I learned many years ago, through personal experience, that traditional medicine does NOT have all of the answers. In fact, being truly healthy requires a combined approach that looks at all the key factors in an individual’s life; such as nutrition, as well as other elements in your life that may or may not be contributing to your current state of health and/or weight.

It was a tough lesson to learn for me that my faith in the healthcare system was misplaced, especially as a young mother who needed all of her health and strength to raise two children.

The experience was transformational for me, however. Today, because I was able to make my way through a series of serious illnesses through improved nutrition, and by discovering a healthy lifestyle that works best for me, I feel great. I also decided that I can help others to discover the same types of solutions to their ongoing health problems that I was fortunate to find.

With my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition™, I’ve become a Certified Health Coach, enabling me to work with others who are looking for answers and alternatives to traditional medicine.

How My History Has Lead Me to Wellness Coaching

I developed hyperthyroidism following the birth of my oldest daughter. Needing help, I went to one of the top thyroid specialists in NYC, who ran a series of lab tests and immediately told me I needed to burn my thyroid out with radiation. Instead, I went with my gut instinct and RAN, instead of walking, out of there!

I found a more conservative endocrinologist that took into consideration the long labor and stress my body had gone through during childbirth, and allowed me to wait a year to see if the numbers would go down. At the same time, a family friend referred me to see a chiropractor; where I learned which supplements I was deficient in, and what foods were working against me. He put me on a diet with foods that would improve the weakened condition of my body, and suggested a few supplements, as well. Every month thereafter, my thyroid numbers came down.

With this experience of a more holistic approach to wellness, I saw firsthand how food, supplements, and self-care made me feel better and brought my thyroid back into range. I still had thyroid antibodies, but I was completely asymptomatic.

How Holistic Wellness Saved My Life

Although I was asymptomatic for thyroid problems, I still carried the antibodies and had to be retested every year. Then, around 2009, while raising two small children and dealing with the normal stressors of family life, I developed chronic sinus infections for almost an entire year. I was on every antibiotic under the sun.

At this point, I began to advocate for myself, spending countless hours on the internet to try and figure out why I wasn’t getting better. Then I took whatever I found on the internet and presented it to my doctors – demanding tests!

I knew I could only depend on myself. The doctors didn’t seem to care WHY I was getting sick and, instead of addressing the root causes of why I was getting sick so often, only wanted to treat my symptoms.

Finally, it came back that I tested positive for one two of the markers for Lupus. That was it for me. I was scared and afraid for my future, and for my children’s future. The advice from specialists was “don’t get stressed”, and that I would just have to wait and see if the antibodies turned into Lupus. They literally offered NO solutions!

One again, I chose to not lay back and wait, but to fight back and take responsibility for my own health. That’s when I began to see the whole picture with my health; that it wasn’t just eating the right foods, but it was also how stress pays such a big role in our health and wellness. I also have experienced many hormone problems and have had to address them as well, using nutritious food, supplements, and lifestyle changes to moderate their influences on my body. All of these health concerns have put me on my current path…

What I’ve Learned – the Hard Way

I’ve learned that, just as there are foods and supplements that can feed wellness, there are also foods that can “feed illness”. I’ve learned that negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors have a direct effect on your body; just as positive thinking, good feelings, and sensible activities can make your body feel great!

I’ve learned that it is the total picture that matters; that FOOD, STRESS, RELATIONSHIPS, SPIRITUALITY, and SELF-CARE are the foundations of life that give you optimum health. I’ve also learned that we are all unique – in our genetic makeup and body chemistry – and that these need to be examined carefully when figuring out which foods are right for your body.

I’ve learned that true healing is possible, or at least feeling better than you feel today can happen, if you look at the things in your life that aren’t working for your health and happiness, by adding the things that do.

Because I completely understand what it’s like not to have answers and feel helpless, I would love to put my experience and training to work for you – helping you to get the answers you need to feel – and be – healthy and happy.

I have “walked the walk” of numerous health issues over the past 15 years. Please allow me to use my understanding of my own struggles – and successes – to help you understand and create positive change in your life.

Want to know more about how my programs and services can help you to look, feel, and BE better? Click here to learn about my Holistic Wellness Services.

Would you like to chat about your own health and wellness challenges, to see if we would be able to work together to meet – and beat – those challenges? Click here to schedule your FREE Wellness Consultation.