Fall Health
As seen in the Clarkston News 2021 Fall Health section… There’s something poetic in the way Michigan changes its seasons, especially when summer begins to fade into those chilly autumn mornings. The leaves take on their russet and amber colors before floating to the ground. You can almost smell it in the air. Fall […]
Cognitive Support
As seen in the August 18th, 2021 Senior Living edition of the Clarkston News By now, most of us know we must keep our bodies healthy to prevent diseases like cancer, kidney failure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. What only a small percentage know is the brain is very much part […]
Self-Sabotage
Have you ever noticed that you struggle to meet goals? I’m not talking about a rare, lazy Sunday when you opted for binging Netflix over laundry. This is a bigger picture question that involves life, career, health and even relationships. It’s a chronic list of excuses and self-doubt that you might be completely aware […]
soda and diet soda
A good friend and I went to dinner one night and she ordered a diet soda with her meal. I looked at her and couldn’t really help my reaction. It was so strange to me that she’d demonized the gluten-free crackers I’d ordered with our charcuterie, but felt comfortable with a diet soda. Knowing […]
Summer Health
As seen in the Clarkston News’ Summer Health edition 6/23/21 If you’ve read anything from Forum Health Clarkston then you know how much we stress gut health. It’s our mantra and the foundation of everything we teach. Recap: The gut is home to trillions of bacteria and other microbes that directly communicate with your brain […]
Intermittent Fasting
Unless you’ve been living in a bunker underground over the last decade, you’ve heard many health and fitness gurus and even a celebrity or two talk about the evolution of intermittent fasting. But what is it? To put it simply, it’s a lifestyle choice that involves methodical meal timing and periodic calorie […]
Senior living type 2 diabetes
As seen in the May 26th, 2021 Senior Living edition of the Clarkston News. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that’s caused by high blood sugar. It is a dangerous disease that can lead to many other health conditions when it’s not managed properly. This includes kidney disease, blindness, leg and foot […]
Morning Routine for Balance
Before I even knew what I was doing, I had a morning routine. I used to notice a little anxiety creeping in on days I went off the path. On lazy mornings I’d put my phone in my face, drink that extra cup of coffee and skip my workout. By late afternoon, it was […]
What is Face Mapping?
Facial skin issues like acne breakouts, dryness, deep lines, redness and signs of uneven skin tone are all incredibly frustrating conditions we could live without. From topical treatments to trips to the dermatologist, we work hard to wipe out the facial imperfections and clear the way for healthy, youthful skin. What if those pesky […]
Live for Longevity
(As seen in the February, 2021 Senior Living section of the Clarkston News) I hate to break it to you, but we’re all aging. With each crack in the knee to the moment you can’t keep your eyes open past 8pm, life’s natural order is relentless. Relentless and glorious! No matter what, it’s happening. […]
Sleep Deprivation
There are mixed reports on how much sleep the adult body really needs in order to work at optimal levels. Some say at least six hours can get the adult body through the day, doing all that it should be doing. Others report that magic number falling anywhere from seven to nine hours per […]
Turn Winter Woes into Winter Wins!
I’m always a little melancholy this time of year. Enter the time of COVID and those winter blues can seem unrelenting. Lucky for you, I bring good news. At Forum Health Clarkston, I’ve learned how to combat this year’s seasonal slump and you can, too, with these easy, winter health pick-me-ups. Exercise Say it with […]
Fish Oil: Nutrition and Health Benefits
There have been many times in the past I’ve found myself asking, “Have you tried fish oil for that?” For my friends with teenagers who struggle with acne or the ones who have a hard time focusing, it seems that’s my common response to every concern. What’s always surprising to me are the looks […]
The Benefits of Reflexology
Our bodies are meant to be self-regulating and self-healing. However, due to stress, lack of sleep, and toxins, we do not heal as we should. Over time, energy flow in the body becomes constricted. This can cause a multitude of health issues that could lead to an even worse diagnosis in the future. Unfortunately, […]
Processed Foods: Mood, Thinking and Memory
We all know that eating a lot of processed foods like chips, sugary treats, and fast food will make you gain weight. When our clothes don’t fit, we know we’re in trouble. When we feel bad and have a physical reaction to something we shouldn’t eat, that’s another sign. What many don’t realize, however, […]
Hack Your Cycle with Cycle Syncing
Do you ever wonder why your emotions seem to change with the wind or why you’re totally together one week and then positively unraveled the next? As women, since we started our periods, our entire lives have focused on one specific week of the month. We were taught that one week was the only week […]
Ask the Nutritionist LIVE with Brittany!
Join Certified Functional Medicine Nutritionist and Lifestyle Educator, Brittany Golden, every Wednesday at noon for an “Ask the Nutritionist” Facebook LIVE session! Each week, for an hour, she shares different tips on health and wellness and answers any questions. To join the event, simply like and follow Forum Health Clarkston’s FaceBook page and mark “going” […]
Healthy Summer Tips
This summer is a hot one in Michigan, folks. With temps soaring well into the 90’s, most people seek out ways to spend their sizzling days near water. Whether you’re in a pool, at a beach, on a boat, or tubing down a river, the humidity isn’t the only thing we battle. The heat […]
Constipation
Unless you have the sense of humor of a young boy, it’s one of the most difficult things to talk about. For nearly 20% of the adult population, it’s one of the most difficult things to do. We get a little red-faced when asked about it. Sometimes there isn’t enough spray in the world […]
Metabolic Health and Your Immune System
The recent COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic has revealed a few unsettling things about the overall health of the US as a nation. It’s nothing new to say that the United States has one of the highest obesity rates in the world. We’ve almost become immune to that knowledge. To snap us out of it, […]
Harnessing the Power of Meditation in Your Daily Life
It should be obvious to most by now: our fast-paced existence is only speeding up. With never-ending access to world news, differing opinions, and a myriad of positive and negative images, the constant stimulation turns to chaos. The mental distractions are interrupting the connection between the mind and body, allowing jumping thoughts and feelings of […]
Winter Health
Published in the Clarkston News 2020 Winter Health edition… Another holiday season has whirled in and out of our lives and we’re left abandoned to face the next four months in gloom. That may be a tad dramatic, but if you’re anything like me, you understand. The blues hit hard this time of […]
Optimal and Healthy Goals
This is the time of year when a majority of the country has decided to make weight loss or health their resolution. New memberships fill up the local health clubs and pretty pictures of nutritious meals grace the newsfeeds of Instagram and FaceBook. Even as I write this, my husband and I have sworn […]
Supplements: Healthy Support or Waste of Money
In my house, as my teenage son makes his sleepy, morning drag from his bedroom to the stairs, I wish him good morning in three simple words: Take. Your. Supplements. It’s become our household mantra over the years, one I’m sure he’ll pass on to his own children. Whether he chooses […]
Back to school: Is Your Child Ready?
As seen in the August 7th 2019 edition of the Clarkston News… I went grocery shopping the other day and almost cried when I saw the supplies lined up in their back to school glory. What happened to the beach toys? Is my sixteen-year-old ready? I don’t even know where he is! I’m making lists […]
Don’t Sacrifice Your Health this Summer!
When someone refers to summer as “dog days,” I picture my dog lying around in the sun. She’s just so lazy out there, all flopped over and barely lifting her head to defy me when I call her inside. She’s the very definition of laziness. I should know—it’s what I look like on my […]
Spring Cleanup: Environment, body, and soul
The sun is (kind of) shining and days are growing longer. Come on, spring! Outside, the blankets of snow are melting (fingers crossed!) and you’re cringing because now you see all the ugly it’s been hiding. It’s a dreaded sight, a colorless reminder of the work ahead. On the other hand, when we think […]
What is a Wellness Center?
It’s 2019 and we’ve landed in a time of progressive thinking and awareness when it comes to our health. Most of us are paying attention now and what was once considered hippie or even witchy seems a bit more logical. Hallelujah! What was once an eyeroll and guffaw is now being carefully considered. Even […]
Answers to your questions on Carbonated Waters!
At Forum Health Clarkston, our goal is to heal the body from within by giving it the right environment. That’s the whole body—not just some of it. So, it becomes a problem when the environment we’re trying to heal is water deficient. “The average American still only drinks 1.8 cups a day, which is […]
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The pink ribbons are everywhere. The local schools are adorning their athletes in pink socks and pink jerseys. The Fight Like a Girl signs are up, proudly standing behind every woman who’s ever been affected. Pink, pink, PINK! There’s no mistaking it: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As we go through the […]
Flu Season
As much as I love my Michigan summers, there’s something almost poetic to be said for the moment it all ends. The air takes on that invigorating feel only a Midwesterner can recognize. The leaves change into their russet and amber colors before floating to the ground. You can almost smell it in the air. […]
Gluten Explained
Do I have a Gluten Intolerance? We get the same questions from family and friends who are interested or even puzzled by what we do here at Forum Health Clarkston. Recently, a comment on one of my blogs made me realize that I need to shed a little more light on this situation. It’s […]
The Dangers of Bug Spray
My family comes alive in the summer. From the boat to the bonfires, and a weekend or two of glamping (have you met me?), it seems like we do everything outside. My fondest memories are the bonfires. I can still see my sons standing there with their little hoodies on, their faces lit up from […]
Healthy Swaps for Baking and Cooking
Other than Disney World, Pinterest is my most favorite place on earth. I lose about two hours of my life each time I dive into that site and search for new recipes for my healthy lifestyle. I used to get into what looked like the perfect recipe and have to back right out after […]
No Excuses! Anyone Can Exercise—Even YOU
I exercise because I want to look good in a bathing suit. There. I said it. That’s really what drives me. When I’m down to that last mile and I just want to stop, I imagine myself sitting on my boat. What does that look like? Am I wrapped up in a towel, hunched over, […]
Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
What is Colon Cancer? Colon cancer affects the colon, which is also known as the large intestine. When the cancer does not affect the rectum, it is called colon cancer. However, when the cancer does affect the rectum, it is then considered colorectal cancer. Colon cancer tends to begin when small benign clumps of cells […]
Skin Cancer: Symptoms and Prevention
What is Skin Cancer? The quick answer is that skin cancer is the abnormal and rapid growth of skin cells. However, there’s a lot more to it than people think. It occurs when the body does not repair the damage to the DNA inside skin cells, which allows the cells to divide and then grow uncontrollably. […]
Sinus Infections and Sinusitis: Reasons, Remedies and Relief
Whether they are chronic or viral, over 35 million Americans suffer with sinusitis or sinus infections every year. From the sniffles to the face pain and pressure, those who suffer know how unpleasant symptoms can be. Unfortunately, in most cases, antibiotics do more harm than good. To avoid long-term damage, it’s important to understand sinus […]
Thoughts on the Effects of Technology
Zombies, Phones and Gaming Systems I forgot. I was too tired. I didn’t hear you… I’ve heard these statements 100 times in one day. When my son doesn’t feed the dog, forgets to unload the dishwasher, or stays up too late, there are two technology culprits at play: his iPhone or […]
Growth and Nutrition: Kids, Eat Your Spinach and Be Strong to the Finish
I have wonderful memories of watching Popeye from my spot, crisscross applesauce on my grandmother’s living room floor. When Popeye wanted strength, he opened a can of spinach and tossed the leafy greens into his mouth. His muscles grew and he saved the day! In my tender inexperience, however, Popeye was just a cartoon. I […]
Answering the question – What is Keto and Ketosis?
I’m sure you’ve heard of it. You’ve probably even wondered if it’s for you. The Keto diet seems to be everywhere, with videos of people putting butter in their coffee while eating plates full of bacon. The craze of Keto has grown to an early 2000’s Atkins-size fad. What have we learned about fads? They […]
Loving your heart to great health!
Heart Health! We all know that our heart sustains our life, as much as the breath, but oftentimes we take its inherent beating rhythm for granted. We may choose lifestyles that negatively impact our hearts vital functioning. In so doing, we run the risk of developing significant cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, arterial plaque […]
Dementia – Symptoms and Help
Dementia – Improving Cognitive Health Dementia has been on the minds of many who have reached a certain age that requires reflection on their mental health, however, studies have shown that side effects of cognitive impairment can begin as early as age 45. As signs of mental decline begin to crop up, most treat it […]
Preparing Your Body for a Healthy Pregnancy: Is Your Body Ready?
So you want to have a baby… You and your other half have lined up all your ducks; you’ve paid off your debt and you’ve planned the perfect babymoon. Everything’s in order. You’re almost ready to start trying. Period tracker check! Ovulation Predictor Kit check! Basil Body Temperature Recorder check! OBGYN check check! All the […]
MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT (MCI)
Mild Cognitive Impairment The brain is like a muscle that needs to be exercised and worked on a daily basis to avoid mental impairment. As we age it becomes increasingly difficult to keep your mind sharp as it once was when we were younger. Though it’s impossible to keep brain function at 100% as we […]
Did you participate in No Shave November?
What is the prostate? The prostate is a gland about the size of a chestnut in the male reproductive system. It surrounds part of the urethra—the tube that empties the bladder—just below the bladder and above the muscles of the lower pelvic area. It’s function? The prostate is responsible for the production of […]
Comfort and Joy: Holistic Health Tools Workshop
Join Certified Holistic Cancer Educator and Reiki teacher Missie Irish Mellen, RN, BSN for a mini-workshop on natural, effective health tools for stress relief. Create more space for joy and peace this season. Includes: • Learn about Reiki/God’s loving intuitive hands-on healing for self & others • Learn the remarkable relaxing benefits of pure essential oils […]
7 Survival Tips To Help Keep Your Blood Pressure Regulated
7 Survival Tips To Help Keep Your Blood Pressure Regulated Did you know that over 77 million American adults suffer from high blood pressure? That’s about 1 in 3 people. And of those people, 70,000 will die from their high blood pressure each year. These are scary numbers, and rightfully so – high blood pressure […]
Dealing with Anxiety
Dealing with Anxiety A proper diet is the main determinant of body functions. From cardiovascular health and joint health to brain function including, moods, anxiety, depression and stress management. However, stimulants such as caffeine, sugar and refined carbohydrates that are used for a quick energy boost, may contribute to a lasting onset of anxiety that […]
Health: It’s An Investment, NOT An Expense!
Health: An Investment, not an Expense! Our health is an investment in the future! We live to work, plan, sock our money away, and spend wisely. While it can be daunting and downright annoying, we do it all for the future: for those sweet, golden days of retirement. This sounds wonderful—it’s responsible. Through all that […]
Kidney Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Kidney Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment The average, healthy person has two kidneys. They are both about the size of a fist and are located at either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. The role of the kidneys is to help the body detoxify by getting rid of or filtering out […]
Create Healthy Habits
Create Healthy Habits by Deneen Troupe-Buitrago Stay on Track with Your Nutrition Plan Do you want to get started with a plan of attack for your nutrition plan? Do you want to have more control of those healthy habits that will make you successful? Do you have the will-power for a while, but […]
Detoxing to rid your body of accumulated sludge!
The decision to detox is a great way for your body to naturally rid itself of toxins and free radicals that accumulate over time through our diet. However, speculation surrounding detoxification have surfaced as many often question its effectiveness and safety. Its reputation suffers further with every detox fad that fills health stores with various […]
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis Both Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis are known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Different from IBS or irritable bowel syndrome, where the muscles contract abnormally. IBD refers to the chronic inflammation of the large intestine. It is the result of the body producing inflammation as it mistakes […]
CHRONIC PAIN – RELIEF IS AVAILABLE!
CHRONIC PAIN – RELIEF IS AVAILABLE! Chronic pain plagues 100 million Americans according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, and is presented in a variety of forms including, headaches, back pain, inflamed joints, tendonitis, arthritis, fibromyalgia or pain that is associated with an old injury or past surgery. Many fall into […]
Defining Endometriosis: Symptoms and Treatments
Defining Endometriosis: Symptoms and Treatments Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease that occurs when tissue (endometrium) migrates outside of the uterus, specifically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other areas in the pelvic region and abdomen. This displaced tissue continues to act as it normally would during the menstrual cycle. It thickens, breaks down, and […]
Adrenal Fatigue Can be Healed!
Adrenal fatigue can surface at any time in a person’s life and is more common than you think. Caused by poor lifestyle habits and the surrounding environment, adrenal fatigue can begin with subtle symptoms and oftentimes go undetected without proper treatment. As this prolongs, you might fall into the trap of accepting that fatigue, depression […]
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms and Relief
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms and Relief Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can vary from case to case. It tends to come and go with stress and certain lifestyle changes. Because there is no specific blood test to detect IBS, it must be diagnosed through the symptoms it presents. This is why tracking your symptoms […]
Turn hay fever to spring fever with Functional Medicine
Turn seasonal allergies and hay fever into spring fever with Functional Medicine For some, spring is a time for colorful blossoms and fresh cut grass. It’s a time of rebirth and beauty. For most, however, it’s a time of misery. A time when seasonal allergies with itchy, watery eyes and stuffed up noses wreak havoc […]
Menopause – Changes Today, Welcome Relief Tomorrow
A woman’s body is extraordinary, a complex design made to protect and form human life. Through the first stages of her menstrual cycle to the moment life grows inside her, a woman’s body is the prefect representation of strength and beauty. As time goes on, however, those same abilities that make her unique are […]
Blood Pressure Causing a Dilemma?
Blood Pressure Dilemma? Blood pressure can be a real issue for many people. Often clients come in on three and four different medications trying to get blood pressure into a normal range. This can be a challenge because blood pressure can rise from exercise, stress, and emotions ranging from joy to anger. Usually blood […]
Suffering from Prolonged Anxiety or Panic Disorder?
Many clients come in with an underlying issue of anxiety or panic, most have lived with this for many years and have accepted it as normal life. Anxiety is a tool of the human body that is meant to be a healthy response to stresses in our life or even to dangerous situations. […]
The Countless Pros Of Probiotics
Most people do not realize how valuable Probiotics are for preventing several different health conditions. Many physicians believe that you can get enough beneficial flora from food and do not understand the value of taking a probiotic daily. The second I feel anything coming on a sniffle, irritated throat, nausea, change in stool I […]
Surviving Kidney Stones by Addressing the Underlying Cause
Passing kidney stones is known to be extremely painful, which is why they can easily put someone out of work, ruin his or her week, and make it hard to go about normal activities. Of course, you want to diminish your kidney stone symptoms quickly because they’re agonizing and uncomfortable to live with, but perhaps even […]
Treating Fibromyalgia Naturally
About 2 percent of the United States population is affected by Fibromyalgia. That’s about five million people! Think about it: That’s as if every person in the great state of Colorado had fibromyalgia. Fibro is about seven times more common in women than men, and is more likely to develop in middle age and later […]
Why Is Diabetes Skyrocketing?
Functional Medicine Approach to Diabetes Why is Diabetes Skyrocketing? There is no doubt that diabetes is on the rise at an alarming rate. The CDC estimates that 1/3 of all Americans will develop diabetes. Currently in the United States, nearly 80 million people have some form of Diabetes. What’s worse, both type 1 […]
Toxins in Personal Care Products – 4 Top Chemicals to Avoid and Why
One way to reduce the toxic load on the body is to be selective about personal care items containing harmful toxins. There are many resources available, here are a few starting points. The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that, until now, has had little other than cruelty to animals to worry […]
5 Ways Nutrition Improves Cancer Outcomes
The answer is simple, if you give the body the right environment it can heal. Nutrients can improve cancer outcome by: Inducing death in the cancer cells Reverting cancer cells back to a healthy cell Improving immune function to recognize and destroy cancer cells Helps the body to wall off or encapsulate the tumor […]
Importance of Healthy Blood Sugar Metabolism
60 million Americans have “insulin resistance” a form of unhealthy blood sugar metabolism that goes unrecognized. Achieving and maintaining proper blood sugar metabolism is essential for a lifetime of excellent health. Prolonged unhealthy blood sugar metabolism leads to inflammation and can significantly affect the health of your nerves, eyes, blood vessels, kidneys and pancreas. […]
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE – THERE IS HELP & HOPE!
SIMPLE STEPS TO REVERSE/DELAY AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE Autoimmune issues are on the rise and about 75% of these autoimmune conditions present themselves in women. Current science now recognizes that autoimmunity is often triggered by inflammation and various stressors in the body. When the immune system becomes overwhelmed with lifestyle and environmental triggers it becomes overloaded and […]
AT RISK FOR “Type 3 DIABETES” – aka Alzheimer’s Disease
AT RISK FOR “Type 3 DIABETES” – aka Alzheimer’s Disease? Diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Dementia are all on the rise. You cannot help but to worry about your grandparents and aging parents. Dementia is a big problem and getting bigger every day. Statistics are daunting, 10 percent of 65-year-old, 25 percent of 75-year-old, and […]
Online & Over the Counter Supplement Purchasing – Healthy? Risky? Waste of Money?
Risking health? Improving health and wellness…….Purchasing supplements? What to get and are they the right product for the right symptom? Are they what they say they are? Are they safe? Are they certified by a reputable medical organization? Are they over hyped and under performing? Know the facts before purchasing supplementation OTC or online. I cannot […]
8 Mindfulness Habits to Build Health
The Best Medicine Is Free Sometimes the best medicine is free! The habits we build day to day are key to our lasting health and well-being. Here are 8 habits that you can incorporate into your daily routine or begin to be more mindful of to feel your best. Water Divide your weight in half […]
Your Thyroid – Keeping it Healthy!
4 Things That Wreak Havoc On Your Thyroid Your thyroid, one of the largest endocrine glands, greatly influences almost every cell in your body. The thyroid plays a part in nearly every metabolic process and when the thyroid isn’t working you won’t feel well! Aside from regulating your metabolism and weight by controlling the […]
COULD YOU HAVE CANDIDA OVERGROWTH?
UNDERSTANDING CANDIDA…… WHAT IS CANDIDA? Candida is a fungus that is normal and lives in most of us. However when candida becomes overgrown then it becomes an underlying issue effecting your health. Most conventional doctors do not recognize or treat Candida, unless you present with vaginal yeast infection or thrush in which they only treat […]
Easy Steps to Preventing Kidney Stones
Easy Steps to Preventing Kidney Stones Kidney stones are so painful they can be completely debilitating and end up with a costly hospitalization. Recently at Forum Health Clarkstonwe have been getting numerous calls from people with kidney stones and bladder infections. The heat of the summer increases your risk and people are more susceptible to […]
7 SYMPTOMS OF LEAKY GUT
WHAT IS LEAKY GUT? 80% of our immune system is in our gut, it is very important to have a healthy gut. So what is Leaky gut syndrome? How do I know if I have it? Some people may present with symptoms including bloating, gas, cramps, food sensitivities, and aches and pains. Sometimes it […]
5 NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES CAUSED BY CHRONIC DRINKING
Nutritional therapy is critical for successful treatment of alcoholism, or overindulging. The recovering alcoholic must receive vitamin and mineral supplementation in order to repair the cellular damage caused by drinking. Proteins, vitamins, minerals and amino acids given in the correct amounts and portions are critical for cells to generate new cells, repair injured cells […]
4 EASY TIPS TO LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Lifestyle changes can be as simple as starting with following these four simple steps: Water: Adding clean water into your daily regime can be one of the simplest changes to make. It is important to look at the source of water to help reduce toxic burden. A good water filter is a great lifetime investment. […]
The Emotional Connection to Healing Your Body
One of my favorite books is by Deb Shapiro Your Body Speaks Your Mind. As a Functional Medicine RN we focus on treating the whole person looking at mind, body and spirit as we are all energy and it is all connected. Stress and emotions are related to many health issues. Finding the emotional […]
5 Tips to Detox Heavy Metals
Toxins – Where do they come from? Chronic disease begins with a gene-environment mismatch; our environment has changed so much that we are now dealing with many chemicals in our food chain, over consumption of sugar, rising rates of obesity, fast food and processed food and we now have an alarming rate of increasing air […]