The Power to Choose is a GIFT We Unwrap over 33,000 Times Each Day. Embrace this!

Current state of health in the United States and Worldwide:

• Lifestyle-related chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease, and dementia are rising at epidemic rates. The evidence for successful interventions in four key areas —nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and stress management — to manage and control our health is mounting. Lifestyle medicine as a part of personalized treatment and prevention of chronic illnesses is a necessary cornerstone of disease management as we look to the future. (Abe & Abe, Elsevier, 2019) What lifestyle change(s) will you make to enjoy Optimal Health?

• The (worldwide) chronic disease crisis we currently face must be addressed rapidly. Cardiovascular (CV) and pulmonary diseases, diabetes as well as several forms of cancer are leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Collectively, these conditions have a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities, placing an unsustainable burden on health systems. There is hope for the chronic disease crisis in that these conditions are largely preventable or can be delayed to much later in life through a timeless medicine, healthy living. Specifically, physical activity (PA), healthy nutrition, not smoking, and maintaining healthy body weight, the latter of which is predominantly influenced by PA and nutrition, are the key healthy living medicine (HLM) ingredients. The Current Global State of Key Lifestyle Characteristics: Health and Economic Implications (Arena, McNeil, Sagner, HillsnFeb 16, 2017) What would the world be like if we all ate more nutritious food and moved more?

• According to the CDC, 90% of the $4.1 trillion in U.S. healthcare costs can be attributed to chronic or mental health conditions. Chronic disease accounts for 81% of all hospital admissions, 91% of all prescriptions filled, and 76% of all doctor visits and is the leading causes of death and disability. (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), March 2023) What is it "costing" you?

• Modifiable behavioral risk factors (i.e. physical inactivity, unhealthy diet/use of alcohol, tobacco use, environmental toxins) are the leading cause of chronic diseases which are killing ~ 41 million people each year or 74% of all deaths globally. (WHO Sept 2023) What will you Choose to Change?

• Bad diet, inactivity, smoking, and drinking alcohol – all are among the causes of up to 90% of cancers, according to an analysis that stresses how many cases of cancer are under our control. (The American Institute for Cancer Research, December 18, 2015) How will you benefit by lowering your  risk of getting cancer by 90% ?

• 6 in 10 Adults in the US have a Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) a.k.a. chronic disease, 4 in 10 Adults have 2 or More chronic diseases. (CDC, December 2022) How badly do you want to NOT be a part of this staggering statistic?

• With inadequate access to quality, affordable medical care, coupled with the approach and focus of treating symptoms as opposed to addressing the cause, individuals must begin to consider what they can do themselves to address all aspects of their health, including food and water—(specifically the source), movement, environmental toxins, sleep, and emotional wellness. Who has your best health interests in mind???

• Many people struggle with poor health and lack of energy because they do not have the motivation, skills, knowledge, and resources to make sustained lifestyle changes in habits. I believe You have the Power Within to make sustainable lifestyle changes! Who is the Boss of You?

• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is currently estimated to affect up to 20% of the population. That is 1.614 BILLION people! Could this include you?

• Integrative Health Coaching supports growth toward optimal well-being, reinforcing accountability and goal-oriented actions while being a resource for healthful nutrition, movement, stress management, and positive emotional health and connection. Who do you want on Your Team?

• You have the power within you to change lifestyle habits and thrive in each area of your health. Let’s work together to unleash that power!

A long-term condition where the body continues to produce inflammatory cells and chemicals, even when there is no danger. It can last for months or years and can cause damage to healthy cells, tissues, and organs. 

Histamine Intolerance (HIT) is a condition caused by the inability of the body to break down the amount of histamine released from food causing a myriad of symptoms. This is a result of not having enough Diamine Oxidase (DAO), and to a lesser extent, enough Histamine N-Methyltransferase (HMNT) or the inhibition of DAO to break down the histamine—a DAO deficiency. A DAO deficiency can be genetic or caused by disease or pharmaceuticals.

Mast cells (part of your white blood cells) are immune/defense cells found throughout the body that are your 1st line of defense against pathogens—i.e. viral or bacterial infections, environmental or chemical toxins, insect bites or stings etc. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) occurs when mast cells become overactive in response to many different stimuli, i.e. allergens, foods, hormones, stress, chemicals, pathogens, EMFs (Electromagnetic Fields); MCAS occurs when you have a normal amount of mast cells but they become hyperactive, hypersensitive, hyper regulated -- an increased and inappropriate activation of mast cells without proliferation (normal cell growth by division). MCAS is a collection of symptoms resulting from mast cells in the body releasing inflammatory mediators too frequently and too often causing chronic inflammation in multiple organs/tissues/systems, with or without allergic-type problems and sometimes even abnormal growth and development in various tissues.

Both Histamine Intolerance (HIT) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) can involve chronic inflammation causing multiple symptoms in multiple systems of your body.

Symptoms per System That May Be Caused by HIT and/or MCAS:

• Cardiovascular/Circulatory system
  • Bradycardia - low heart rate
  • Chest Tightness
  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Palpitation (racing or pounding  heart)
  • Dyspnea - Shortness of Breath
  • Tachycardia - rapid heart rate > 100 BPM, usually when not active

• Dermatological/Integumentary system (skin, hair, nails, glands & nerves on the skin)
  • Acne
  • Angioedema - swelling under the skin, deeper than hives, beneath the dermis
  • Cysts
  • Eczema (or Itchy Skin, Dry Skin)
  • Flushing
  • Hives/Urticaria - can come and go
  • Itching (Pruritus)/Burning
  • Overreaction to insect bites or stings and/or chemical intolerances
  • Poor Wound Healing and Easy Bruising
  • Rashes- can come and go
  • Sensitive Skin
  • Swelling around eyes, lips, throat

• Digestive/Gastrointestinal system
  • Acid reflux/heartburn
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Belching
  • Bloating/excess gas
  • Canker Sores
  • Constipation
  • Cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Esophageal stricture - inflammation of the esophagus - feeling of the throat “closing up” - inability to swallow foods - food getting stuck in the esophagus
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Indigestion
  • Intolerance to Foods, Preservatives, Dyes and Scents
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Lower Pelvic Discomfort
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

• Endocrine system
  • Delayed or Premature Puberty
  • Dysmenorrhea (severe/painful cramps during menstruation)
  • Hormone Imbalance
  • Low Libido
  • Transport or absorption issues with vital minerals and vitamins (e.g., iron, B6, B12)

• Lymphatic system
  • Highly susceptibility to infection
  • Increase in autoimmune diseases
  • Increase in allergies/sensitivities
  • Impaired healing
  • Inflammation and swelling of lymph nodes found in the neck, armpits, groin, etc.
  • Slow recovery from infection

• Muscular system
  • Hypotonia (weak muscle tone)
  • Muscle aches (commonly mistaken for Fibromyalgia??)

• Nervous/Neurological system
  • Anxiety
  • Blepharitis (or Meibomitis) - a chronic inflammation of tiny glands that line the upper and lower eyelids, just behind the lash line, causing pores to clog and be crusty/goopy/weepy
  • Brain Fog - Trouble concentrating or staying on task
  • Depression
  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Frequent Headaches
  • Heightened sensitivity to light and/or noise
  • Hyperosmia - over-sensitivity of the olfactory nerve to smells (i.e. smoke, air fresheners, perfumes, etc.)
  • Insomnia or sleep issues
  • Migraines  
  • Syncope/Fainting
  • Tinnitus - Ringing of the ears

• Reproductive system
  • Dysmenorrhea - Severe Menstrual Cramps
  • Irregular Menstrual Cycles

• Respiratory system
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Chronic Sinusitis
  • Dental issues including sensitivity and/or deterioration of the teeth and/or gums despite good dental hygiene practices
  • Environmental Allergies
  • Hoarseness with no explainable health reason
  • Nasal Congestion or Runny Nose (Rhinitis)
  • Shortness of Breath - cannot take a complete breath (Dyspnea)
  • Sinus Infections
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Sneezing
  • Swelling around eyes, lips, throat
  • Taste irregularities including metallic taste or “fuzzy” sensation
  • Throat - Scratchy or tightening, Difficulty swallowing, Irritation and swelling

• Skeletal system
  • Aches
  • Bone Pain
  • Osteopenia

• Urinary System
  • Frequent urination
  • Urinary urgency
  • Painful urination
  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Inability to fully empty the bladder
  • Bladder and pelvic pain
  • Pain during intercourse

For MCAS to be suspected, chronic symptoms in a minimum of 2 systems must be present. Only a very few people have ALL of these symptoms. Most people with MCAS have subsets of these symptoms, some persistent and some that come and go. Because of a myriad of different causes and triggers, symptoms can differ greatly from person to person.

• Bi-Products/Problems: 
  • Social issues because of difficulty eating out, on the go, traveling, or at other people’s homes
  • Being told you are crazy by medical providers, family, friends, coworkers
  • Lack of Awareness so patients suffer for years without being diagnosed
  • Treatment Expense: Most insurance will not cover Functional Medicine practitioners

Most HSA/FSA plans will reimburse receipts for Health & Wellness Coaching accompanied by a letter of medical necessity from your physician. Check with your insurance provider for process instructions.