Make 2012 Your Year of Health

By Heidi Iratcabal, ND, PhD

The environment we live in today is very toxic to the human body. From the food we eat and the medications we take, to the air we breathe, we are taking in toxins that interfere with our health and wellness and can lead to illness and disease. The toxins in your body may cause any of the following symptoms and numerous others:

• Arthritis
• Heart disease
• Hormone imbalance
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancer
• Depression
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• PMS symptoms
• Insomnia
• Weight gain
• Acne

You may have tried conventional approaches to eliminating symptoms, such as over-the-counter pain medicine, but if these approaches haven’t worked for you, it’s likely due to the buildup of toxins in your body. Without eliminating the toxins in your body, it can be difficult or even impossible to reduce or eliminate any of the symptoms or diseases listed above.

If you want to feel better, reduce or eliminate chronic symptoms and lose weight, you may want to participate in the Center of Health Natural Detox. Join us March 1st at 7pm at the Center of Health for an informational session where you will learn the importance of detoxing and how it will benefit your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Over the next several weeks, I will be sharing information about the importance of cleansing to help you determine whether this course of action is right for you and your health. Studies show that “the buddy system” increases the formation of new habits and success in achieving goals. Feel free to share this information with your buddy, and empower yourself with positive reinforcement of a buddy.

Heidi Iratcabal, ND, PhD is a naturopathic practitioner. She is board certified by the American Alternative Medical Association and a member of both the American Holistic Health Association and the National Association of Laser Therapy. A former athlete and teacher, she opened the Center of Health in 1994. She focuses on the treatment of chronic disease and pain, functional endocrinology, hormone balancing and athletic performance, and the slow breakdown of the body systems. Learn more at www.centerofhealthdallas.com.

By Heidi Iratcabal, PhD, ND

Whether you are contemplating last minute Christmas shopping or New Year’s resolutions, the holidays are an ideal time to give your loved ones and yourself the gift of good health. Our health — good or bad — is the driving factor to every aspect of our lives. Our quality of life, our enjoyment of relationships, our professional aspirations, our ability to pursuit and appreciate our hobbies and even our overall satisfaction derived from life all relies on one thing — the quality of our health. This holiday season, consider skipping the purchase of a new sweater, new pair of shoes or newest technology gadget and give your loved ones a gift that will transform their lives and continue giving for decades to come.

Naturopathic practitioners and functional nutritionists offer scientifically based, comprehensive wellness services. The first step to achieving your optimal health is to provide your naturopathic or functional nutritionist a comprehensive overview of your mental and emotional stressors. Most practitioners require clients to complete thorough intake forms (See the Center of Health Intake Forms as an example). The forms are a crucial first step on your wellness journey and will provide your practitioner the information necessary to identify stressors that may be impacting your health. The second step is to purchase a comprehensive blood chemistry panel from a lab such as DirectLabs. Although pricing will vary from one lab to another, DirectLab’s comprehensive blood chemistry panel is regularly only $99 but currently offered for $59. The blood panel will provide your practitioner information regarding physiological stressors, disease conditions, and any nutritional distress or imbalances that may currently exist. Purchase your blood panel from DirectLabs before December 31, 2011, and you will have six months to actually go in for your blood work. However, sooner is better than later, so don’t wait! The third step is to schedule an appointment with a naturopathic practitioner or functional nutritionist. An initial consultation typically includes a review of the results of your blood work as well as the information you provided in your intake forms, providing a complete analysis and overview of the current state of your health along with detailed suggestions for dietary and lifestyle changes that can improve your current health.

Unlike conventional medical practitioners, who are trained to medically treat patients who are in current states of disease, naturopathic practitioners analyze blood results in order to make recommendations for optimal functioning of the body and to optimize the nutritional integrity of the body, enhancing wellness and assisting the individual in preventing the onset of diseases.

Center of Health Initial Consultation
The cost of an initial consultation with a naturopathic practitioner at the Center of Health is $250, and follow up appointments are $130.

For only $319, you can give yourself or your loved one a gift that will not only change their life, it may extend it — something no other Christmas gift can do.

The holidays are a time for celebrating family and friends. Give your loved ones a gift that truly says you care.

For more information contact the Center of Health at 972-248-9083.

Heidi Iratcabal, ND, PhD is a naturopathic practitioner. She is board certified by the American Alternative Medical Association and a member of both the American Holistic Health Association and the National Association of Laser Therapy. A former athlete and teacher, she opened the Center of Health in 1994. She focuses on the treatment of chronic disease and pain, functional endocrinology, hormone balancing and athletic performance, and the slow breakdown of the body systems. Learn more at www.centerofhealthdallas.com.