The More You Know Archives

Uterine Fibroids: Ants at the Picnic

If you’ve ever discovered ants ruining your picnic, you know how something seemingly invisible can suddenly disrupt your day. Similarly, uterine fibroids are benign muscle tumors that often go unnoticed but can significantly impact your life when they grow in size or number.

plaid with fruits and straw hat in field — Photo by Mariam Antadze on Pexels.com

The Unseen Enemy

Think of your uterus as an upside-down, hollow bottle. Fibroids are essentially “unwanted tenants” that can develop within the walls, inside the cavity, or even on the surface of this anatomical “real estate.”

Although small fibroids are generally symptomless, as they grow, they can cause a range of problems— from pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding to feelings of fullness in the lower abdomen, rectal pressure, bladder-related symptoms and even lower back aches. The larger they get, the more likely they are to be symptomatic.

Your Diagnostic Toolkit

Diagnosis is usually straightforward: a pelvic or trans-vaginal ultrasound often identifies these benign growths. Think of this test as a snapshot of your uterus, revealing the fibroids’ size and location.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

Physicians and researchers have identified several contributing elements linked to the growth of uterine fibroids, including low levels of Vitamin D, high estrogen, insufficient B6, and hypothyroidism. A comprehensive lab test can determine whether any of these factors are playing a role in your condition.

Do You Need Surgery?

Here’s where choices come into play. Not all fibroids require surgical removal. In fact, many can be managed by correcting dietary and lifestyle issues, allowing the body to naturally reduce the fibroids’ size and alleviate symptoms. However, if your fibroids are causing significant discomfort, surgery may be the best course of action.

The Takeaway

Uterine fibroids are often out of sight and out of mind, but when they make their presence felt, it’s often in disruptive ways. Fortunately, through early diagnosis and proactive lifestyle adjustments, you can often minimize their impact.

So, the next time you’re checking for ants at your picnic, consider this a reminder to also pay attention to other hidden aspects of your health. A little vigilance now can prevent a lot of discomfort later.

Contact us today at 816-625-4497 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation and learn more. Wherever you are in the Kansas City area—Oak Grove, Independence, Grain Valley—we’re just a short drive away!

Embracing Autumn: Tips from Health+Plus to Keep You Healthy

The air is getting cooler, the scent of burning firewood is in the air, and those vivid hues of amber, rust, and gold are taking over our beloved Missouri trees. Yes, autumn is knocking on our door, and here at Health+Plus we’re eager to ensure that your health remains at its peak during this transitional season.

man standing on pathway between trees — Photo by Taryn Elliott on Pexels.com

Gear Up for Flu Season

Flu and fall are, unfortunately, frequent companions. Stay ahead of the curve. One way is to pay close attention to your hygiene habits. Our hands are our primary contact with the world. Ensure they’re clean! While sanitizers are effective, a good wash with soap is your best bet.

Beware the Allergens

While autumn leaves are a treat for the eyes, they’re not always friendly to our noses:

– Stay Updated: Monitor local pollen counts. We’ll also be posting regular updates on our clinic’s social media channels.

– Home Sweet (Clean) Home: Regularly clean and dust your home, invest in good-quality air purifiers, and limit open windows during high pollen times.

Loving Your Skin in the Fall

As the moisture in the air decreases, your skin might feel the pinch:

– Upgrade Your Moisturizers: The lotions that worked in summer may not cut it now. Consider richer creams or ointments.

– Don’t Skip the Sunscreen: Clouds don’t block all UV rays. Ensure your skin is protected even on overcast days.

Keep the Energy Up!

Cooler weather can tempt us to hibernate, but let’s stay active:

– Embrace the Season. From enjoying the colors at the park to participating in local fall-themed runs and events, there’s so much to do!

Nurture Your Mental Health

The diminishing daylight can sometimes cast a shadow on our spirits:

– Community Gatherings: From our annual Fall Festivals to smaller events, stay connected with your community.

– Seek Support: If you or someone you know feels affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or just the changing seasons, reach out. Our team at Health+Plus is here to help.

Savor the Fall Harvest

The earth is generous this time of year:

– Visit the local Farmers’ Market: Stock up on seasonal produce like pumpkins, squash, and apples.

– Warm Meals: Shift from cool summer dishes to warm, nourishing meals. If you need recipe ideas, we’ll be sharing some on our website soon!

Wrapping Up the Season with Health+Plus

As we all wrap ourselves in cozy blankets and look forward to the festivities, let’s also wrap up our health routines. Join us in celebrating autumn with health, wellness, and the warmth of our Health+Plus spirit. Here’s to a wonderful fall season!

Learn more about ways we can help you by calling 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. We would love to help you take proactive steps today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.

What Kind of Protein Should You Eat?

Learn more here.

Patient Care is Our Priority!

The Protein Predicament: Animal, Plant, or Both?

The Protein Predicament: Animal, Plant, or Both?

By Dr. David B. Clark DABCI, NMD, DC

The importance of protein in our diet is a well-accepted fact. It’s crucial for growth, cellular repair, and immune function. However, as much as health experts agree on the necessity of protein, the ‘how much’ and ‘what kind’ of protein are points of disagreement. Should we get our protein solely from plants, animals, or a combination of both? How much protein is ideal?

At Health+Plus Clinic, we aim to provide a balanced perspective on this contentious issue to help you make informed dietary choices. Let’s take a look at it more closely.

Understanding Protein

Protein is a macronutrient made up of smaller units known as amino acids. These amino acids are categorized as essential (cannot be synthesized by the body) and non-essential (can be synthesized by the body). The primary point of divergence between animal and plant proteins lies in their amino acid profiles and other associated nutrients.

Animal Protein

Animal-source proteins, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy foods, are often referred to as complete proteins. This means they contain all essential amino acids in sufficient quantities. Moreover, they are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Plant Protein

Plant proteins, derived from legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds, are generally not considered complete proteins because they lack one or more essential amino acids. However, by combining different sources of plant protein, you can still obtain a complete amino acid profile. Additionally, plant proteins are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and are generally lower in saturated fats.

Digestibility

It’s true that plant proteins typically require more effort to be completely digested compared to animal proteins. This is due to the presence of certain anti-nutrients like phytates and oxalates that can inhibit absorption. However, cooking, fermenting, or sprouting plant foods can significantly improve nutrient availability.

Nutritional Requirements

The average adult should consume between 3 to 4 ounces (approximately 80 to 110 grams) of protein daily. For pregnant or nursing women and individuals over 65, the higher end of this scale is recommended. Around one-third of your daily caloric intake should ideally come from protein sources, whether animal-based, plant-based, or a mix of both.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations

Beyond the nutritional aspects, many people consider the ethical and environmental implications of their protein choices. Animal farming often has a more significant environmental impact in terms of land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, a diet overly reliant on monocrops like soy can also pose sustainability challenges.

Whether animal or plant protein is better for you can depend on numerous factors such as lifestyle, pre-existing health conditions, ethical beliefs, and nutritional needs. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

At Health+Plus Clinic, we recommend a balanced approach to diet and nutrition, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods. If you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance is always the best course of action.

Holistic Medicine at Health+Plus: A Whole-Person Approach

We get questions about what we do here at Health+Plus Clinic in Oak Grove, Missouri—and we understand why people may be confused. Health+Plus is a premier holistic alternative health and wellness center in the Kansas City area. We combine the latest scientific methods with Holistic and Traditional approaches to discover the root causes of your health challenges.

What does that mean? Read on!

Holistic medicine is a type of medicine that considers the whole person when treating illness. This means that holistic practitioners consider the physical, mental, and emotional factors that can contribute to health problems.

Holistic = whole body!

Holistic medicine is based on the idea that the body is a complex system that is interconnected with the mind and the environment. When one part of the system is out of balance, it can affect the entire system.

Holistic medicine has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are looking for alternative ways to improve their health. There is a growing body of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of holistic therapies.

Using holistic medicine can be a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. If you are looking for an alternative approach to medicine, holistic medicine may be a good option for you.

Benefits of Holistic Medicine

There are many benefits to holistic medicine. Some of the most common benefits include:

Improved overall health and well-being
Reduced stress and anxiety
Increased energy levels
Improved sleep
Reduced pain
Improved mental clarity
Increased immune function

Holistic medicine can also help to prevent future health problems.

How to Choose a Holistic Practitioner

When choosing a holistic practitioner, it is important to find someone who is experienced and has a good reputation. When you are interviewing potential practitioners, be sure to ask them about their training, experience, and philosophy. You should also ask them about the risks and benefits of the treatments they offer.

It is important to feel comfortable with your practitioner and to trust them. If you have any concerns, be sure to ask them questions.

Meet Our Licensed Holistic Providers

Dr. David Clark, founder of Health+Plus

Dr. David Clark is a Chiropractic Internist [DABCI] and a Naturopath [NMD]. He has been in private practice since 1975.

Dr. David Clark intended to become a medical doctor and was accepted for advanced placement at both Johns Hopkins and University of Pennsylvania medical schools. However, when his own health issues could not be helped by traditional medicine and drug therapy, he found incredible help from a doctor practicing alternative medicine. For that reason, he changed direction, and pursued education in natural health care.

Dr. Clark is President Emeritus of the Missouri Naturopathic Medical Association, and past Vice-President of the American Board of Chiropractic Internists. He is a Diplomate of the International Board of Diagnosis and Preventive Medicine, and Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Internists. He has served on the faculty of Cleveland Chiropractic College, and John Thomas College of Naturopathic Medicine. He is on the board of Missouri Chiropractic Injectable Nutrition Association.

Dr. Clark has taught many post-graduate classes for doctors on laboratory interpretation, physical examination and diagnosis, and alternative treatment methods.

More than 45 years ago people from all over the country began to hear good reports of his success in treating chronic illness with alternative methods and began traveling to his little office in Oak Grove, Missouri. Since 1999, he more than quadrupled the size of his office to accommodate patient volume and make Health+Plus Clinic what it is today!

Melissa Abramovitz APRN/FNP-BC

Missy has been a registered nurse for 20 years and graduated with her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner in November 2019. She passed her board certification exam in March 2020. For sixteen years of her nursing career, Missy worked in the emergency department, and 10 years ago she was introduced to the concept of functional medicine/integrative/holistic medicine when she attended a seminar called “Cancer Killers.”

While studying for her nurse practitioner license, she realized she did not want to prescribe pills just to mask symptoms, she wanted to help patients, herself, and her family get well from the inside out. Missy wanted to get to the root cause of medical problems and reverse it.

Missy has nine children, five of which she birthed. She lives on a farm with several animals and plans to soon raise her own meat.

Dr. Phillip Jeffrey Greene

Dr. Greene is the office Medical Director. He oversees the case files of patients Dr. Clark and the nurse practitioners see daily. Dr. Greene graduated from the University of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine in 2001.

If you are interested in learning more about what we have to offer at Health+Plus Clinic here in the Kansas City area, call 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. We would love to meet you!