Relevant, focused articles designed to help you live your healthiest life.

In the realm of healthcare, men’s health has historically been overshadowed by discussions surrounding women’s health. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of addressing men’s health concerns proactively, particularly within the primary care setting. Primary care serves as the frontline in promoting wellness, preventing diseases, and managing chronic…

In the realm of modern medicine, prevention has long been heralded as the cornerstone of public health. From vaccines and screenings to lifestyle modifications and early interventions, the goal of preventing disease and promoting wellness is paramount. In recent years, precision medicine has emerged as a powerful ally in this endeavor, offering new insights and…

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, precision medicine promises a revolutionary approach to treatment that is tailored to each individual’s unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all prescriptions and generic treatment plans. Today, precision medicine is empowering patients with personalized treatment options that offer unprecedented levels of efficacy and customization.…

Lowering A1C (hemoglobin A1C) levels is crucial for diabetics because it directly correlates with better management of blood sugar levels over time. Here’s why it’s important:   1. Risk Reduction: Lowering A1C levels reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems. These complications can significantly…

In Washington State, several plants are notorious for triggering allergies due to their high pollen production and prevalence in the region. Some of the worst plants for allergies in Washington State include: 1. Western Red Cedar: This iconic evergreen tree is abundant throughout the Pacific Northwest and releases copious amounts of pollen in early spring,…

In a world that never sleeps, it’s not surprising that many individuals find themselves sacrificing a good night’s rest in pursuit of productivity or leisure. The consequences of sleep deprivation, however, extend far beyond mere tiredness. Lack of sleep has emerged as a silent epidemic, affecting not only our physical health but also our mental…

The Lifespan Secret: How Nutrition Holds the Key to Longevity In the pursuit of longevity, we often seek out various remedies, from trendy diets to expensive supplements, in the hope of extending our time on this Earth. Yet, amidst this quest, one factor consistently emerges as a potent determinant of lifespan: nutrition. The food we…

  In the realm of mental health, men have long been conditioned to remain stoic, to suppress emotions, and to soldier on regardless of inner turmoil. The societal expectation of masculinity often dictates that vulnerability is weakness, leading many men to suffer silently rather than seek help. However, the reality is that mental health knows…

In the quest for a long and fulfilling life, few things are as crucial as maintaining a healthy heart. Our heart is not just a muscle pumping blood; it’s the lifeline that sustains us from infancy to old age. As we journey through different stages of life, our heart health needs and risks evolve, demanding…

  It’s time to rewrite the narrative. While often overlooked, heart disease is the number one killer of women, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Yet, 80% of heart disease is preventable. So, put down the cape, because you’re not just a damsel in distress – you’re the heroine of your own…

Your heart is the engine that keeps you going, and taking care of it is essential for a long and healthy life. But sometimes, hidden dangers like fatty buildups in your arteries can threaten its proper function. This is where a coronary calcium scan comes in – a powerful tool that offers a glimpse into…

Unveiling the Complex Connection Gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, has become a hot topic in recent years, linked to various health concerns. But its impact on the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland that regulates metabolism, has emerged as a particularly intriguing puzzle. So, does gluten really play a role in thyroid health?…

Slurp Your Way Through January: Celebrating National Soup Month! January, brrr! The month where resolutions abound, coats stay glued on, and comfort food reigns supreme. And what dish reigns supreme in the comfort food category during winter? Soup, of course! That’s why January is also known as National Soup Month, a time to celebrate this…

Cervical Cancer: Knowledge is Power for Prevention and Early Detection   Cervical cancer, once a leading cause of death among women, can now be largely prevented and effectively treated when detected early. Yet, many remain uninformed about its causes, risks, and how to take control of their health. This blog aims to empower you with…

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Beating the Winter Blues Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects millions of people around the world. It’s most common during the winter months, when the days are shorter and there is less sunlight. People with SAD may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and loss of interest…

Men’s health, and men’s fertility, is a complex topic influenced by various factors, including lifestyle, environment and genetics. While infertility can affect both men and women, it is estimated that male factors contribute to about 30% of infertility cases. Understanding the factors that affect male fertility can empower men to make informed choices that promote…

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration, but it can also be a period of heightened stress and anxiety. With the pressure to fulfill social obligations, meet financial expectations, and create picture-perfect holiday memories, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and burned out. Identifying Stressors The first step in managing holiday stress…

Preventative care is a crucial aspect of maintaining good health. It refers to the measures taken to prevent illnesses and detect health problems at an early stage, before they become more severe. Here are some reasons why preventative care is so important: Preventative care is essential for maintaining good health and preventing serious health problems.…

In the pursuit of peak athletic performance, athletes are constantly exploring new methods to enhance their recovery and improve their overall well-being. One such method that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of ice baths.  The Physiology of Ice Baths At first glance, immersing oneself in icy water might seem like a…

What is a Health Coach?  When our members receive their Health Action Plan from their medical provider, it can be overwhelming to know where to start or even how to begin to implement the recommendations given. A health coach provides them with the support they need to narrow the focus on what matters the most…

Now is a great time to focus on preparing for ski season. With several weeks remaining before the snow begins to pile up on the mountains, there is ample time to get ready for a great season on the slopes. Whether you ski, snowboard or snowshoe, these pre-season tips will give your season a lift.…

Vitamin Malabsorption Vitamins are essential nutrients that our bodies require to function properly. They play vital roles in various biological processes such as metabolism, immune function, and tissue repair. However, our bodies cannot produce all the vitamins that we need, which is why we have to obtain them through our diet or supplements. While a…

Men’s health screenings are essential for maintaining good health and preventing potential medical issues. Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect and address health problems early, which can lead to better outcomes and a higher quality of life. The specific screenings and their recommended frequencies can vary based on factors like age, family history, and…

Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition where the gut lining becomes permeable, allowing toxins, bacteria and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to a range of health problems and symptoms, including bloating, gas, fatigue, skin issues, and food sensitivities. What Causes Leaky Gut? There are several…

Estrogen dominance is a condition that occurs when there is an excess of estrogen hormone in the body, relative to other hormones such as progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can have a range of negative effects on a person’s health and wellbeing, and is becoming an increasingly common issue in modern society. In this blog post,…

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition that occurs when there is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine, leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms. Although it is a relatively common condition, it is often overlooked or misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific symptoms. In this blog, we will explore SIBO, its causes, symptoms,…

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects cognitive abilities, such as memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is estimated to affect over 50 million people worldwide, with the number expected to triple by 2050. Early detection and diagnosis of dementia can greatly improve quality of life and provide more time for planning and making important decisions.…

Precision medicine is a relatively new approach to healthcare that aims to provide tailored medical treatments to individual patients based on their specific genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. It is a rapidly developing field that holds great promise for improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and advancing our understanding of disease.  At its core, precision…

What is visceral fat & why is it bad for your health? Visceral fat, also known as “belly fat,” is the fat that surrounds the internal organs in the abdominal cavity. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is found just under the skin, visceral fat is located deep inside the body, surrounding the organs in the abdominal…

The five main hormones that impact men’s health are testosterone, growth hormone, insulin, thyroid hormones, and cortisol.  Testosterone is a steroid hormone that plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues, such as the testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and…

Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down food into smaller, absorbable molecules. These enzymes play a crucial role in the digestive process, enabling our bodies to extract nutrients from the food we eat.  There are several types of digestive enzymes, each responsible for breaking down different components of food. For example, amylase breaks down…

There is nothing as satisfying as a good night’s rest, that feeling of waking up feeling restored, rejuvenated and ready to tackle the day. Sleep is an essential function within our bodies just like digestion and circulation, regulated by hormones and orchestrated by the brain. Sleep is as important to our survival as food and…

We all know that exercise is good for our health, but we typically think about the physical benefits of regular movement more than the cognitive. After all, exercise helps us feel physically better and also combats the odds of developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke, just to name a few. Research shows, however, that exercise…

If the definition of functional medicine is a little ambiguous to you, you’re not alone. While certainly not a new medical discipline, the functional medicine method, gut inflammation and the role of nutrition, is still a bit obscure for many people.  What is Functional Medicine? Functional medicine seeks to find the root cause of a…

HeartMath is a research-based organization that aims to help individuals and organizations improve their mental and emotional well-being through the use of scientific techniques and tools. HeartMath focuses on the connection between the heart, brain, and emotions and offers programs and technology to help individuals manage stress, increase resilience and improve performance.  At the core…