Determinants of Health #13 Inborn factors

We have come to the end of our series investigating the naturopathic determinants of health. Ironically, this brings us all the way to the beginning of life. Each of us is born into a unique environment with an individual genetic code, which is modified by epigenetic factors. If that sounds like gibberish, let me clarify. We inherit genes from our parents but just because you have a particular gene does not mean it is “activated.” There are ways to turn on and off genes to determine which of them are expressed. This is the new field of epigenetics.

Beyond the genes, or hardware, there are many factors that we consider “inborn.” Birth order is one of them (first, last, in the middle), maternal health plays a role in baby health, genetic factors and the circumstances during your birth. Was it an uncomplicated birth, vaginal or C-section, simple or traumatic? How old was your mother when you were born? How many siblings do you have? All of these factors can impact your health.

For a deeper level of this concept, consider this: You as an egg existed in your mother when she was a baby in her mother’s womb! All of a woman’s eggs develop during gestation, which means the egg that would become you was also influenced by the health of your maternal grandmother during her pregnancy with your mother. This always blows my mind as it demonstrates an inter-generational model of health.

None of this is meant to be fatalistic – suggesting that you are doomed by your genetics. Rather these are just several more factors that play a role in determining the big picture that is you. Knowledge is power and the more we know, the better we can provide you a path toward excellent health.

Naturopathic doctors take a comprehensive look at your health. We ask about the many factors that influence health, which we term “The determinants of health.” Taking a patient-centered approach lets us build a comprehensive plan to help patients achieve their health goals.

Are you looking for a new kind of partnership with your primary care provider? If you are ready to start or revitalize your health journey, you are in the right spot! Check out my bio to get in touch. I offer free 15-minute consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your own home.

#naturalmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #healing #drjesskeating  #willowclinic #telehealth #holisticmedicine #healthjourney #foodismedicine #healthylife #health #genetics #epigenetics #genes #birthstory

Determinants of Health #12 Spirituality and consciousness

Human beings are naturally drawn toward a connection with something greater than ourselves. We seek out the divine, God, Allah, Yah-weh, Buddha, the One, the Universe, our Higher Power, etc. We seek relationship with that which is mysterious.

This relationship is usually very personal and so I do not propose that there is one path that fits every person. I prefer the metaphor that spiritual paths are like different rivers that all lead to the same ocean. I encourage my patients to explore this aspect of their health either in new ways or to dive more deeply into their spiritual or religious traditions.

Connection with the “great Divine” helps to restore perspective and remind us of the bigger picture. As humans, it is easy to forget about “the great mystery” and focus only on the minute details of our daily lives.

How do you connect with a higher power? 

Naturopathic doctors take a comprehensive look at your health. We ask about the many factors that influence health, which we term “The determinants of health.” Taking a patient-centered approach lets us build a comprehensive plan to help patients achieve their health goals.

Are you looking for a new kind of partnership with your primary care provider? If you are ready to start or revitalize your health journey, you are in the right spot! Check out my bio to get in touch. I offer free 15-minute consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your own home.

#naturalmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #healing #drjesskeating  #willowclinic #telehealth #holisticmedicine #healthjourney #foodismedicine #healthylife #health #spirituality #religion #consciousness #faith

Determinants of Health #11 Past medical history

This topic is pretty straightforward. What happens to us, in part, determines our current health status. This is why doctors inquire as to past surgery, hospitalization, major trauma, etc.

Have you experienced past illnesses, toxic exposures, major surgery? All of these things will play a role in your current health. This is not to say that these factors will determine your health but rather to say that they matter. One reason why naturopathic doctors typically conduct a longer intake visit is so that we can investigate and address all the factors that impact your health.

Naturopathic doctors take a comprehensive look at your health. We ask about the many factors that influence health, which we term “The determinants of health.” Taking a patient-centered approach lets us build a comprehensive plan to help patients achieve their health goals.

Are you looking for a new kind of partnership with your primary care provider? If you are ready to start or revitalize your health journey, you are in the right spot! Check out my bio to get in touch. I offer free 15-minute consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your own home.

#naturalmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #healing #drjesskeating  #willowclinic #telehealth #holisticmedicine #healthjourney #foodismedicine #healthylife #health #pastmedicalhistory

Determinants of Health #10 Social factors

This is a very large topic and I will briefly touch on its various parts.

Social determinants include large elements like what type of government rules the land, the economic system and access to education and healthcare. It also includes your family structure, connections with the community around you, supportive relationships and the physical environment where you live.

Social determinants can be visualized as the connections you have with your local and larger communities – these can be cultural, family, religious, etc. Do you have parks in your neighborhood, is it safe or high-crime, do you have access to free and fair elections or are you denied political representation?

Social determinants are often much larger than one person can change – such as the structure of the government or healthcare system. However, there are many ways to impact these determinants – civic activism, exercising your rights, reaching out to strengthen community relationships, finding new cultural or religious communities to participate in, voting and petitioning are all ways to engage with the social determinants.

How do you connect with your immediate and larger community (town, state, country?) Are there creative ways you can make changes to optimize your social determinants?

Naturopathic doctors take a comprehensive look at your health. We ask about the many factors that influence health, which we term “The determinants of health.” Taking a patient-centered approach lets us build a comprehensive plan to help patients achieve their health goals.

Are you looking for a new kind of partnership with your primary care provider? If you are ready to start or revitalize your health journey, you are in the right spot! Check out my bio to get in touch. I offer free 15-minute consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your own home.

#naturalmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #healing #drjesskeating#willowclinic #telehealth #holisticmedicine #healthjourney #foodismedicine #healthylife #health #socialdeterminants #civicengagement #healthcare #community

Determinants of Health #9 Mental-Emotional

Specializing in women’s health has given me a huge appreciation for the connections between what we consider separate aspects of health: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, relational, etc. 2020 has given us all a crash course in how these facets interact.

Being able to speak openly about mental health is a shift that we are still making as a culture. It is important to not only de-stigmatize mental health challenges but also open up and welcome these (sometimes tough) conversations. A 2015 study from the journal “Current Psychiatry Reports” states that “Of those dying by suicide, approximately 45% will have seen their primary care provider within the month before their death, while only 20% will have seen a mental health professional in that period.”

This is a tragic statistic because it highlights how we medical professionals need to be asking the right questions. When someone sees me I always inquire as to their mental-emotional wellness. I also strive to create an open and non-judgmental environment where patients feel they can open up about their inner feelings. Great growth can come from the dark times we face if we are able to reach out for help to work through them.

I am here to have those tough conversations. I am here to help you decipher the symptoms you are experiencing. Many women are deeply in touch with the connection between their mental health and their physical well-being. Trust your gut and always seek out a practitioner who is going to partner with you to get the answers you need.

Naturopathic doctors take a comprehensive look at your health. We ask about the many factors that influence health, which we term “The determinants of health.” Taking a patient-centered approach lets us build a comprehensive plan to help patients achieve their health goals.

Are you looking for a new kind of partnership with your primary care provider? If you are ready to start or revitalize your health journey, you are in the right spot! Check out my bio to get in touch. I offer free 15-minute consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your own home.

#naturalmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #healing #drjesskeating  #willowclinic #telehealth #holisticmedicine #healthjourney #foodismedicine #healthylife #health #mentalhealth #womenshealth

Determinants of Health #8 Cycles

Cycles are something that we get accustomed to and forget about. There are various types of cycles that we all experience as humans. The daily cycle of light and dark, the seasonal cycles and a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle are the most prominent examples. Nature (and we are part of nature) comes and goes in waves.

When we honor these cycles, we function optimally as we are working with nature. Many of us tend to be more productive in the summer months with longer days and warmer weather. Then we slow down in the winter. If we try to go at the same speed all year long, we risk burnout. The same can be said for the monthly menstrual cycle. Many women feel the urge to slow down during her period as the body is going through major shifts. This occurs again during pregnancy and menopause. Many men also experience what is being called “andropause” where they “shift gears” in mid-life.

This is not to say that we all have the same rhythms. Some people feel very energized around the full moon and some people feel more tired at this time. Some people function best in the morning and others are night owls. Do you have a season where you feel most productive? Or a time of day where you are most energized? Tap into these cycles to learn more about your body and your health. Plan big projects during your productive times and schedule rest when you are in a natural downswing. Nature has much to teach us if we are willing to listen.

Naturopathic doctors take a comprehensive look at your health. We ask about the many factors that influence health, which we term “The determinants of health.” Taking a patient-centered approach lets us build a comprehensive plan to help patients achieve their health goals.

Are you looking for a new kind of partnership with your primary care provider? If you are ready to start or revitalize your health journey, you are in the right spot! Check out my bio to get in touch. I offer free 15-minute consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your own home.

#naturalmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #healing #drjesskeating#willowclinic #telehealth #holisticmedicine #healthjourney #foodismedicine #healthylife #health #Cycles #rhythm #mooncycle #seasons #womenshealth

Determinants of Health #7 Meaningful occupation

You don’t have to be a doctor to have important work. It does not even have to be paid to be a meaningful occupation. Occupation literally means how we spend our time – how we occupy ourselves. As a social species, human beings naturally seek out ways to engage with the world and others.

How do you give your time to meaningful pursuits? Volunteer work, following a certain career path, parenting, church or school involvement, fostering children, adopting pets from animal shelters, giving blood, the possibilities are endless! 

When I ask my patients what they do for work, I follow it up with “Do you enjoy it?” But really the better question is – “Is it meaningful for you?” And it does not have to be your main gig. With the Internet as a powerful tool, many people will create a “side gig” that involves something they are passionate about, a creative pursuit or some form of giving back.

Challenge yourself to answer the question: “What excites me?” and see where that leads. Not everyone becomes a rich, famous or powerful person in their endeavors but we all have the ability to reach out and positively impact others.

Naturopathic doctors take a comprehensive look at your health. We ask about the many factors that influence health, which we term “The determinants of health.” Taking a patient-centered approach lets us build a comprehensive plan to help patients achieve their health goals.  

Are you looking for a new kind of partnership with your primary care provider? If you are ready to start or revitalize your health journey, you are in the right spot! Check out my bio to get in touch. I offer free 15-minute consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your own home.

#naturalmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #healing #drjesskeating  #willowclinic #telehealth #holisticmedicine #healthjourney #foodismedicine #healthylife #health #workit #bestjob

Determinants of Health #6 Vitamin R and Vitamin N

It’s Sunday! Traditionally a day of rest, my Sunday posts are dedicated to “Vitamin R.” In naturopathic philosophy, Vitamin R means rest, recreation, relaxation and rejuvenation. It is just as essential to good health as deep sleep, exercise, meaningful relationships and healthy food. Each Sunday I post about things that help me rest and rejuvenate. It is very important to cultivate these habits and hobbies. I cannot tell you how many of my patients draw a total blank when I ask them: “What do you do for fun? Or for “you time”? Or as a hobby?” Make sure you have an answer to these questions.

Closely related to Vitamin R is Vitamin N - time spent in Nature. In our modern world, we don’t always make time to be outdoors. Spending time in nature helps to literally ground us, calms the nervous system and can even lower blood pressure and cortisol (our main stress hormone). It can be as simple as gardening, walking in a local park, checking out a forest preserve, camping, etc. Make sure to get outside!

As a soothing hobby, I love to knit. I don’t mind that it makes me seem like an old lady. Knitting is a calming craft that I can do after a hectic day. Here I am making a 100% cotton wash cloth. Handmade crafts make very thoughtful gifts!

Knitting has benefits beyond calming the nervous system and slowing down our busy lives. Numerous studies have shown positive benefits to brain function, focus and even slowing arthritis by keeping your joints healthy. Trying new things is a crucial way you can keep your brain growing at any age.

Do the things you love. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. 

Are you looking for a new kind of partnership with your primary care provider? Check out my website or bio to get in touch. I offer 15-minute complimentary consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your home. 

#naturalmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #healing #drjesskeating #willowcnm #willowclinic #telehealth #holisticmedicine #healthjourney #foodismedicine #vitaminr #selfcare #knitting #nature

Determinants of Health #5 Movement

This topic incorporates many aspects of physical well-being. We need both movement and rest, strength and flexibility, cardio and muscle work. Our posture and activities of daily living have a huge effect on our physical body as well.

Talking about our body includes our posture as we sit, stand and walk throughout the day. How much time are we active versus sitting? Many of us commute and work at sedentary jobs.

“Exercise” is a very broad term that encompasses many ways to be healthy. Lifting weights builds strength, which makes for stronger bones, better balance and faster metabolism. But strength needs to be balanced with flexibility by adding yoga or a stretching regimen.

Cardio workouts strengthen the heart and lungs and also burn calories.

All exercise can have a beneficial impact on sleep, mood and weight management.

Try to keep your body active all day. Look into a sit-stand desk for work, take frequent breaks to go get water or make tea, park farther away (even in the winter!)

If you struggle with consistency in physical activity, join a class or find an accountability buddy. Working with a fitness trainer or reputable teacher can also be very helpful in building a new habit.

Naturopathic doctors take a comprehensive look at your health. We ask about the many factors that influence health, which we term “The determinants of health.” Taking a patient-centered approach lets us build a comprehensive plan to help patients achieve their health goals.

Are you looking for a new kind of partnership with your primary care provider? If you are ready to start or revitalize your health journey, you are in the right spot! Check out my bio to get in touch. I offer free 15-minute consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your own home.

 #naturalmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #healing #drjesskeating  #willowclinic #telehealth #holisticmedicine #healthjourney #foodismedicine #healthylife #health #fitness #feelbetter

Determinants of Health #4 Sleep

Oh sweet sleep! This is such an important part of our mental and physical well-being that it gets a whole day to itself. Sleep needs change as we age, ranging from 12-18 hours when we are very little to 7-9 hours in adulthood. Many of my patients are chronically sleep deprived and they quickly learn that getting consistent, deep, restorative sleep can be life-changing!

Chronic sleep deprivation builds up over time. Studies show that getting less than 7 hours of sleep for 2 weeks leaves people functioning at the same level as if they had not slept for two days straight! And since our focus and alertness decline slowly, we may not even be aware of how poorly we are functioning.

Sleep is where the body heals and repairs itself, it literally washes the waste product out of your brain and is crucial for every system in the body. Mental focus, mood and the immune system are particularly affected by poor sleep (quality or quantity).

Another modern invention that disturbs good sleep is shift work. The WHO (world health organization) recognizes shift work as a known human carcinogen. This means working nights and sleeping during the day increases your risk for cancer. Scientists think this is because daytime sleeping does not result in the same production of melatonin, which acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. There’s no way around it: humans are meant to sleep when it is dark outside. Disrupting that disturbs our internal clock.

Naturopathic doctors take a comprehensive look at your health. We ask about the many factors that influence health, which we term “The determinants of health.” Taking a patient-centered approach lets us build a comprehensive plan to help patients achieve their health goals.

Are you looking for a new kind of partnership with your primary care provider? If you are ready to start or revitalize your health journey, you are in the right spot! Check out my bio to get in touch. I offer free 15-minute consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your own home.

#naturalmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #healing #drjesskeating  #willowclinic #telehealth #holisticmedicine #healthjourney #foodismedicine #healthylife #health #sleep #feelbetter