Depending on who you ask, “healthy” can have very different definitions. Many providers may define their patients as “healthy” when they receive results from generic screening tests, such as a blood pressure reading, body mass index measurement, or cholesterol labs, that are “within a normal range.” However, “normal” results often do not resolve feelings of…
When we feel sick, we schedule a doctor’s appointment. When we feel depressed or anxious, we schedule a session with a therapist or counselor. In a conventional health care system, it is typical to think about the treatment of mental and physical health as entirely separate entities. However, research has long shown a concrete connection…
Sleep is easy to take for granted. In the U.S., more than one-third of adults regularly get less than seven hours of sleep a night. Our work culture of long hours, along with our modern lifestyles, often even celebrates a lack of sleep. As a result, few people think twice about losing a few hours…
Achieving your best health can often seem straightforward, at least in theory. All it takes, a bounty of evidence has found, is adopting a lifestyle that balances activity, nutrition, socialization, and rest. In reality, it’s usually not that easy. The pressures and demands of life, like pursuing a fulfilling career, raising a family, and simply…
There is no doubt that conventional medicine has made incredible strides when it comes to extending the human lifespan. Since 1950, the average life expectancy has increased by over 10 years in the U.S. and by over 30 years across the globe. Much of this progress is due to advances in medical care and screening…
Several medical practice models exist in healthcare that provide different experiences for both patients and providers. The changing healthcare landscape in the U.S. has ignited a shift in primary care delivery as providers experience burnout from grueling work schedules and unsustainable patient volumes, with less compensation than ever before. What has emerged? A new way…
There is no denying that conventional medicine has its limitations. Prescribing pharmaceuticals as a primary defense against disease can swiftly disregard underlying issues that lay at the root of a health condition. Many turn to alternative forms of health care only to face confusion about the myriad options. And for good reason: the road to…
As the body’s main mechanism for cell communication, hormones control numerous processes, from growth and development to appetite and the immune system. Hormone deficiencies or imbalances, therefore, may lead to significant downstream effects on major systems of the body. A decline in hormones is most often correlated with age but can be brought on by…
Becoming an Essential Health precision health care client means taking a step towards optimal health. Precision health care combines the best of conventional medicine with principles in functional and integrative medicine to approach health care from a whole-person perspective. It provides 24/7 access to a provider with minimal wait time for appointments, and visits with…
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone (though women have small amounts) that regulates many of the body’s functions, including the development of muscle, bone, and fat mass; libido and sexual function; and blood cell production. Testosterone is produced in the testes in men and the ovaries in women, as well as trace amounts in…
Hormone changes typically occur with age, but can be exacerbated by several factors, including but not limited to cortisol imbalances, chronic medication use, or thyroid issues. Treatment to regulate hormones within the scope of conventional medicine relies on daily medication that provides the body with synthetic hormones to replace what it is unable to produce…
Intravenous (IV) therapy provides critical nutrients needed for proper hydration, as well as intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants delivered directly into the bloodstream. This technique allows for immediate and complete absorption of nutrients into the body and can be effective in managing chronic health problems or optimizing health. Benefits of IV therapy may include:…
Low energy can be the result of more than just a poor night’s sleep. There are several factors that can contribute to a pattern of low energy and fatigue that may signal larger issues in overall health. Chronic low energy or fatigue may mean your lifestyle habits are not fully supportive of optimal health or…
Hormone imbalances can begin at any point in life, but most commonly start at middle-age as sex hormones gradually decline. A majority of imbalances stem from conditions such as menopause, andropause (low testosterone in men), cortisol imbalance (burnout), or chronic medication use, such as birth control. Long-term exposure to stress and toxins in the environment…
There’s a pernicious, pervasive, myth about health care today. It is fueled by the pharmaceutical industry and often encouraged by conventional practitioners. And it is at the root of why so many people continue to suffer from chronic and/or undiagnosed conditions. It goes something like this: “If I can just find the right prescription, then…
Several approaches to health care have emerged in the industry, many of which intersect and stem from one another and provide different means of eliminating disease and promoting health. Among these include functional medicine and integrative medicine. While both challenge the status quo of conventional care, they are nuanced in practice and benefit patients in…
When was the last time you came out of your primary care doctor’s office completely pleased with the experience? It’s no secret that the conventional health care system has long been broken in the U.S. Despite spending more on health care than any other developed nation, Americans have both the lowest life expectancy and the…
