Why Resolutions Don’t Work and Creating a Solid Vision is a Better Option

As the mid year dawns, many of us have completely forgotten our resolutions. We vowed to lose weight, save money, or finally start that new hobby. However, despite our best intentions, studies show that a staggering 80% of New Year’s resolutions failed by February. Why is this? And more importantly, what can we do instead?

**1. Resolutions are Often Vague and Unrealistic**

Resolutions tend to be broad and lack a concrete plan. Saying “I want to lose weight” or “I will save money” without a detailed strategy sets us up for failure. These goals, while admirable, are often unrealistic given our daily lives, commitments, and the myriad challenges we face.

**2. Resolutions Can Feel Like Punishments**

Many resolutions come from a place of self-criticism rather than self-love. We focus on what we need to change or fix, which can feel punitive. This negative mindset makes it hard to stay motivated, especially when w...

Welcome to our exciting blog series dedicated to helping women find the perfect Functional Medicine Physician. If you're seeking a healthcare approach that looks at the root cause of health issues and offers personalized treatment plans, you're in the right place. In this first post, we will dive into what Functional Medicine is and why it's a game-changer for women.

The Functional Medicine Approach:

Functional Medicine is a patient-centered approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases. Unlike conventional medicine, which often treats symptoms, Functional Medicine treats the whole person, taking into account lifestyle, environment, and genetics.

Benefits Over Conventional Medicine:

• Holistic Care: Functional Medicine looks at the interconnectedness of the body's systems, providing comprehensive care.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Treatments are tailored to the individual's unique needs and conditions.
• Preventative Approach: Emphasis on preventi...

When you visit a healthcare provider for a routine check-up or when you're feeling under the weather, one common practice is to undergo blood work. These tests provide valuable insights into your overall health and help doctors diagnose various conditions. But have you ever wondered how medical professionals establish the normal ranges for these lab values? Surprisingly, one of the methods they use involves averaging data from sick individuals. In this blog post, we'll delve into the science behind this approach and explore how it contributes to modern medicine.

Understanding Lab Values

Before we dive into how lab values are established, let's briefly discuss what they are. Lab values are numerical ranges that indicate the normal levels of various substances in your blood. These substances can include white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, electrolytes, hormones, and more. These values are used as reference points to evaluate your health and diagnose potential issues.

The Ch...

As a woman and a functional medicine physician, I understand the sensitivity and importance of discussing sexual health during menopause. This period of transition is often marked by changes in sexual health and libido, which can be concerning for many. These changes are typically due to decreasing estrogen levels, which can affect vaginal lubrication, elasticity, and libido. It's crucial to recognize these changes as a natural part of aging and not something to be embarrassed about. Acknowledging and understanding these shifts is the first step in addressing them.

 One common issue that many women face during menopause is vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to manage this. Over-the-counter lubricants and vaginal moisturizers can provide immediate relief. For more severe cases, prescription treatments, such as local estrogen therapy, can be incredibly beneficial. These treatments can significantly improve comfort, making sex...

As a female functional medicine physician, I’ve not only witnessed but personally experienced the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies hormonal changes. This phase, while a natural part of aging, can bring significant emotional and psychological changes, including mood swings, anxiety, and feelings of sadness. These emotional fluctuations are largely due to the hormonal changes happening in your body. Estrogen, which is declining during menopause, plays a key role in regulating mood and emotional well-being. Understanding that these mood changes are a normal part of the menopausal process is the first step towards managing them effectively.

When it comes to managing these mood swings, there are various strategies that can be incredibly effective. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), has been shown to be beneficial in addressing the psychological aspects of menopause. Joining support groups can also provide comfort and understanding, as sharing experience...