At Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville, we believe that health is more than just the absence of disease. Wellness includes living a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and aligned with who you are. This holistic approach to health is one of the pillars of our...
When it comes to your health, it’s easy to focus on the usual suspects: your heart, lungs, or muscles. But one unsung hero plays a crucial role in your overall well-being—your gut. Often overlooked, the gut is a powerhouse of activity that influences many other...
World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) occurs every August 1st to August 7th. It is a global campaign to raise awareness and galvanize action on themes related to breastfeeding. I want to honor this week by writing a blog on my perspective on breastfeeding. One of my favorite...
This blog was written by Dr. Aneela Cox Treating hypertension is the bread and butter of primary care (or more like kale and carrots in integrative primary care!). Using lifestyle and holistic treatments to treat or reverse elevated blood pressure is possible through...
This guest blog post was contributed by Cindy Kimmel of Kimmel Benefits +. Exploring cost management in self-funded health plans isn’t complete without considering Direct Primary Care. To truly appreciate what sets Direct Primary Care apart, we must first understand...
Ever wonder what those blood pressure readings at the doctor’s office mean? You’re not alone. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is as common as forgetting your grocery list – it affects nearly half of all adults in the United States!...
Stress is a common occurrence that affects everyone at some point. Some people feel stress daily, while others may have difficult circumstances that create stress. Stress in small doses allows us to transform and build resiliency and grit. However, chronic stress can...
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic peritoneum. This tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, leading to inflammation,...
Forget the New Year’s resolution graveyard. This year, embrace the power of small, consistent action. Floss one tooth, read a single page, or do five squats while your coffee brews. This concept, explored in popular psychology books, podcasts, and scientific...
The holidays are over. You made it! It’s time to take a breath and relax. Did you take a breath? Are you relaxed? Good. Now, you’re ready to embark on one of the most challenging quests in the world: starting a new habit. Set a goal and make it happen!...
I made a mistake. My chest tightens, my hands tense, and the negative self–talk starts. “How could I have done that?” Worse-case scenarios fly through my head. I start worrying about how this will impact others. Then I pause. I take a deep breath and do...
The twinkling lights, the cheerful songs, the aroma of freshly baked cookies – the holiday season ushers in a time of joy and togetherness. However, in the whirlwind of festivities and family gatherings, it’s remarkably easy to lose sight of the most important...
At Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville, we know it’s important to strengthen your immunity throughout the year, not just during cold and flu season. Maintaining overall health will help support a strong immune system. First, eating a balanced diet is...
So many of us are trying to “find balance.” Juggling work, relationships, health, and personal pursuits can leave us feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. Societal pressures make us believe we have to do everything, do it well, and do it now. Oh, and you must...
It’s easy to get lost in the busyness and pace of life. Moving from one task to the next, or from one responsibility to another without pause, we can lose touch with our center and who we really are. Every age has seen crises, though no recent one has lived the quick...
Welcome to midlife. Almost everything changes: Hello, family: Your parents are aging and need assistance. Your kids are aging and may be pushing you away. You feel sandwiched between two shifting generations. Hello, partner: ‘Who are we when we aren’t running...
The thing about grief is…We knew it was coming. Between the hearing loss, increasing difficulty standing up, and longer naps, the inevitable was unavoidable: our beloved 14-year-old dog, Oliver, was nearing the end. And yet, we kept being soothed by the sweet sound of...
We hear a lot about mindfulness these days, but what does it really mean to be mindful, and how can we practice it daily? Mindfulness doesn’t have to involve downloading meditation apps and sitting in silence with our thoughts. Instead, it can be about...
News alert! Magic potion slashes risk of death by 30%!!!! You are right to be suspicious that such a potion exists. If there was a pill or potion that could produce this magic, you would certainly be the first to know! The amazing thing is: THERE IS a way we can slash...
Think about the last time you ran late, and traffic wasn’t cooperating. It could be for work, an appointment, or picking up your kids. You look at the clock on the car dashboard, knowing you’re not going to make it on time. Your heart beats faster. You...
