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Uterine Fibroids: Ants at the Picnic
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.
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!
Why Intravenous Vitamin Therapy?
Why Intravenous Vitamin Therapy?
By Dr. David B. Clark DABCI, NMD, DC
Health+Plus is renowned for its expertise in intravenous nutritional therapy. Over the years, our specially trained team has safely administered thousands of vitamin IVs without complications at our Oak Grove, Missouri location.
Intravenous nutritional therapy is a safe and effective way to quickly replenish vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in the body. Read on to see if it’s right for you.
Why Consider IV Nutritional Therapy?
There are many reasons why people opt for IV nutritional therapy. Some individuals suffer from chronic malnutrition due to various factors, such as poor diet, illness, or the natural aging process. A common issue is that many people don’t consume enough nutritionally dense food. Americans often eat a high amount of ‘junk food’—food that is rich in calories but poor in essential nutrients. Over time, this leads to deficiencies in the vital building blocks necessary for optimal health.
Others may have difficulty swallowing or digesting food, making it challenging to obtain the nutrients they need from food alone. IV nutritional therapy is also useful for those recovering from surgery or illness, as well as for individuals simply looking to boost their overall health and well-being.
Benefits of IV Nutritional Therapy
Here are some of the key advantages:
Direct Absorption: It bypasses the digestive system, allowing nutrients to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream and delivered to cells throughout the body. This results in higher absorption rates and less waste.
High-Dose Nutrients: IV therapy can deliver higher doses of nutrients than what can be ingested orally. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who are severely deficient in certain nutrients or who need to boost their nutrient intake for therapeutic reasons. For example, high-dose vitamin C has been shown to strengthen the immune system, aid in toxin removal, speed up wound healing, stimulate collagen production, and boost energy levels.
Fast Acting: IV nutrients can begin to work within minutes, offering quick relief from symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and muscle pain.
Ideal for Certain Conditions: For patients with difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, or dehydration, IV therapy is exceptionally effective. It generally helps an ill person begin to feel better quickly.
Safe and Effective: IV nutritional therapy has been used safely for many years and is considered to be a highly effective way to improve overall health and well-being.
If you’re considering IV nutritional therapy, the Health+Plus team of medical professionals can help you determine if this treatment is the right choice for your individual needs.
Contact us today at 816-625-4497 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation and learn more about the benefits of IV nutritional therapy. Wherever you are in the area—Oak Grove, Kansas City, Independence, Grain Valley—we’re just a short drive away!
The Science and Benefits of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
The Science and Benefits of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
By Melissa Abramovitz APRN/FNP-BC
As we delve into the complex world of medical science, one can’t help but notice the intriguing concept of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, often abbreviated as BHRT. Many people are drawn to its potential benefits, yet they find themselves puzzled by the ‘bio-identical’ aspect. To fully understand and appreciate BHRT, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental role hormones play in our bodies and how BHRT’s unique approach differentiates it from traditional hormone therapies.
Understanding Hormones
Hormones are intricate molecules produced naturally in our bodies. They function as the body’s internal messaging system, traveling through the bloodstream to various tissues and organs, inciting responses crucial to maintaining optimal health. At a microscopic level, each hormone molecule bears a unique shape. This unique shape is key to their function. As hormones travel through the body, they interact with ‘receptors’, specific structures within cells. Like a lock and key system, a receptor only responds when it encounters a hormone – the ‘key’ – with a shape that precisely matches its own. This specific interaction triggers a cascade of events within the cell, which leads to specific physiological responses.
The Bio-Identical Aspect
Bio-Identical Hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones our bodies produce naturally. These hormones are meticulously engineered from plant sources like yams or soybeans to mimic the exact shape of natural hormones. As such, bio-identical hormones fit perfectly into our body’s receptors, effectively ‘unlocking’ the same responses as our body’s own hormones would.
The key advantage of this exact match lies in the precision with which bio-identical hormones interact with our body’s receptors. As these molecules perfectly mirror the hormones our bodies produce, they can seamlessly integrate into our body’s hormone signaling system, potentially leading to a more natural and efficient hormonal balance.
The Shortcomings of Synthetic Hormones
In contrast, synthetic hormones – the type often used in conventional hormone replacement therapies – are not an exact match to our body’s hormones. While they are similar and can elicit some of the same responses, their differing molecular structure can cause them to interact imperfectly with our body’s receptors.
This imperfect fit can result in different reactions within the body, potentially leading to side effects or even harmful consequences that you wouldn’t experience with natural hormones. In short, synthetic hormones may resemble the keys our body is accustomed to, but they are not identical, leading to less predictable and potentially undesirable results.
The Pharmaceutical Dilemma
A significant reason why the pharmaceutical industry has traditionally leaned towards synthetic hormones over bio-identical ones is a matter of patent law. Natural molecules, including hormones, cannot be patented, making them less profitable than synthetic alternatives that can be uniquely designed and patented.
Consequently, bio-identical hormones have often been overlooked by large pharmaceutical companies. However, they have found a niche in specialty pharmacies. These pharmacies custom-make bio-identical hormones using all-natural ingredients, adhering to rigorous regulation standards to ensure quality and safety.
At Health+Plus, we have experienced Health Care Providers ready to help you with Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). We believe it represents a promising approach to hormone therapy by using hormones identical to those our bodies produce, aligning closely with our body’s natural systems. This potentially provides a safer and more effective alternative to traditional synthetic hormone therapies.
Learn more 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 Patients Say…
What Patients Say…
Learn why our patients keep coming back! Call 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. We would love to help you take proactive steps today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.
Hormone Therapy: Do You Need It?
Hormone Therapy: Do You Need It?
By Melissa Abramovitz APRN/FNP-BC
Our bodies are complex, beautifully designed machines that require several components to function optimally. One of these components is hormones – biochemical substances that control major bodily functions. From regulating your metabolism to guiding your reproductive health, hormones play a critical role in maintaining your overall well-being. However, as you age, your body’s hormone production naturally declines. This gradual shift, which often begins around the age of 35, may seem subtle initially, but it can lead to significant health consequences over time.
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.
Aren’t We All the Same? A Deeper Dive into Health Disparities
Aren’t We All the Same? A Deeper Dive into Health Disparities
The term ‘racism’ is an unfortunate staple of our daily vocabulary. It denotes a form of prejudice and discrimination that society actively strives to combat and eradicate – a pursuit as necessary as it is noble.
While it’s crucial to treat everyone with equal respect and dignity, irrespective of their racial or ethnic backgrounds, it’s equally important to acknowledge the health disparities that exist between different racial and ethnic groups. However, these disparities aren’t simply down to biology – socio-economic factors, lifestyle choices, and systemic barriers to healthcare play significant roles too.
For example, studies have indicated that postmenopausal Caucasian women have a higher risk of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis compared to men of the same racial background or women from other racial and ethnic groups. But remember, this doesn’t mean every Caucasian woman will face this issue – personal health history and lifestyle also matter.
Similarly, atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), a heart condition, is more common among Caucasian men than in women or men of other racial and ethnic groups. However, this is not just a matter of genetics – other factors like socio-economic status, stress levels, and access to quality healthcare are all involved.
Let’s look at diabetes, a condition with a notably higher prevalence in certain populations such as African Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Indigenous Americans. While there’s a genetic component to this, it’s just one part of the story. A range of social and environmental factors – including diet, physical activity levels, access to healthcare, and socio-economic status – all significantly contribute to this heightened risk.
The key takeaway here isn’t to stereotype or make assumptions based on an individual’s race or ethnicity, but rather to understand the multi-faceted nature of these health disparities. We should strive to recognize and address the interplay of genetic, social, and environmental factors that result in these health disparities, aiming to provide personalized, effective care for everyone.
Healthcare must always be personalized and consider a patient’s unique health history, lifestyle, and needs. An individual’s race or ethnicity can be a part of this personalized approach, but it is just one factor among many.
At the end of the day, our goal here at Health+Plus Clinic is to guide everyone towards optimal health – and understanding the complexities as discussed here is an integral part of that journey.
Interested in learning more about natural health options we offer at Health+Plus Clinic in the Kansas City area? Call 816-625-4497 or visit our contact page. We would love to meet you and help you take your first step towards better health!
Understanding Risk Factors: Taking Control of Your Health
Understanding Risk Factors: Taking Control of Your Health
When it comes to our health, we often hear about “elevated risk factors” and how they can impact our well-being. But what exactly is an elevated risk, and how can we reduce it? Let’s delve into the concept of risk factors and empower you to take 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!
Empowering Patient Advocacy: A Commitment to Genuine Care at Health+Plus
Empowering Patient Advocacy: A Commitment to Genuine Care at Health+Plus
In the world of healthcare, it is disheartening to learn that many women have felt their symptoms were disregarded or dismissed as “imaginary” by their physicians. In fact, a 2022 survey indicated that 71% of women said that a physician had told them that their symptoms were imagined.
This is also known as gaslighting. Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which one person attempts to sow self-doubt and confusion in another person’s mind. In medicine this includes not taking the patient’s concerns seriously, or even determining that the patient is ‘only imagining’ their symptoms.
To be blunt: it has no place in medicine.
At Health+Plus, located in Oak Grove, Missouri, we are committed to providing an environment where your concerns are heard and respected. As holistic medicine providers, we believe in empowering our patients and fostering a genuine partnership in your healthcare journey.
Listening with Genuine Concern
Our care team approach patient consultations with deep empathy and genuine concern. We acknowledge the validity of your symptoms and take the time to review and understand the discomfort you’re experiencing. Your voice matters, and we are here to listen.
Comprehensive Evaluations
When you become a new patient at Health+Plus, we embark on a comprehensive evaluation process to uncover the root causes of your health challenges. We go beyond the norm, conducting an array of urine and blood tests, lung function tests, EKG, and other assessments. Our commitment to examining the whole person ensures that no potential abnormalities are overlooked.
Addressing Multiple Factors
We understand that health issues can stem from a variety of factors, and we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of understanding. An individual’s health problems may have various underlying causes, such as circulation issues, deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, chronic infections, physical and mental stresses, or harmful lifestyle choices. At Health+Plus, we address what we find and provide tailored recommendations aimed at improving your well-being.
Taking Patients Seriously
While we cannot guarantee success in every case, we want you to know that we always take our patients seriously. We value your trust and strive to create a safe space where you can openly share your concerns. Our commitment to your well-being extends beyond simply treating your symptoms; we aim to understand the complexities of your health and work collaboratively to find the best possible solutions.
Here to Listen and Help
At Health+Plus, we firmly reject gaslighting and prioritize the respectful and compassionate care of our patients. We invite you to experience the difference of a healthcare practice that listens, understands, and empowers. Together, we can navigate the complexities of your health challenges and embark on a holistic journey towards optimal well-being.
Call 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. Trust us to be your partners in health, where your concerns are heard, and your experiences are validated.
Health+Plus is not an emergency medical facility. If you are having sudden intense symptoms go to a hospital, urgent care center, or call 911.
What Do NATURAL, ALTERNATIVE, and HOLISTIC Mean, Anyway?
What Do NATURAL, ALTERNATIVE, and HOLISTIC Mean, Anyway?
“Natural” isn’t always what you think it is
‘Natural’ may be applied to a substance or process that exists on its own in nature – that are not manufactured by humans. Herbs, for example, are natural. This sounds better than using man-made chemicals, right?
‘Natural’ isn’t always good, though. Remember that poison ivy and rattlesnake venom are natural. So, when a label says ‘all natural’ it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s healthy for you.
“Alternative” swaps one thing for another
‘Alternative’ means using one thing in place of another. In this case it means replacing a drug with an herb or vitamin, for example. For some people, taking a garlic supplement may effectively replace blood pressure prescription. Diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements may be effective options for diabetic medication.
“Holistic” and the whole person
‘Holistic’ means considering the ‘whole person’. Current standard medical care is ‘problem-focused’. One symptom or health concern per appointment, please. ‘Holistic’ means listening and caring for the whole person. Lifestyle factors, traumas, stresses, diet, etc. all have an influence on one’s well-being. The holistic practitioner is considering all these elements of the patient’s life.
Health+Plus Can Help
More than 45 years ago, people from all over the country began to hear good reports of Dr. David Clark’s success in treating chronic illness with a natural approach began traveling to his little office in Oak Grove, Missouri. Since 1999, he more than quadrupled the size of his office to accommodate the needs of his patients and make Health+Plus Clinic what it is today. If you are interested in learning more, call 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. We would love to meet you!