women's health concerns
such as painful menses, PMS, menopause, yeast infections, heart and blood vessel disease?
Prevention and health optimization?nutritional counseling, wellness and lifestyle
counseling Natural therapies to complement regular medical care 2nd Opinion- when
you need another perspective on conventional medical approach
Commitment, effort, and teamwork
Rebuilding your health naturally requires commitment, effort and teamwork. Our goal
is to help you achieve your health goals. If you have any concerns or questions which
come up after your appointment, please call us. Dr. Doug will be happy to return your
call if Lorna is unable to answer your questions.
Wishing you the best in your journey to better health!