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How does Functional Medicine differ from Conventional Medicine?
Let’s first define Functional Medicine in comparison to mainstream, conventional medical care: A Functional Medicine doctor seeks to discover and treat the root of the imbalance which has led to illness or disease, not just the symptoms of the disease.
Functional Medicine digs more deeply into the health history and background of the patient – a comprehensive, holistic approach. This kind of medicine integrates the best of traditional medicine with evidence-backed lifestyle behaviors and scientifically relevant supplemental medicines that support the return to thriving, optimal health.
Why is the Functional model of health so important?
Why is the Functional model of health so important?
Because chronic diseases such as Heart Disease, Hypertension, type 2 Diabetes and Thyroid Disorders are so prevalent and widespread in the United States and other countries throughout the world. According to sources, 85 percent of chronic diseases can be attributed to factors other than genetics, the biggest contributors are lifestyle choices and behaviors.
These debilitating illnesses are affecting our families and communities in rising healthcare costs, increasing the risk for other diseases, and contributing to the poor quality of life that many people experience in their last decades of life.
Unfortunately, the conventional model of healthcare is poorly equipped to tackle this problem. Our conventionally trained doctors are not to blame. Conventional medical school education and internship does not teach this approach.
“America’s health care system is neither healthy, nor caring, nor a system.”
Walter Cronkite
A Functional Medicine doctor is trained in a conventional medical school AND then has had to personally seek additional education, certification, and licensing above and beyond that standard.
A Functional Medicine doctor will ‘prescribe’ a host of lifestyle behavior changes in addition to bloodwork and other testing. These almost always include: an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, sleep, specific supplementation, stress management and social support. This is where a Functional Health Coach can step in as an allied health care provider. If you had all that dialed in already you wouldn’t be here.
Functional Health Coach vs. Health coach – what’s the difference?
First, I urge you to work only with a Health Coach that has been credentialed by the National Board of Medical Examiners(NBME). This credential represents the highest level of education, training, and assessment standards in the health coaching profession. You will see the acronym ‘NBC-HWC’ attached only to coaches that have passed these rigorous standards.
A Health Coach understands the standards of care as outlined by the American Medical Association and acts as an educator, guide, motivator, and accountability partner – in short, a resource to support you in between visits with your doctor. A Functional Health Coach is all that AND has been specifically educated with a thorough understanding of the range of health conditions and treatment protocols recommended by Functional Medicine doctors.
Said another way, Functional Health Coaches are highly specialized Health Coaches.
I take your health outcomes very seriously and as such have credentialed myself as a Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach.
Why work with a Health Coach, Functional or otherwise?
It’s not necessary to have a Functional Medicine doctor to work with a Health Coach, Functional or otherwise. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the five most important behaviors to prevent chronic illness/disease and significantly reduce risk of early death are:
- Not smoking
- Exercising regularly
- Drinking moderately—or not at all
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Getting more sleep
As of 2013, only 6.3 percent of Americans follow all five of these habits consistently. That could explain why we are seeing such a dramatic rise in chronic illnesses. Re-establishing health promoting behaviors just makes sense, but changing lifestyle behaviors can feel isolating and be overwhelming!
“Every day you do one of two things: Build health or build disease in yourself.”
Adelle Davis
When looking to Google for answers, there are a surplus of opinions and options to choose from. How are you supposed to know which path is right for you and your body?
The short answer is the one that you can and want to do.
Research suggests that only 1 out of 7 people are ‘self-starters’, that is, once they have knowledge of what to do for their health challenge, they consistently take action to improve or eliminate it. The other 6 out of 7 folks need professional support with setting goals, weekly plans, accountability, and regular encouragement.
Public service announcement: Most of us are in the 6 out of 7 category, me included!
A coach provides confidential, no judgement space to talk about your life obstacles, brainstorm the plan B and experiment with new health habits.
A coach is more than a friend, a great coach will also call you out on your BS and inspire you to achieve more than you ever thought possible.
Why work with Viviane?
In addition to being a Functional Health & Wellness Coach, I also engage the services of a coach myself.
History shows the top coaches in the profession continue to be coached themselves to be an example of what is possible, more empathetic, and continually improve upon their skills.
I am learning to manage my mind and purposely think the thoughts that move me towards my vision for a robust and productive future of my choosing. Creating a future on purpose instead of hoping it might happen by chance.
How?
- I dove headfirst into a new career when most folks my age are planning retirement.
- I started jogging with the occasional running sprinkled in as HIIT.
- I quit drinking alcohol.
- I follow a protein-forward diet.
- However, I’m still very susceptible to fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies!
No trophies on my shelf here - I’ve failed at many of my attempts, procrastinated in the name of more education, and still am terrified at some of the paths on the road ahead of me. However, I also strongly believe that discomfort is the currency of evolving to the next best version of ourselves.
Think of me as your partner in turning big, overwhelming goals into a clear, steady path forward.
It's easy to get lost in all the health advice and trends out there.
We will work together to build scientifically solid, simple habits, focusing on how you fuel, strengthen and renew your body.
Because progress is rarely straight, I coach you to course correction and provide objective accountability. Fulfilling this commitment to yourself, no matter how small, builds integrity with yourself, and is what truly motivates you intrinsically to do more of the same.
Does this resonate with you?
Remember 6 out of 7 of us need professional support (myself-included). It would be my honor and privilege to coach you. Schedule your free 60-minute consultation call and together we will go over the coaching process, explore your health goals and see if we are a good fit. I look forward to meeting you.
Viviane Knight
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