Ahh yes, Valentines Day; that day we associate with love….
For me, February 14th carries with more profound and heartfelt feelings. It was on this date 11 years ago that I was proud to announce that I was cancer free, and had undergone my last chemotherapy treatment. Admitting that I am a cancer survivor, often feels almost sur real; as though it wasn’t really me who had the disease. Yet, the diagnosis and subsequent treatment that I underwent radically changed the person who I was both personally and professionally. As adults we offer advice when it’s asked for, and sometimes even when it’s not. What people choose to listen to is of course their prerogative. We offer advice because we believe that people can perhaps learn from our lessons, mistakes or faults.
The way, in which I now practice, referred to as functional nutrition, is a far cry from the way I was initially taught. I was a skeptic, a cynic and a naysay because I thought I knew better. This is where I find many people in conventional medicine today. I am lucky to be a survivor and am blessed to have the opportunity to look back on what I now consider my narrow-minded view of medicine and health. I am fortunate to be able to offer my advice for someone else to benefit from. I do feel that it was a shame that I had to undergo such a terrible life lesson to learn what I now know, but that’s just how life goes, I guess. I was taught about merely one viewpoint of health, to go against that ideal was unthinkable. There was no exposure to any other philosophies. Other cultures embrace a myriad of beliefs in respect to health. Preventive medicine is a common practice in Asian countries, however in America we are as disease based society.
Prevention isn’t very popular. Most would rather eat what they want, and only seek advice when something “goes wrong.” In the U.S. we are not taught to take care of our bodies through nutrition and excercise until it’s too late. This mentality has gotten us into the healthcare crisis we now face. If we are to help future generations and ourselves we must begin to look at preventive medicine in a different light. My practice is based on the principles of preventive medicine and preventive nutrition. My goal is to educate and support our patients here at MBN and to transform their nutrition to support health. We feel it is critical to provide patients with advice, menus, comprehensive plans and consistent support and encouragement. Educating people about their bodies and the importance of taking care of the one body we live in is my priority. I have seen first hand the difference that it makes, and if that experience can help just one person, I have accomplished my goal. I continue to seek out new audience members in the hopes of spreading the message. I always say it’s much easier to prevent a disease then fight it once you have it. If the message benefits one more person from avoiding undergoing chemotherapy and radiation as I had, then I have succeeded.
Wishing you all a very sweet and happy Valentines Day!
