Office Visits with Dr. V

In this eye-opening episode of "Office Visits with Dr. V", Dr. Benita Varnado tackles two of the most common yet misunderstood issues in women's health: weight gain and hot flashes. As an experienced OBGYN, Dr. V brings clarity and depth to these topics, offering insights that go beyond the usual discussions.   In this episode, you'll explore: -The real reasons behind weight gain and hot flashes in women. -Effective strategies to manage these symptoms. - Shedding light on widespread myths and providing scientific explanations. - Practical tips for everyday health management.   This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone looking to understand these common health concerns in a new light. Whether you're experiencing these symptoms or know someone who is, Dr. V's guidance is indispensable.  

In this eye-opening episode of "Office Visits with Dr. V", Dr. Benita Varnado tackles two of the most common yet misunderstood issues in women's health: weight gain and hot flashes. As an experienced OBGYN, Dr. V brings clarity and depth to these topics, offering insights that go beyond the usual discussions.   In this episode, you'll explore: -The real reasons behind weight gain and hot flashes in women. -Effective strategies to manage these symptoms. - Shedding light on widespread myths and providing scientific explanations. - Practical tips for everyday health management.   This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone looking to understand these common health concerns in a new light. Whether you're experiencing these symptoms or know someone who is, Dr. V's guidance is indispensable.  

In this enlightening episode, Dr. V and guest expert Laurie Powers delve into the often-overlooked connection between diet and menopause symptoms, particularly hot flashes. They explore how certain foods can exacerbate these uncomfortable episodes and offer practical advice on dietary changes that can help alleviate them. Additionally, the discussion highlights the crucial role of sleep, including the impact of sleep apnea on menopause. This video is a must-watch for anyone seeking natural ways to navigate menopause with ease and comfort.   [00:00 - 00:30] Opening Segment Laurie Powers shares a snippet of her Menopause journey.   [01:47 - 13:44] Laurie shares her Menopause story and how she got into Culinary Medicine How covid caused Laurie to open her own practice Laurie's method on treating Menopause patients The marriage of Sleep & Diet to treat Menopause symptoms   [13:44 - 17:39] Managing Menopause, Painful Periods, and Mood Issues with Diet & Sleep There are certain foods that Laurie ads to her diet such as certain healthy fats One of the biggest issues with animal products is that they're filled with hormones.   [17:39 – 24:15] Processed Foods You shouldn't be eating foods that have labels and you don't know what is in it Focusing on fiber and eat as many fruits and veggies as you want   [31:04 – 50:59] Closing Segment Laurie shares the importance of sleep for treating menopause symptoms Most doctors do not know to test for sleep apnea   Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Laurie Powers: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-powers-pa-c-482722240/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sleepanddietrestoration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sleep-Diet-Restoration-112587744801555 Website: https://www.sleepanddiet.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!

Why do we need connections and relationships as part of leading a healthy lifestyle? In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V. We are joined by June Dare. June Dare is an American actress originally from Lexington, NC. Growing up, she found creative outlets through theatre, music, and art, performing in local theatre productions, and choirs, and singing alongside her sisters. June went on to major in theatre at UNC Wilmington (Seahawks!), where she graduated magna cum laude. After college, June decided to pursue acting professionally and has since appeared in various film, television, and commercial works. She has also served as a co-director for local theatre productions and camps and as a drama instructor for various non-profit organizations. Outside of acting, June is a co-founder of The Welcome Table.   June Dare talks about the importance of having a community to support you on the journey and how to maintain motivation and resilience when faced with rejection. She talks about the need for connections and relationships as part of leading a healthy lifestyle, and how having people in similar circumstances offers valuable insight.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, as June Dare shares that God always has something to provide for those who follow his path!   [00:00 - 01:30] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes, June Dare! June is an American actress and the co-founder of The Welcome Table    [01:31 - 21:38] Navigating A Risky Career Change With Support From Your Community Started a project called, “The Welcome Table” Taking risks on a career that's not guaranteed to make money and facing rejection Community is extremely important for encouragement and guidance Surrounding yourself with people who are in the same boat, have been in that boat, and have not yet gotten to that boat is key   [21:39 - 37:59] Pursuing What Serves You And Improving Mental And Physical Health Having people who can tell you the truth and speak to you with love and investment The importance of having enthusiasm and love around you Maintaining an active lifestyle despite being in a transitional period Desperation puts people in positions of being taken advantage of and not valuing themselves   [38:00 – 48:50] Closing Segment June Dare shares that people regret the things they wanted to do, but never did. So, take the risk even if it doesn't work out the way you want to be!   Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes “Community is extremely important and I'm sure there are some actors that feel very isolated where they are especially nowadays where so much is virtual. So, even if you're a part of a virtual community, you're still physically isolated sometimes. If I were by myself trying to do this with no guidance, with no peers, with no outside encouragement, just me going at it, I don't know how long I could last. My community has been imperative.” - June Dare   “I'm on the right path in the sense that I am determined to not leave this until I know for sure. And if that means that I have to jump completely in and like put myself completely in it so that I cannot turn around one day and be like, “Oh God, I wish I would have and then come to the conclusion that it's not right for me, then it is what it is.” But I don't want to stop until I can, with certainty or with not contentment, feel okay about saying, “This isn't it for me, I gave it my absolute best shot and it's just not what I feel led to do anymore.”” - June Dare -----------------------------------------------------------------------------  Connect with June Dare: LinkedIn: June Dare Bunce Instagram: @ActorJuneDare Facebook: Actor June Dare IMDb: June Dare -----------------------------------------------------------------------------  Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

Why is it important to take care of yourself and others? In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V. She talks about the recent suicide of a friend of her husband's. This heart-wrenching discussion highlights the prevalence of depression and suicidal thoughts, especially among women, and reminds us to be mindful of our loved ones and check in with them even when there are no outward signs of distress.   Dr. V encourages listeners to reach out for help if they are feeling lonely, isolated, or hopeless, no matter how content they may appear on social media or in other aspects of life.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, as she reminds listeners of the 911 hotline in case of an emergency!   [00:00 - 00:25] Opening Segment Dr. V talks about how “Life is short and we should have our purpose” We can't know who is struggling with mental health from social media   [00:26 - 06:07] Loneliness Is Life-Threatening Social media only shows the best of people Depression can lead to hopelessness and irrational thoughts of suicide Loneliness is life-threatening It is not unusual for people to commit suicide without any warning signs Checking in on people who came across your mind and heart is important, as you could be needed in a special capacity for someone at that time   [06:08 - 12:32] Check In On Your Loved Ones People may look happy on social media, but this isn't always true Check-in with people who are going through stressful times Mental health does not discriminate by age or other factors Make it a practice to check in with family and friends   [12:33 – 16:41] Closing Segment Dr. V reminds listeners to check in with their loved ones and the 911 hotline in case of emergencies!   Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes “Life is short. You have a purpose here in life and you need to get busy achieving that purpose because we don't know when we won't be here anymore.” - Dr. V   “Make it a practice to check in on your family and friends and loved ones. I'm just asking you to do this one time. One time. I don't want you to have family and friends who are in distress, but I believe you'll be surprised at the responses that you get.” - Dr. V  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------  Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

Why do we need financial planning? In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V. Dr. V welcomes Kate Galliher, RN. Kate shares her story of overcoming debt and developing a healthier lifestyle. Through her experiences as an RN, board-certified yoga and dance instructor, wellness coordinator, and lifestyle member of WW (Weight Watchers), Kat discusses how she was able to successfully manage work, family life, and her health journey while paying off over $100, 000 in debt.   Kate emphasizes the importance of stress management in lifestyle medicine, how Weight Watchers helped her to get to her goal weight and encourages others to take control of their finances and well-being for a healthier and happier life.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V. Kate encourages listeners to plan financially while making decisions based on a rational perspective so they can avoid getting into debt while still being able to enjoy life!   [00:00 - 03:03] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes, Kate Galliher, RN! Kate is a registered nurse, board-certified yoga and dance instructor, wellness coordinator, and lifestyle member of Weight Watchers She reflects on her story of overcoming debt and developing a healthier lifestyle   [03:04 - 29:33] Overcoming Overwhelming Debt She realized how much better they would have been doing if they had been living within their means Working extra and getting overtime to generate more income Cancelling streaming services and had a huge garage sale Using a budget app from the Ramsey network   [29:34 - 48:32] Breaking Free From The System And Gain Financial Freedom How she sold her house and bought a house with land on it for less Making purchases based on emotions is not a good plan It's important to think about the future and not just live in the present when it comes to finances Social media can be a form of consumerism manipulation   [48:32 – 58:52] Closing Segment Kate shares that it's important to have a plan and structure in place for financial stability!   Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes “For so many things that really require discipline, it's hard for people because it's uncomfortable. And it's not convenient and it's easy to get stuck in places because it's scary to get out of your comfort zone.” - Kate Galliher, RN    “Your energy flows, where attention goes. So, if your attention is on abundance, on health, on whatever you're trying to attract into your life more. That's what you're going to draw to you. So, focusing on the outcome as if you already have it.” - Kate Galliher, RN   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Kate: LinkedIn: Kate Galliher, RN Instagram: @go2ground412   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------  Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

What are actions to take to live a fulfilled life and prevent regret? In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V. Dr. V shares her journey out of burnout and how she discovered the concept of “Living on C-“, This is when someone takes care of another person but neglects their own life in the process.   Dr. V discusses the five signs that might indicate someone is living an unfulfilled life, such as no more Christmas morning experiences, no known purpose, and no bucket list.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V. Dr. V inspires listeners to how to take action to live a fulfilled life and prevent regret!   [00:00 - 00:28] Opening Segment Dr. V talks about, “Living Life On C-“ What are the five signs that you are not living a fulfilled life?   [00:29 - 11:50] Living Life On C- Christmas morning experiences no longer exists Anticipation of gifts and the magic of Santa Living without purpose, meaning, and joy can shorten life expectancy Finding your purpose and gifts to contribute to humanity   [11:51 - 20:15] Create A Bucket List To Avoid Regrets Creating a vision for your life Writing a bucket list of things, you want to do before you die Get a bucket list and don't live with regret Do the thing you are scared to do, as it is likely your true calling   [20:16 – 28:16] Closing Segment Dr. V shares her message of living a fulfilled life and preventing regret!   Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes “When you are living without purpose, without meaning, that weighs on you. And it chips away at you… There is value in joy and happiness and having meaning in your life.” - Dr. V “If you do what you love, you never work a day in your life. There are people who get up every day and are excited about going to work.” - Dr. V   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------  Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

Why is it important to set boundaries and balance in your life? In this memorial episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V interviews Dr. Zoe Stallings, a board-certified family medicine physician and owner of the MUST (Mobile Urgent Specialized Treatment) clinic in North Carolina. She discusses her journey from Jamaica to Chicago to North Carolina, and how she found the courage to start a mobile clinic in the midst of a pandemic.   Dr. Zoe Stallings talks about boundary setting and balance in her life. She shares her tips on building a supportive network and seeking out opportunities even when they're not immediately visible.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. Zoe shares what she learned about balancing your life and pursuing your dreams!   [00:00 - 00:25] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes a special guest, Dr. Zoe Stallings! Dr. Zoe is a board-certified family medicine physician and owner and operator of the MUST clinic   [00:26 - 24:22] Setting Boundaries And Finding Balance She had an idea to start a mobile practice for people who never come in, like barbers, security guards, bouncers, and servers You need to do market research and find a business advisor if talent is not in the business Boundaries are important to be respected by people you care about Find your boundaries give people an idea that it's not about them, but what you need   [24:23 - 54:19] Finding Balance Through Discernment When boundaries are violated by superiors in the workplace, one may feel unrest and not want to speak up for fear of jeopardizing their job Over-scheduling can lead to difficulty in relationships Incorporating family into activities is a way to spend quality time It's important to see the steps someone takes in their journey   [54:20 – 56:07] Closing Segment Dr. Zoe advises listeners that it's okay to be vulnerable and put ourselves out there and network!   Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes “By finding your boundaries it gives people an idea that it's not really even about them, it's about you and what you need.” - Dr. Zoe Stallings, MD “My idea of balance is when you are able to give something to the different aspects of who you are because if you give it all that work, you don't have much at home. And the fact is, when we do our surveys about anxiety and depression, we usually ask them a question: How difficult has this made things for you at home or at work or with relationships?” - Dr. Zoe Stallings, MD -----------------------------------------------------------------------------    Find out more about Dr. Zoe Stallings, MD: LinkedIn: Dr. Zoe Stallings, MD Instagram: @mustclinic Facebook: Mobile Urgent Specialized Treatment Clinic PLLC   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------  Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V dives into the One Income Lifestyle, a financial strategy that many individuals and couples are utilizing to achieve financial security. Dr. V shares her experiences on how this lifestyle has helped her and countless others achieve a healthy and fulfilled life without the chronic pains associated with working two jobs.   Dr. V shares her story of attending college, working hard, and balancing family life in order to set up a future for herself.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, who provides her insight into making informed decisions when it comes to parenting and achieving financial security without sacrificing joy in life!   [00:00 - 01:51] Opening Segment Dr. V's topic for discussion is, “One Income Lifestyle”! A one-income lifestyle for women of childbearing age Financial health and how most people can live on one income   [01:52 - 10:47] The Benefits Of A One-Income Lifestyle Household Dr. V's purpose is to help people get healthier and happier Sharing knowledge with younger generations Her segment, “Auntie Wisdom” When creating a family, set it up so one person can sustain the household without you contributing   [10:48 - 16:23] How Women Create Their Own Choices And Options The connection between mother and child starts from a positive pregnancy test Women often have to go back to work after having a baby due to their lifestyle supported by two incomes Creating a business that can run without her so the mother can stay at home with her kids Having options and choices is important for women, as well as men who want to provide for their families   [16:24 – 24:00] Closing Segment Dr. V empowers listeners to make informed decisions when it comes to parenting and achieving financial security!   Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes “When you get ready to start a family, when you get married, when you commit yourself to a partner, and I'm just speaking as the woman that's bearing children, we're talking in a traditional sense. When you are creating your life, you need to set your life up such that one person, not you. But your partner can sustain the household without you contributing.” - Dr. V    “Most women don't want to go back to work. And if you have to go back to work, that makes you sad. It just does. If you got options, it's better. It's always better to have a choice. For me, as a doctor's standpoint, the longer that you can breastfeed, we are winning, your baby's winning because your baby's getting the proper nourishment.” - Dr. V -----------------------------------------------------------------------------      Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources  

What actionable steps can help you better take care of yourself? In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V discusses with Nanyamka Joseph. Nanyamka is a functional nutrition coach helping driven, working women become the healthiest version of themselves. She shares her story of how she changed her diet to regulate issues with her body and ultimately conceive naturally. She explains how she created a system of color-coded plates at home, which has taught her children to be clean and responsible while saving money on paper plates.   Nanyamka discusses topics such as meal prepping, mindful eating, and having a nighttime routine to reduce stress and get better sleep.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Nanyamka offers her tips on meal prepping, starting a morning routine with prayer, meditation, visualization, reading devotionals, and journaling as well as using lemon or lime juice to prevent apples from browning!   [00:00 - 01:20] Opening Segment Dr. V's topic for discussion is, “How to Simplify Your Life” Nanyamka is a functional nutrition coach, educator, and mom   [01:21 - 11:38] Simplifying Your Life Changing her diet to regulate her body and was able to get pregnant at 35 The system of color-coding plates for her family to use, wash, and reuse Working together to keep her home clean Meal prep is important for her and her family   [11:39 - 20:54] Setting Aside Time For Self-Care Making health a priority and setting aside time for it is essential Meal prepping can reduce stress, save money, and ensure healthy living Start slow and be patient with yourself when you miss your routine Make yourself a priority and don't be selfish   [20:55 – 24:02] Closing Segment Nanyamka advises listeners to start taking care of themselves today, it will impact your life significantly for the better! Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes: “It's not what we do every once in a while, that changes our lives. It's what we consistently do over time that begins to lead us to the change that way.” - Nanyamka Joseph “We have to make ourselves a priority. And that's not selfish, which is a mindset shift for many moms, for many women. When you talk about taking care of yourself, it's a mindset shift. So, we've got to be the priority and that's okay.” - Nanyamka Joseph -----------------------------------------------------------------------------    Connect with Nanyamka Joseph on her: Website: Simplified Wellness Facebook: @nanyamka_joseph Instagram: @nanyamka_joseph   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------    Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

How do you find your purpose so that you can lead a happier and healthier life? In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V discusses the importance of understanding and cultivating your purpose in life. As an OBGYN and lifestyle medicine physician, she shares her story of how she found her own calling and encourages listeners to do the same. She talks about how important it is to listen to your inner thoughts and curate a life that feeds into your purpose.   Dr. V discusses topics such as the importance of taking control of your health, as well as creating a morning practice that includes meditation, reading, journaling, exercise, and visualization.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, and take time for yourself to figure out your purpose so that you can lead a happier and healthier life!   [00:00 - 01:20] Opening Segment Dr. V's topic for discussion is, “The importance of understanding and cultivating your purpose in life.” The focus should be on finding your purpose, gifts, meaning, joy, and destiny [01:21 - 11:38] Unlocking Your Purpose, Vision, And Meaning A Happier And Healthier Life A lack of fulfillment can lead to disease and mental health issues Finding your purpose leads to more passion, balance, and alignment in life Part of your dreams and desires is yours, not just society's expectations Dr. V wants to educate her patients about their bodies [11:39 - 20:54] Discover Your Purpose In Life There is a void in social media for licensed medical professionals to educate people Stress, emotional stress, work stress, and hormonal changes dominate visits with her patients Finding her calling and vision to create a pipeline of resources to educate people about their health and wellness Clarity comes with movement and finding meaning in life which makes us healthier and happier   [20:55 – 24:02] Closing Segment Dr. V advises listeners to take time to figure out their purpose so that they can lead a happier and healthier life! Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes: “You've got a seed in you. There's a desire. There's something that you're supposed to be doing here on this earth and you need to do it before you die and ignoring it and saying it's not possible is really impacting your health.” - Dr. V  “Clarity comes with movement, purpose, vision, fulfillment, meaning in your life makes you healthier and it makes you happier.” - Dr. V   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------      Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V welcomes Dr. Judy Brangman, MD, DipABLM. Dr. Judy is a board-certified Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician. She obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree from Wake Forest School of Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine residency at East Carolina University/Vidant Hospital. She holds a Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies. Dr. Judy has been plant-based for over 8 years. She discusses how she found her purpose and how it led to a healthier and happier life. She talks about the importance of finding your purpose and meaning in life, as well as how you can start curating a life that feeds into your purpose.     Dr. Judy discusses how different cultures have different beliefs about food and why lifestyle medicine should be more integrated into traditional medical practices.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, as Dr. Judy engages in an engaging discussion about obesity treatment, dieting tips, cultural differences in food habits, lifestyle medicine integration, and DPC!     [00:00 - 01:57] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes Dr. Judy Brangman, MD! Dr. Judy is a board-certified Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician What is a Lifestyle Medicine? [01:58 - 13:17] A Multi-Modal Approach To Weight Loss Whole food plant-based diet eliminates processed foods, added sugars, and animal products Obesity is a complex medical problem that requires a multi-modal approach, not just diet or medication Mindset shifts are necessary to target obesity, such as reframing thoughts around food and resisting fat shaming Obesity is a sensitive topic and often not addressed in clinic visits [13:18 - 32:25] Understanding The Role Of Mindset, Medication, And Nutrition Medications can help suppress appetite, reduce cravings, and delay the emptying of the stomach Eating more fat, protein, and fiber can help you feel full for longer Lifestyle medicine should be the way medicine is practiced, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, social connections, and avoiding risky substances Direct Primary Care (DPC) takes out the middleman and provides longer visits with more access to doctors [32:26 – 42:00] Closing Segment Dr. Judy shares her knowledge about obesity treatment, dieting tips, cultural differences in food habits, lifestyle medicine integration, and DPC! Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview     Tweetable Quotes: “We know that the diet in America is an unhealthy diet that tends to be heavy and processed foods, added sugars, and animal products. So any way that you can reduce those foods that are inflammatory is going to be beneficial for your health rather than focusing on a label and thinking that, oh, I have to be vegan or I have to be fully plant-based is my approach.” - Dr. Judy “It takes a lot of mindset work, changing your mind about what you believe about yourself, your relationship with food, and mindful eating.” - Dr. Judy -----------------------------------------------------------------------------    Connect with Dr. Judy on her: Website: The Plant Based MD LinkedIn: Dr. Judy Brangman, MD Instagram: @theplantbasedmd     Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V discusses the future of medicine and the importance of lifestyle choices. She explores the need for greater investment in eliminating harmful chemicals from our food, as well as the role of affordable medications and resources in helping people manage their health.   Dr. V encourages listeners to take responsibility for their own health by taking time off work, starting work later, and seeking out preventive and functional medicine specialists who can help guide us in creating healthier lifestyles.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, to learn more about how you listeners can invest in your health today!   [00:00 - 02:42] Opening Segment Dr. V discusses the future of medicine and the importance of lifestyle choices! Lifestyle medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on preventing, managing, and reversing disease through lifestyle   [02:43 - 08:07] The Future Of Medicine Is You! Black community traditionally relies on healthcare and pills, but there is an emphasis on taking control of healthcare The future of healthcare should be the prevention and reversal of disease through lifestyle Technology and artificial intelligence can be used when things go wrong, but it is expensive   [08:08 - 13:32] Investigating The Impact Of Genetically Modified Food Americans are overweight/obese and need to take responsibility for their health Genetically modified foods and hormones in food are causing health issues Investment is needed to get these things out of our food sources   [13:33 – 26:58] Closing Segment Dr. V reminds listeners that the future of medicine relies on individuals taking control of their health!   Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes   “You're going to have to take care of yourself. Because the system, unfortunately, they're creating all of these technologies and medications, but they're more and more expensive.” - Dr. V  “The future of medicine is you. I think that you're going to have to rely on you, that you're going to have to stay connected with me, seek out preventative medicine physicians, functional medicine, lifestyle medicine, and holistic medicine.” - Dr. V -----------------------------------------------------------------------------      Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V is joined by Lori Gicewicz, Lori shares her experience of getting up early to focus on herself without distractions, and why it is not selfish to take time for yourself even when you have kids. Learn about the trifecta of success: camaraderie, showing up to workouts, and eating better.   Lori Gicewicz delves into the benefits of weight training and how it helped Lori lose 30 pounds three months after joining a gym challenge.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, as Lori shares why it's important to have grace for yourself and progress, not perfection!   [00:00 - 01:47] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes Lori Gicewicz! Lori Gicewicz is a fitness enthusiast and a marketing manager [01:48 - 09:58] Taking Care Of Yourself Is Essential For Mental And Physical Transformation Taking care of yourself is not selfish Give yourself grace as your body will never be the same but it can still be great Getting up early to focus on yourself without distractions Not comparing yourself to others on social media  [09:59 - 21:47] Aim For Progress, Not Perfection Losing 30 pounds through a gym challenge Strict diet and camaraderie helped with the transformation Eliminating empty carbs, white bread, alcohol, and increased green vegetables and a plant-based diet Weight training helped build muscle mass, strength, balance, and running speed [21:48 – 32:52] Closing Segment Lori Gicewicz shares why it's important to have grace of yourself and progress, not perfection!    Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes “Progress not perfection I am a perfectionist by nature... We're human beings. We're going to have bad days and it's okay, it's just going to happen.” - Lori Gicewicz   “It's not being selfish to take care of yourself. And if you can give yourself a half hour, 20 minutes, whatever it is, to recharge yourself, to do whatever you want to do, you're going to feel rejuvenated and you're going to be able to give more of yourself.” - Lori Gicewicz   “The trifecta is camaraderie, showing up in my workouts, and eating better.” - Dr. V ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Connect with Lori Gicewicz on her: LinkedIn: Lori Gicewicz Facebook: Lori Gicewicz Instagram: @lgicewicz     Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources  

In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V is joined by Dr. Shayla Nettey, Dr. Shayla Nettey is a board-certified Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine physician. She is the co-founder of Cooking on Purpose Health, a virtual direct-care preventive and obesity medicine practice.  She also serves as chief clinical strategist at a healthcare design agency in Boston.   Dr. Shayla talks about her journey of taking a break from education to spend time with family and reflect on what she wanted out of life. She speaks about how she transitioned to a plant-based diet and how it has impacted her and her daughter's health.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, as Dr. Shayla shares about discovering one's purpose in medicine, transitioning to a healthy lifestyle practice, and understanding patient perspectives! [00:00 - 05:29] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes Dr. Shayla! Dr. Shayla is a board-certified Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, physician Her journey to medicine began with reading a book about a cardiothoracic surgeon when she was 17 [05:30 - 15:4] Find Your Purpose In Medicine How she fell in love with Morehouse School of Medicine Her baby having only two chambers of the heart was visible on ultrasound, requiring multiple heart surgeries The journey of preparation and mental preparation to figure out the next steps It is difficult for doctors to choose something that would increase their baby's quality of life [15:45 - 36:53] Celebrating The Journey Through Plant-Based Dieting Mental health was very important and had to be intentional about it Coping mechanisms were not necessarily healthy Learning how to be empathetic and to treat medical professionals as if they know nothing Social media only shows the end result of someone's work, not the journey [36:54 – 47:36] Closing Segment Dr. Shayla shares about discovering one's purpose in medicine and transitioning to a healthy lifestyle practice!    Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes   “Falling in love with the process, whether it's for your physical health, whether it's for your mental health, whether it's for any type of change you want to make, don't focus so much on the result because you don't really know what the end result's going to be… And all of a sudden you'll look up and you'll see you may be further than you thought you would be.” - Dr. Shayla Nettey   “Don't focus so much on the result because you don't really know what the end result's going to be.” - Dr. Shayla Nettey   “I'm not saying that people intentionally put something out that's not real. But we need more people celebrating the journey.” - Dr. V   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------  Connect with Dr. Shayla Nettey on her: Website: http://cookingonpurposehealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookingonpurposehealth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cookingonpurposehealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_OD7Ej0aFZeyyal0UpvTNA?sub_confirmation=1 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cookingonpurposehealth     Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

How do we support and advocate for women in their pregnancy process? In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V dives into the sensitive topic of abortion and women's rights. She shares her views on why doctors should not take away the choice from their patients but rather partner with them and let them make their own decisions based on the information they have.   Dr. V explores the complex issues of termination of pregnancy, such as viability and medical conditions that can lead to it, and covers topics like genetic disorders, a medication used to terminate a pregnancy, emotional consequences of making these decisions, access to safe medical procedures such as dilation and curettage (D&C), and more.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, to hear Dr. V's heartfelt perspective on abortion and women's rights!   [00:00 - 03:46] Opening Segment Dr. V talks about a sensitive topic which is, Abortion and Women's rights! She counsels patients about the pros and cons of abortion   [03:47 - 13:47] A Reflection Of Abortion And Women's Rights What is abortion? Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that is outside of the uterus and is incompatible with life In obstetrics and gynecology, the mother's life always comes first Viability is when the baby can live outside of the mom, which is around 23-24 weeks   [13:48 - 26:31] Exploring Medications Used For Miscarriage And Termination Some “terminations” are necessary to save the mother's life Legislation in some states allows for terminations up to 6 weeks, 12 weeks, or 20 weeks The types of medicine to prevent pregnancy from continuing Inevitable abortion is when the woman is bleeding and the cervix has opened   [26:32 – 38:59] Closing Segment Dr. V shares her heartfelt perspective on Abortion and Women's rights! Go to https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes   “We always choose mom first. If it comes down to the life of the mother versus the life of that unborn child, we always pick mom... So, there are times in medicine where we have to choose, we have to make a choice, and we choose mom every time.” - Dr. V “I always keep in mind that when someone gets a positive pregnancy test, from the very minute that they see that positive pregnancy test, especially if it's a wanted pregnancy, they have hopes and dreams for this child.” - Dr. V -----------------------------------------------------------------------------      Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V is joined by Brianna Wilkerson, Brianna discusses how society has an influence on our beliefs about our bodies, the importance of accountability when it comes to behavior change and sustaining a healthy lifestyle, and hot to take care of yourself while loving your body.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, as Brianna advises listeners to find simple habits to take care of themselves and simplify their life through smaller chunks of time!   [00:00 - 01:33] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes Brianna Wilkerson! Brianna's transition from being an accountant to helping women with food She grew up exposed to diets and noticed people affirming her for losing weight   [01:34 - 11:20] Simplifying Habits To Take Care Of Yourself She found a book that inspired her, “My First Place” Accountability is important when it comes to behavior change and sustaining a healthy lifestyle Society has given us beliefs about how our bodies should look, act and form Recognize that your body won't be the same after having kids or after injuries    [11:21 - 22:13] Understanding Your Body And Make Long-Term Changes Catch yourself and release thoughts about your body Acting on loving your body is important, not just thinking it Giving yourself permission to do things that will help you love your body more Focus on simple habits that are 10 minutes each to take care of yourself   [22:14 – 38:55] Closing Segment Brianna Wilkerson advises listeners that we need to learn how to overcome negative self-talk quicker   Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes   “Wellness is continuous, we should be continuously going up. It should just be like we're continuously going up the mountain.” - Brianna Wilkerson   “You're enough right now. Who you are, what you're capable of. That doesn't mean you can't change or shouldn't change. It doesn't mean you can't learn or become better. But when you start to know your worth is not in those things, it sets you up for good success in anything.” - Brianna Wilkerson “We were never created to do it alone.” - Dr. V -----------------------------------------------------------------------------    Connect with Brianna Wilkerson on her: Website: Made Well Facebook: The Made Well Women Community Instagram: @madewellwomen     Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V is joined by Christie Hollinger, Christie developed a passion for fitness, performing on her high school's dance team and training at her local YMCA. Upon completing a degree in Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University and a degree in Chemistry at Salem College, Christie began her career as a Chemist. However, her outgoing personality was better suited for the Sales world, and she eventually transitioned in 1995. In addition, Christie took her love of fitness to the next level, becoming a group fitness instructor at the YMCA and teaching Pilates at multiple locations in the Triad. After experiencing Pilates' health and well-being benefits, Christie trained to become a Pilates Mat Instructor in 2000.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, as we dive into the world of Pilates with Christie!   [00:00 - 01:39] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes Christie Hollinger! Christie has been involved in fitness since her teenage years and became certified as a group fitness instructor in 1995 She started teaching Pilates when it was little known in North Carolina and became classically trained in Arizona [01:40 - 14:09] The Benefits Of Pilates She worked with hospital patients and developed equipment to help them move Pilates is about moving better, feeling better in your body, and improving your posture Pilates teaches us proper engagement of core muscles for safe and effective movement She works with clients to tailor workouts to their needs and abilities [14:10 - 19:57] Improving Posture And Overall Health With Pilates Pilates exercises are done in a specific order, but the contemporary style may vary She uses body weight and is mostly flexion, but can be modified for clients with limitations Working with a live teacher is recommended for serious Pilates practitioners, especially with body conditions [19:58 – 34:59] Closing Segment Christie Hollinger invites listeners to try Pilates because Pilates is for everyone, regardless of size, shape, or condition! Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes “What made my body feel better and made me able to do those other things that I did better.” - Christie Hollinger    “Pilates is for everybody; you just have to find what works for you.” - Christie Hollinger “I love training. I love people that have dedicated some time, some sweat, and know their craft and I can feel that in a Pilates class.” - Dr. V   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------  Connect with Christie Hollinger on her: Website: Club Pilates Facebook: Club Pilates   Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V is joined by Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos, PhD, and Darnell Andrews, Dr. Lynn delves into trauma and the benefits of Muay Thai in helping women heal from past trauma and the benefits of Muay Thai in helping women heal from past trauma. It provides a sense of control and community, making individuals feel more confident and part of a supportive group.   Darnell Andrews has been practicing the art of Muay Thai and earned his black parajiad under Khun Kru Nakapan Phungephorn of BETA Academy in Washington, DC. After competing in multiple Muay Thai fights himself, he shifted his focus toward coaching. Darnell dedicated 9 of the last 12 years to consistently perfecting his approach to coaching. Darnell's multifaceted approach allows Darnell to cultivate improvement in his students by guiding them in a highly knowledgeable, technical, and specialized manner.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, as Dr. Lynn and Darnell Andrews hope to inspire listeners to try out Muay Thai as a way to release stress and build community while improving your mental health!   [00:00 - 03:35] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos, PhD and Darnell Andrews! Dr. Lynn delves into trauma and the benefits of Muay Thai Darnell is a Muay Thai trainer that provides a multifaceted approach to cultivate his students Muay Thai is a form of martial arts for physical fitness and trauma therapy   [03:36 - 09:12] Muay Thai As A Modality For Healing From Trauma And Building Community Muay Thai is a great workout that can also teach self-defense Trauma is a threat to one's well-being, either to life or sense of self The two types of traumas: interpersonal and non-interpersonal Muay Thai can help heal trauma through the bottom-up approach   [09:13 - 18:32] Healing Trauma and Building Confidence With Muay Thai Incorporating Muay Thai into one's life can lead to increased confidence and a sense of community The Muay Thai community is supportive and focused on self-improvement Setting goals and pushing oneself is important in the community The importance of finding something one loves and enjoys for overall well-being   [18:33 – 41:58] Closing Segment Dr. Lynn and Darnell Andrews hopes to inspires listeners to try out Muay Thai as a way to release stress and build community while improving your mental health! Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes   “Working with other women who have also experienced trauma and you're in a fun environment, you're doing something satisfying, and you know that you have something in common. I feel like it has the potential to be really powerful.” - Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos, PhD “The biggest, hardest thing to do is to grab that handle and open that door and walk through it. Here you come in, get that out and totally be a different person for the rest of the day, not only get yourself in shape but build the confidence and protect yourself in the future.” - Darnell Andrews  “It's relationships, it's a community that also contributes to your health… Maybe it is not yoga, it's not Pilates, it's not running, but I want to introduce people to other forms of physical activity that could improve their overall well-being.” - Dr. V -----------------------------------------------------------------------------  Connect with Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos, PhD on her: Website: Moving Well Project Facebook: Moving Well Project  LinkedIn: Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos, PhD   Connect with Darnell Andrews on his: Website: D. Andrews Thai Boxing Facebook: D. Andrews Thai Boxing LinkedIn: David Andrews     Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V welcomes Mary Ross Fowler, Mary is a registered dietician and expert in plant-based diets for autoimmune diseases. She shares her personal story of being diagnosed with lupus while in college and how changing to a plant-based diet helped her symptoms disappear. The importance of a plant-based diet in reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system is discussed, specifically avoiding processed foods and red meats. The impact of gut bacteria on the immune system is explained, which contributed to inflammation and heart disease.   Mary covers a range of topics, including her journey to plant-based eating, her diagnosis of lupus and its symptoms, and the lab work used to monitor the disease.     Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, as Mary recommends giving up processed foods, reducing meat consumption, and increasing intake of fruits and vegetables!   [00:00 - 04:29] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes Mary Ross Fowler! Mary shares her personal story of being diagnosed with lupus in college Her mother introduced her to the plant-based diet, “Eat To Live” by Joel Fuhrman How she made significant changes to her diet, eliminating sugar and alcohol, and focusing on plant-based foods   [04:30 - 26:26] The Benefits Of A Plant-Based Diet For Lupus And Autoimmune Disease Eliminating eating out and discovered veggie sushi as a plant-based option Whole foods and a plant-based diet reduces inflammation in the body and helps regulate the immune system The gut bacteria affect the immune system The controversy among nutritionist due to conflicting interests and complicated research   [26:27 - 42:04] A Deep Dive Into The Downside Of Overconsumption Of Dairy And Meat Intake How different food can affect your overall well being Highly processed foods should be avoided to reduce inflammation and autoimmune conditions Eating a plant-based diet can improve health and taste buds can adjust over time Growing your own fruits and vegetables can enhance flavor and nutrition   [42:05 – 1:00:30] Closing Segment Mary advises to eat full balanced meals, this should reduce the need for snacking throughout he day   Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes   “The more processed it is, the harder it is for our bodies to recognize it as food.” - Mary Ross Fowler   “If you're eating a whole foods plant-based diet, you are feeding a certain type of gut bacteria that scientists have found will benefit your immune system.” - Mary Ross Fowler “There are things that are ingrained in our minds, our culture, people who love us, like our mother, father, family that have taught us things that are not helping us and are actually hurting us. And we've got to open our eyes and just start to see what the facts are.” - Dr. V -----------------------------------------------------------------------------    Connect with Mary Ross Fowler on her: Website: Daily Dose of Greens Instagram: @MaryRossF  Facebook: @MaryRossF       Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V welcomes Raychelle Heath, Raychelle is a former educator from South Carolina who left the US to travel and explore different cultures. She now lives in Costa Rica, where she teaches yoga and meditation. She shares her incredible journey, which started with teaching in the Marshall Islands and later in Mexico before becoming a full-time writer and traveler. She discusses how her journey led her to discover the benefits of yoga and meditation for both the mind and body.   Raychelle emphasizes the importance of infusing personality into work and speaking up when necessary for creative writing and social justice. She discusses her journey into yoga, emphasizing that it is an eight-fold path that includes physical postures, breathwork, meditation, and ethical guidelines.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, as Raychelle shares her journey toward self-discovery through yoga and meditation!   [00:00 - 03:35] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes Raychelle Heath! Raychelle shares her diverse background and love for travel The importance of living with a purpose and how it affects happiness   [03:36 - 20:54] Finding One's Purpose And Empowerment Through Language And Art How Yoga and meditation benefit the Body Defining one's own container of education and purpose Language justice empowers non-English speakers to access resources and communicate fully Prioritizing communication over English and honors different ways of communicating   [20:55 - 40:11] Empowering Non-English Speakers Through Education And Communication She shares that her journey to yoga and meditation started in college, but she didn't fully embrace it until she moved to the Marshall Islands She promotes yoga for accessibility and believes that anyone can benefit from the practice regardless of their body type or ability Pranayama (breath work) can help with relaxation and stress management   [40:12 - 52:17] Closing Segment Raychelle advises listeners to find a welcoming environment and a certified teacher is important in yoga practice.   Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes   “A lot of people don't do meditation because they think they have to sit until the back hurts. That is a lie. You can stop and take three breaths. Just three. And if you, do it with intention and presence, you have meditated. It's not a competition, it's not a race, it is a practice.” - Raychelle Heath   “When you're really getting into the practice of yoga, the posture is a, a vehicle towards that kind of release of the mind and tapping into the higher self.” - Raychelle Heath “There are some things about people's bodies that are going to make the practice look different. But doesn't mean they're not a candidate for it because their body is different.” - Dr. V   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------    Connect with Raychelle Heath on her: Website: The Raychelle Heath Facebook: Black Women In Wellness Instagram: @bwiw_interviews LinkedIn: Raychelle Heath   Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: Office Visits with Dr. V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, Dr. V shares her knowledge on how to take better care of our health, enjoy life, and be happy by discussing the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, reducing risky substances, and healthy relationships. She provides an additional “plus one” – her own lesson from her garden that teaches us how weeds represent the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle if left unchecked.   Tune in to this episode of Office Visits with Dr. V, so that you won't miss out on her tips to stay healthy and enjoy life!   [00:00 - 03:19] Opening Segment Dr. V believes in the pillars of lifestyle medicine, namely: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, reducing risky substances, and healthy relationships   [03:20 - 15:46] Taking Care Of Your Garden: Preventing Problems In The Future With Intentional Lifestyle Choices She shares a story about cleaning out her garden The garden represents our body and the weeds represent the consequences of our lifestyle Eating processed foods, not being active, and having unmanaged stress can cause inflammation in the body It is better to prevent health issues than to recover from them   [15:47 - 23:37] Clearing Out The Weeds And Finding Happiness Taking care of our bodies by eating healthy, exercising, managing stress, and getting enough sleep is important for the prevention Roundup can be used to treat weeds but is not without risks 80% of diseases are preventable with lifestyle changes Invest time and effort into using lifestyle to treat conditions instead of medications   [23:38 - 30:51] Closing Segment Dr. V advises listeners to be intentional about preventing bad habits from forming Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview     Tweetable Quotes   “It's better to prevent a stroke than to recover from a stroke. Keeping your garden clean, free of weeds and junk, keeping your body clean, free of junk, and prevents problems in the future.” - Dr. V   “Take care of your garden. Keep the weeds out, it's easier to keep the weeds and pluck up one little weed than to clean out the whole garden. It's easier to prevent the stroke than it is to recover from the stroke.” - Dr. V “The garden represents our body. We started with a good foundation. We have everything that we need in our bodies for it to thrive, for it to heal itself, for it to help us move physically, for it to help us stay balanced mentally.” - Dr. V -----------------------------------------------------------------------------    Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode, Dr. V sits down with Dr. Jennifer Griggs to explore how to reclaim our birthright of dignity after it has been violated. She explains what rumination is – the act of replaying past events in an attempt to make sense of them, but ultimately only leads to further damage. She shares methods for reclaiming one's dignity, such as learning how to advocate for oneself and natural speaking therapy, as well as gardening metaphors that can be used as a tool for healing.   Dr. Griggs emphasizes the importance of being able to name and feel difficult emotions such as sadness, anger, grief, and shame, and how collapsing the storytelling without judgment and recognizing the need that was being met at the time – can provide some detachment from the emotions involved and allow for an honest appraisal of what happened.   Tune in as Dr. Jennifer Griggs explains why healing is so important and encourages us to take action in order to move forward with our lives!   [00:00 - 03:21] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes back, Dr. Jennifer Griggs to the show! Transgressions can lead to feeling victimized and giving away power Violations of dignity can lead to a host of hot emotions such as anger, grief, shame, guilt, self-loathing, fear, and betrayal [03:22 - 15:47] Acknowledge Your Emotions To Reclaim Your Dignity Ruminations are when we replay the past or worry about the future and it affects our sleep and mood Violations of dignity can affect our social health by crowding out joy, beauty, connection, gratitude, and hope Reclaiming dignity requires a decision Acknowledging the violations of dignity in order to heal [15:48 - 19:18] Discover And Understand Our Dignity Collapsing the story without judgment can help with detachment and understanding Identify your part in the event of violations of dignity Suppressing emotions can lead to physical and mental damage Reclaiming your dignity is important [19:19 - 29:41] Closing Segment! Dr. Griggs encourages listeners to take care of themselves is essential in order to take care of others Dr. V invites us to visit https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes “We can't just go in and rip out the weeds and expect everything's going to be able to grow. We have to really get to the root.” – Dr. Griggs   “There's something beautiful about doing it in community and doing it with others and seeing we're not really alone, that these are universal emotions and understanding you have to feel it to heal it.” – Dr. Griggs   “The weeds don't flourish and thrive because they're not getting what they need to grow.” - Dr. V   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   You can reach Dr. Griggs through her: Website: Jennifer Griggs LinkedIn: Dr. Jennifer Griggs Instagram: Dr. Jennifer Griggs Facebook: Dr. Jennifer Griggs   Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode, Dr. V sits down with Dr. Griggs a physician and a professor of medicine and public health. She is also a personal and leadership coach specializing in dignity, forgiveness, and self-forgiveness at work and in life. Dr. Griggs is known for her fierce compassion, humor, and ability to work with metaphors.   Tune in as Dr. Griggs explains more about the concept of dignity is essential yet fragile, and how honoring it can create a healthier workplace environment for all.   [00:00 - 07:46] Opening Segment Dr. V introduces Dr. Jennifer Griggs to the show! She is an oncologist who works with organizations to honor the dignity of those working for them [07:47 - 09:59] Understanding, Naming, and Reclaiming Our Dignity She explains how dignity is not the same as respect; respect is something that must be earned Forgiveness of others and ourselves is necessary to restore dignity when it has been violated Dignity is our birthright, and it is essential but fragile She defines the elements of dignity [10:00 - 25:46] Preserve and Reclaiming Our Birthright What are violations of dignity? Violations of dignity can be felt as a visceral feeling of shame Behaviors that result from violations of dignity include: Lashing out Avoiding conflict Running away from responsibility Repelling feedback; and False intimacy [25:47 - 29:26] Closing Segment Tune in to the next episode as Dr. Griggs continues with her conversation next week! Dr. V invites us to visit https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes “Dignity is as essential as it is and as much as it's our birthright. It's also incredibly vulnerable to harm.” – Dr. Griggs “Centering dignity in everything we do and being attuned to those situations and people that violate our dignity can help preserve it. And even more important, reclaim it. Learning how to reclaim our dignity when it's been violated.” – Dr. Griggs “You don't earn dignity. You're born with but in our society, I mean, we feel like we've got to earn things and we've got to be worthy of them and prove that we deserve things.” - Dr. V   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   You can reach Dr. Griggs through her: Website: Jennifer Griggs LinkedIn: Dr. Jennifer Griggs Instagram: Dr. Jennifer Griggs Facebook: Dr. Jennifer Griggs   Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode, Dr. V sits down with Dr. Christina Bowen MD, ABOIM, Dip ACLM, Dr. Bowen talks about the importance of your well-being in the health care system. She shares her journey from private practice to leading ECU Health's initiatives to support providers, such as a nine-month onboarding experience, micro-learnings focused on personal well-being, one-day experiences on leading yourself, orientation sessions, quality academy, and a three-day immersive retreat.   Tune in as Dr. Bowen explains how ECU Health is working to ensure that providers are able to practice to the best of their ability by addressing your well-being!   [00:00 - 04:44] Opening Segment Dr. V introduces Dr. Christina Bowen MD, ABOIM, Dip ACLM to the show She is a board-certified physician in family medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, integrative medicine, and lifestyle medicine. ECU Health has an office of well-being with a Chief Wellbeing Officer to optimize the well-being of healthcare workers and providers   [04:45 - 11:56] Recognizing The Need Of A Wellbeing Officer Self-care is important for physicians to stay in the profession longer and enjoy it more Seconds of compassion help patients and boost physician wellbeing ECU Health offers mindful meditations facilitated by senior leaders Christina practices what she preaches with a daily routine of faith, gratitude journaling, and prayer   [11:57 - 24:55] Prioritizing Self-Care And Compassion Staying connected to your “A1 priorities”, is key to maintaining a sense of balance and wellbeing Intentionality is required to stay connected to what matters most in life Soulful relationships are based on authenticity, allowing for the expression of a full range of emotions Make an appointment with yourself to give yourself space and think about what you want your life to look like   [24:56 - 31:53] Closing Segment Dr. Christina Bowen MD, ABOIM, Dip ACLM shares with the listeners to set realistic goals and give themselves compassion when they don't meet them Dr. V invites us to visit https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes “Give yourself a little bit of space and think about what would I like this one precious life that I'm living to look like.” – Dr. Bowen “You have to start with compassion for yourself.” – Dr. Bowen  “I used to go to work sick and I knew that the body needed rest to recover and I would come to work sick anyway. Nobody told me to go home, nobody's going to take care of yourself. We got a full schedule of patients. And so, in the culture that you're describing, it feels like that there is definitely, emphasis on self-care is important.” - Dr. V -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   You can reach Dr. Bowen through her: Website: ECU Health LinkedIn: Dr. Christina Bowen  Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

In this episode, Dr. V sits down with Nicol Michelle Epple, PhD (Dr. Lov), Dr. Lov explores the essential role of love and self-care in physical and mental health. She shares her journey of returning to college at age 40 to gain a deeper understanding of love as an absolute in our ever-changing world and advocating for self-care. She discusses the stigma associated with mental health, the physiological effects of trauma on the body, and how sexual exploitation is seen by modern culture. She touches on the importance of addressing trauma in order to heal, seeking out a trauma-informed specialist for safe processing, and giving oneself grace when dealing with trauma.    Tune in as Nicol Michelle Epple, PhD (Dr. Lov) speaks to the power of turning tragedy into transcendence through faith, self-love, and understanding one's gifts. This is an enlightening episode about healing from trauma, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and finding hope through connection with others.   [00:00 - 09:30] Opening Segment Dr. V introduces Nicol Michelle “Dr. Lov “ Epple, PhD to the show She is a teaching professor and has a private practice in counseling and holistic healing arts Self-care is important for physical and mental health [09:31 - 18:54] Exploring the Impact of Trauma and Sexual Exploitation on Women's Lives Self-love is taking the time and energy to nurture your soul, body, and spirit Identifying whether you are an introvert or extrovert to recharge correctly Living a vibrant life is being your authentic self and living your fullest life with energy, passion, excitement, and joy Trauma is being studied in interdisciplinary means by medical doctors focusing on the physiology of trauma [18:55 - 23:21] Transforming Trauma to Transcendence How trauma results from a series of events that has lasting adverse effects on the individual's functions The physiological process of flight or flight kicks in when we perceive danger and harm It is important to seek out a trauma-informed specialist if one starts to have flashbacks or remembrances of trauma [23:22 - 47:00] Closing Segment Nicol Michelle “Dr. Lov “ Epple, PhD encourages listeners to give ourselves grace and understand our worth in God's eyes Dr. V invites us to visit https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes “Self-love is saying, I need help, I need support. Healing comes through, connection, and often if we don't know how to heal ourselves, and many times we don't know how? We need another source, God, a friend, a professional, you know, a family member or whatnot to help us through it.” - Nicol Michelle “Dr. Lov “ Epple, PhD “There is healing and there is hope for healing. And it does exist.” - Nicol Michelle “Dr. Lov “ Epple, PhD “I'm trying to get people to understand that that's capable and that's what we need to be doing in our lifetime because it's really integral to our health and our wellness. When you're not vibrant and you're dragging, that doesn't feel good.” - Dr. V -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   You can reach Dr. Lov through her: Website: Nicol Michelle LinkedIn: Nicol Epple Instagram: @nicolmichelleepple Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources 

In this episode, Dr. V sits down with Brooke Rozmenoski, Brooke is a functional nutritionist, personal trainer, coach, mother, and wife who specializes in women's health and is here to discuss the power of lifestyle changes in optimizing health. She explains how energy management (as opposed to stress management) can help women feel more confident and have more sustainable results with their health goals. We discuss nutrition and movement as well as the consequences of not managing stress. With insights on building confidence through baby steps, we speak about the importance of self-care for long-term physical and mental health.    Tune in as Brooke Rozmenoski shares her 10 habits that can help improve fertility and encourages listeners to get curious and take things one step at a time.   [00:00 - 03:19] Opening Segment Dr. V introduces Brooke Rozmenoski to the show She discusses energy management instead of stress management Focus on feeling rather than the goal of weight loss Assessing your lifestyle habits like sleep, nutrition intake, and energy management [03:20 - 11:41] Stress Management And The Power Of Lifestyle Changes Build confidence through the journey of reaching goals Recognizing personal capacity and setting boundaries Strength training 3 times a week to build lean mass and get hormonal benefits Nutrition foundations such as eating whole foods and drinking plenty of water [11:42 - 30:49] The Impact of Stress on Your Health Quality protein and fiber intake are essential for blood sugar regulation, daily satiation, and energy Fat intake is important for hormonal health Muscle mass decreases with age and strength training can help with metabolic activity How stress can play a role in infertility Understand that you don't have to live stressed, tired, and exhausted [30:50 - 32:46] Closing Segment Brooke Rozmenoski encourages listeners to   Dr. V invites us to visit https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes   “You are much more likely to stay committed to yourself when you're giving yourself achievable focuses versus if you're trying to do everything by tomorrow.” - Brooke Rozmenoski “Exercise should match the external stressors that you have and internal stressors that are going on.” - Brooke Rozmenoski “Know that there is a way through and to really ask questions, “Why”, and to start to get curious.” - Brooke Rozmenoski -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   Resources Mentioned: Website: Brooke Rozmenoski LinkedIn: Brooke Rozmenoski Instagram: @brookerozzie Facebook: Brooke Rozzie Coaching Podcast: Better After Baby   Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources 

In this episode, Dr. V sits down with Lucy Townsley, a Women's Health consultant who has been doing this work for 24 years. Join them as they discuss the differences between traditional Western Medicine and Chinese medicine in regard to treating women during menopause. She shares her story on how her journey to becoming a health and wellness practitioner began when she was a champion lady jockey in Ireland and suffered an injury that led her to explore Chinese medicine for healing, which was further strengthened by caring for her sister who had non-Hodgkin's lymphatic cancer.   Tune in as Lucy Townsley to learn more about how to live a happier and healthier life during menopause! If you want to know more about what's next with Office Visits with Dr. V.   [00:00 - 04:08] Opening Segment Dr. V introduces Lucy Townsley to the show Lucy Townsley is a women's health consultant She shares that her journey to becoming a health and wellness practitioner began when she was treated with acupuncture for an injury she sustained while racing a horse    [04:09 - 15:57] Unlocking Optimal Health And Wellness Chinese medicine practitioners diagnose patients through pulse diagnosis and tongue examination Western medicine practitioners rely on lab work to diagnose patients Chinese and western medicine are complimentary to each other Women transitioning to menopause should focus on lifestyle changes such as exercising and eating clean Liver health is important for hormone balance and should be taken care of through a liver cleanse or detox Eating a healthy diet with low carbohydrates and colorful foods helps with digestion   [15:58 - 27:46] Uncovering The Secrets To Balancing Hormones Naturally Removing sugar from your diet can make a huge difference in symptoms of pre-menopause Exercise and acupuncture can help with urinary incontinence Getting sunlight in the morning is important for setting your circadian rhythm Avoiding alcohol, drugs, and medication can help protect your organs   [27:47 - 37:09] Closing Segment Lucy Townsley encourages listeners to practice gratitude can help to reduce cortisol levels and keep other organs functioning optimally Dr. V invites us to visit https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes   “One of the most important things that women can do to help balance hormones naturally is to almost take control of their liver again. The liver takes on a lot of stuff. We emotionally and physically take on a lot of stuff.” - Lucy Townsley   “Remember what you've achieved in your life and really be aware of what you're grateful for. So, there can be these really very simple things like your health, roof over your head, food on your table, meeting amazing people.” - Lucy Townsley “The kidney energy is what gives you energy for the rest of your life. So, if you burnt it out in your twenties, and thirties, and forties, you know, doing too much and not listening to what your body's telling you.” - Lucy Townsley -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   Resources Mentioned: Website: Lucy Townsley – Acupuncture Galway Facebook: Lucy Townsley – Acupuncture Galway   Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources   

In this episode, Dr. V sits down with Dr. Michelle Johnson, an accomplished woman with a Ph.D. and the founder of the College of Preparatory and Leadership Academy. Dr. Johnson shares her inspiring story of resilience and self-care as she took back control of her health and wellness. She shares valuable advice on how to transition to a healthier lifestyle emphasizing that it doesn't have to be a drastic change but rather a slow and steady process. Tune in as Dr. Johnson provides tips for finding reputable sources for nutrition and offers her Plant-Based Tribe of supporters as a resource for getting motivated! If you want to know more about what's next with Office Visits with Dr. V. [00:01 - 03:42] Opening Segment Dr. V introduces Dr. Michelle Johnson to the show Dr. Johnson is the founder of the College Preparatory and Leadership Academy with her husband Her story about being overwhelmed by work, ministry, children, and her husband   [03:43 - 26:05] From Detox To Plant-Based Diet How she ended the 28-day detox that weaned her off of certain foods and ended with a plant-based diet How she quarantined during COVID-19 She started walking and meditating to cope Created a plant-based diet and Facebook group She detoxed from sugar and processed food How she changed her palate and desires with a 28-day detox Her transition to a lifestyle where food is medicine   [26:06 - 34:03] Transforming Lives Through Plant-Based Nutrition Resetting metabolism and improving energy, clarity of mind, and regularity of bowel movements Discovering gluten sensitivity and improved numbers without taking pills Obtaining nutrition certification to help others Educating on the harms of the standard American diet Introducing her plant-based tribe offers coaching for $12 a week Her coaching encourages people to look at reputable sources and find evidence-based research Her focus on eating food that Adam and Eve would recognize in the Garden of Eden   [34:04 - 39:23] Closing Segment Dr. Johnson encourages people to look at reputable sources and find evidence-based research and invites listeners to join the “Plant-based Tribe” Dr. V invites us to visit https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   Tweetable Quotes   “Definitely mind games because it was more in the mind for me than physical than in the body, the gut or anything like that. It was really in the mind. It was a detox of discipline and attention.” - Dr. Johnson   “I knew that if my stubborn self who said, oh, I'll never give up cheese, I'll never do that because I was addicted to cheese, but if I could do it and still doing it, then somebody else could do it as well. If my busy lifestyle, I can do it, somebody else can do it as well. And I begin to fall in love with God's food. It felt like a different form of worship to me where I was just grateful for opening a pomegranate and just seeing the amazing wonders, that God did, and the colors, and the sweetness. And once you detox from sugar, you can taste real sugar that God made. It's amazing.” - Dr. Johnson “I am a firm believer in education and doing things the right way.” - Dr. V -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   Resources Mentioned: Episode 31: What's Coming Up   Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources 

Sit down and chat with Dr. V as shares exciting updates about the show and talks about her new focus in the upcoming episodes. Tune in if you want to know more about what's next with Office Visits with Dr. V. [00:00 - 01:51] Opening Segment Dr. V introduces the show   [01:52 - 04:03] Only Great Things Ahead In the next episodes, she will be shifting the focus to the pillars of health and achieving optimal health She will also be discussing the importance of knowing your purpose   [04:04 - 04:49]  When You Take Care of Patients, Who Takes Care of You? Dr. V takes care of the healthcare provider that takes care of everybody elseGo to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   [04:50 - 05:23] Closing Segment Tweetable Quotes   “My intention, my purpose, my vision is to restore physical and mental peace, physical and mental health.” - Dr. V   “With optimal health, there's peace.” - Dr. V “When you are working on your purpose and you have a clear vision for your life, that makes you happier and it makes you healthier.” - Dr. V -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   Resources Mentioned: Episode 30 - The Life-Changing Power of Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Iris Schrijver   Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources 

Join us for an engaging and inspiring conversation with Dr. Ira Schreiber as she discusses the power of lifestyle medicine to restore health and vitality, and create a ripple of positive effects for her patients, family, and her community. Dr. Ira explores the concept of fulfillment - one dimension of happiness which is composed of positive emotions that come and go with a broader sense of purpose and well-being. She also shares how her book, “On the Path to Health, Wellbeing, and Fulfillment”, serves to empower people with the knowledge needed to reach their health goals by introducing them to positive psychology, digital detoxing, counting your blessings, and positive health practices.    [00:01 - 08:26] Opening Segment Introducing Dr. Iris Schrijver Stepping away from employment to explore new directions Empowering people through her book, “On the Path to Health, Wellbeing, and Fulfillment”   [08:27 - 17:03] Unlocking the Power of Fulfillment: How Happiness and Health are Connected  Fulfillment is one dimension of happiness and is a broader, more grounded sense of purpose and wellbeing Success should be measured by how happy we are Happiness and health are connected Soul searching to determine what is important in life is the first step to finding fulfillment Lifestyle medicine has six pillars: whole foods plant-based diet, physical activity, restful sleep, social connections, quitting smoking/substances, and managing stress with healthy coping strategies   [17:04 - 24:08] Taking Small Steps to Thrive in a Busy Culture Difference between resilience and thriving Thriving in a culture not designed for it requires small steps away from the standard American diet and lifestyle Taking five minutes of pause to evaluate health can make a difference Self-care and asking for help is not a sign of weakness Practical steps to well-being include setting a time for dinner with family and getting a pet   [24:09 - 30:23] Digital Detox and Positive Psychology Digital detox: turning off the phone from time to time, or a day each week Positive psychology: focusing on building what's strong instead of fixing what's wrong Positive health: combining the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine with positive psychology [30:24 - 31:06] When You Take Care of Patients, Who Takes Care of You? Dr. V takes care of the healthcare provider that takes care of everybody elseGo to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview [31:07 - 37:00000] Closing Segment Our happiness is in part the way we interpret our world and perceive our lives See the link below to connect with Dr. Iris   Quotes:   “We should measure success as how happy we are.” - Dr. Iris Schrijver   “Any move away from standard American diet and lifestyle is important to your thriving.” - Dr. Iris Schrijver   “To do well, you have to be well.” - Dr. Iris Schrijver   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   Connect with Dr. Iris Schrijver, MD Website: www.LifestyleforHealthandWellness.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Health-Wellbeing-Fulfilment-Your-ebook/dp/B0B7X269S5    Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources 

Topics around reproductive health and menstruation are still taboo in some cultures, which leaves women in the dark when it comes to their health. In today's episode, Mikaela Ingram sheds some light on these issues and how her non-profit organization called Divine Drops helps women across the globe fight the stigma and have a more holistic approach when it comes to health.    After years of symptomatic periods and countless countries traveling for both volunteer and her travel nursing job, Mikaela declared that she had enough of watching AND experiencing this suffering that society calls "a period". She quit her nursing job, moved into a camper, and spent the next year gathering a team and crafting a plan that would address this problem at its core, for all menstruators.    [00:01 - 10:20] Opening Segment Introducing Mikaela to the show Having compassion for the human experience Finding the balance between life and work Mikaela's experiences with burnout   [10:21 - 20:37] Breaking the Stigma with Divine Drops Mikaela shares how she started Divine Drops by traveling and seeing how others struggle when it comes to menstruation Divine Drops is a non-profit organization focused on wellness and reproductive health for teensPaired with reusable products that help with overall bodily experience   [20:38 - 28:35] African Women's Experiences with Reproductive Health Period poverty: lack of access to menstrual products and reproductive education Most physicians resort to prescribing birth controls Hormones need a holistic approach when it comes to proper health   [28:36 - 29:19] When You Take Care of Patients, Who Takes Care of You? Dr. V takes care of the healthcare provider that takes care of everybody elseGo to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   [29:20 - 41:22] Closing Segment What's next for Mikaela and Divine Drops? See the links below to connect with Mikaela Quotes: “Overall, it's about healing. We have to look at it from a holistic lifestyle viewpoint: mind, body, and spirit.” - Mikaela Ingram   “Healing can come from so many different things” - Mikaela Ingram   “It just works out. If it doesn't, I will learn something.” - Mikaela Ingram   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   Connect with Mikaela Ingram, RN Website: www.divinedrops.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divinedrops_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divinedropss YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufpmJGHnKOE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaela-ingram-389462164 Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources 

Health and wellness don't only come from pills or any pharmaceutical drugs. Good health is the holistic approach that encompasses the emotional, physical, and mental aspects of a person. Dr. Laurena White demonstrates these with her knowledge of various forms of medicine and healing.   Dr. White is a disruptor. She leads a team that facilitates the health, wellness, and healing of complex women's health challenges without the use of unnecessary pharmaceutical drugs (including synthetic hormones) and fruitlessly invasive surgical interventions. By becoming the fertile spot in a barren land, she leads a revolutionary charge within the women's health industry by providing women with equitable access to not only the transformative, but also the restorative care they need, want, desire, and deserve. [00:01 - 09:36] Opening Segment Introducing Dr. White to the show Being misaligned means being burnt out   [09:37 - 23:21] Becoming the Healer Dr. White shares her early experiences with migraine How Dr. White's grandmother taught her the meaning of healingOur connectedness with nature Dr. White's realization on shifting how she does her job How the home environment plays a big role in healthcare   [23:22 - 41:07] Going Back to the U.S. Dr. White shares what made her go back to the U.S. How Dr. White created her business plan The rough start of Dr. White's business and how it started picking up pace   [41:08 - 46:09] The Eudaimonia Center Dr. White shares the services that they provideHomegrown holistic approach Modern and traditional medicine should work in synergy [46:10 - 46:53] When You Take Care of Patients, Who Takes Care of You? Dr. V takes care of the healthcare provider that takes care of everybody elseGo to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   [46:54 - 54:49] Closing Segment Dr. White's final words Reach out to Dr. White through the links below!   Quotes:   “You're not necessarily seeing their home environment. And without seeing someone's home environment…then it's gonna be challenging.” - Dr. Laurena White   “It's not conventional medicine or traditional medicine. It's not one against the other. It's the synergy of the two together.” - Dr. Laurena White   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   Connect with Dr. Laurena White, MD   Website: www.laurenawhite.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurena-white-ab447b195/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theeudaimoniacenter/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeudaimoniacenter/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/eu_daimonism?lang=en    Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources 

Burnout is becoming increasingly common among physicians of all levels of training and practice. But as healers, oftentimes, they are the last people to address the issue and seek help. Here to share her burnout experience and how breaking the box can beat burnout is Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, MD.   Dr. Sapna is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician. She was born and raised in Kansas and attended medical school at the University of Kansas [KU] School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at KU-Wichita as well. After experiencing burnout herself, and watching other physician colleagues burn out, it became a passion of hers to look into different aspects of burnout. While the system does need to change, as it is broken, she started her podcast, The Worthy Physician, as a way to reach physicians and possibly shed light on what is not an isolated situation. [00:01 - 03:35] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes Dr. Sapna Shout out to Dr. Sapna's podcast: The Worthy Physician   [03:36 - 18:10] I Define Who I Am Dr. Sapna talks about her backgroundFrom an engineering student, she shifted to medicine and became fascinated with the engineering of the human body She discusses her residency experienceWhat makes a toxic environment and how to deal with difficult attending physicians Medicine culture is deeply rooted in tradition but to Dr. Sapna, rules are meant to be broken and she always tries to do things differently She recognizes her grandmother's influence on her way of thinking  After medical school, she decided to go to an underserved area and work for a non-profit   [18:11 - 30:05] Realities of Physician Burnout Her first run with burnout was within her first three years when she was adjusting to the work structure in rural Kansas and when a family member had a health issue Part of the problem was also when people that were non-physicians were telling her how to do her job The wakeup call was her best friend's untimely passingA lot of physicians struggle with debt and sometimes even legal issues Physicians usually put others above themselves and they don't ask for help Some people who have burnout are not outwardly sad, look for other signs (ex. loss of weight, lack of appetite, etc.) Dr. Sapna's burnout manifested as irritability and impatience even with small things   [30:06 - 36:29] The Road to Recovery Dr. Sapna addressed that she needed a changeShe cut back on her hours, doing outpatient only, having enough sleep, and working out  It's important to sit down, process the situation, and start drawing boundaries between work-lifeAfter the loss of her colleague, she created her podcast to focus on physician suicide and burnout   [36:29 - 37:35] When You Take Care of Patients, Who Takes Care of You? Dr. V takes care of the healthcare provider that takes care of everybody elseGo to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   [37:36 - 41:03] Closing Segment Dr. Sapna's final words: Push the pause button and make sure you are taking care of yourself. Get comfortable saying no. Reach out to Dr. Sapna! Tweetable Quotes   “When people try to define physicians or try to define me as a person, no, I'm going to define who I am. I'm not going to be labeled by these stereotypes that society has. That's just me.” - Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, MD   “There's no reason put somebody else in the corner just because that was done to you, which, unfortunately, seems to be the culture in medicine. And again, that's why I say rules are meant to be broken because they're not always right.” - Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, MD   “Self-care is not selfish. It's the way to replenish your cup.” - Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, MD   “It is okay to not try to fit into a box that somebody else has set for you. Create that box for yourself or, sweetheart, break out of the box.” - Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, MD   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   Connect with Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, MD Website: https://www.theworthyphysician.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworthyphysician/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theworthyphysician Twitter: https://twitter.com/SapnaShahHaque YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKeTspKZmx8Isbq9rYlucMA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sshahhaque/  Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources 

Symptoms of burnout can manifest differently for different people. Knowing what it looks like for you will allow you to get the help you need and overcome it.   Today, Dr. V dives deeper into the definition of burnout and how to spot the signs. She also highlights the issue of provider burnout and why more people should feel comfortable acknowledging it. Burnout should not just be about your productivity or career. It impacts how you live your life.   [00:01 - 03:02] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes listeners She discusses her new focus on lifestyle medicine and how to prevent burnout   [03:03 - 06:21] Defining Burnout WHO defined burnout as a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed However, Dr. V believes that burnout is not isolated to workplace stress Symptoms of burnout Exhaustion Having a mental distance from your job Reduced productivity - this is what usually gets the attention of administrators or people who can do something to help Psychology Today has a more inclusive definition - burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress   [06:22 - 10:21] How to Recognize the Signs of Burnout Exhaustion can manifest in the feeling of a lack of motivation, detachment, and helplessness Physical symptoms include fatigue, headaches, substance abuse, self-medication You may lose passion for the things you used to enjoy and may be in close proximity to your loved ones but have no energy to engage   [10:22 - 10:21] Provider Burnout is Real With burnout, you start having negative thoughts about your career and feel disconnected from your patients The pandemic shed a light on the true struggles of providers with workplace stress As a healer of other people, you also need to know how to heal and protect yourself   [13:53 - 15:00] When You Take Care of Patients, Who Takes Care of You? Dr. V takes care of the healthcare provider that takes care of everybody else Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   [15:01 - 17:50] What Would Burnout Look for You? It's not a dirty little secret, but there's no comprehensive way to assess where somebody is with burnout You yourself have to acknowledge the symptoms and that you need a change   [17:49 - 19:15] Closing Segment Reach out to Dr. V! Tweetable Quotes   “There's a feeling inside of an individual that is present well before the road to burnout starts.”  - Dr. V   “​My vision for what I'm doing now is for you to be happy and healthy. And I want to normalize what we're feeling.” - Dr. V   “Life is short. And if the life that you're living today was over tomorrow, would you be happy with how you lived it.” - Dr. V   “Be truthful with yourself. Acknowledge if you are having some of these symptoms.”  Dr. V ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources   

Burnout can affect anyone, including physicians. It's a real problem and addressing it is the first path to recovery.   In this episode, Dr. V opens up about her own experience with burnout as a medical professional. She takes us through how she let her position consume her and realized that she was not living her best life. She encourages listeners to be honest with themselves, acknowledge their feelings, and seek help.   [00:01 - 03:17] Opening Segment Dr. V welcomes listeners Being authentic resonates and Dr. V aims to tell her truth in this podcast   [03:18 - 09:04] A Journey That Started With Burnout Initially, Dr. V was focused on becoming a doctor and didn't think about having a life outside of medicine She shares about her time in training and residency and how she realized that her expectations and reality were incongruent When making a transition, it's important to pause and get clarity on your values and priorities   [09:05 - 15:32] Helping Overwhelmed and Overworked Physicians The pandemic highlighted the struggles medical professionals face every day Aside from patient care, they also have to do a lot of administrative work The mountain of work is not motivating and in fact, more daunting to accomplish Working harder will not get you to where you want to be The first step is to acknowledge the problem and be willing to find a way out   [15:33 - 16:17]  When You Take Care of Patients, Who Takes Care of You? Dr. V takes care of the healthcare provider that takes care of everybody else Go to  https://officevisitswithdrv.com and click on the coaching tab to schedule a free discovery interview   [16:18 - 16:17] Asking For Help It took a long time for Dr. V to admit that something has to change She was losing money due to her inability to address her problem head-on Progress not perfection Recognize your feelings and get comfortable with relying on others   [20:35 - 21:34] Closing Segment What to expect next episode?   Tweetable Quotes   “When I am trying to free people, I've got to tell my truth, which in turn helps you tell your truth. And once we tell the truth, that's where freedom is.” - Dr. V   “Some of this stuff is instinctual, right? If you keep ignoring those signals, you are potentially entering a space where you are not safe and it's not best for you.” - Dr. V   “My goal is to help [physicians] figure out what life looks like when it's in line with their values and how that feels to be free from that heavy, heavy burden.” - Dr. V -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   Resources Mentioned: Episode 1 - Meet Dr. V Stop Physician Burnout by Dike Drummond  Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!   If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out!   Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/resources

Healing Your Whisper Stories By Tapping into Creative Healing with Yolanda Grier  Whisper stories are those experiences that we have but never share with anyone. They might be about a time when we were bullied, assaulted or something that happened in the past that we regret and need to let go of. Your whisper story doesn't have to be publicized or written for publication for you to heal. Just getting it out will reduce its power and impact by helping you to see it differently because it doesn't tell the truth about who you really are. Telling your story in a creative is the way to heal and reframe your narrative, release the burden from your shoulders and move on with your life. If the experience remains inside you, you are not going to live up to your potential because of the pain; hence it's worth investigating what it is and how to get out of it.    Join the conversation with Yolanda Grier, an artist, author, instructor, as she shares her whisper stories, how they impacted her life, and how she overcame them through creative art journaling. Yolanda is a creative healer and the host of The Creative Healing With Yolanda podcast. She creates a space for healing and fun through creativity by combining words, images, and color. Her mission is to teach others how to thrive through creativity, painting, journals, and OOAK makings.    Tune in!   During this episode, you will learn about; [00:18] Introduction to the show  [02:24] About our guest today, Yolanda Grier [04:26] What are whisper stories and Yolanda's mission in that space [06:24] Yolanda's whisper story at four years old    [15:40] Yolanda's second whisper story with her cousin at 17 years  [20:26] Changing the narrative around childhood traumatic events  [24:26] How depression showed up for Yolanda and how she dealt with it [30:42] How Yolanda got out of her trauma and later became a creative healer  [35:26] Getting into a space where you're able to tell your story to people who deserve it  [37:22] How Yolanda helps people and the ages of the women she works with [43:48] Seeking professional help to reframe your experience and how Yolanda did it [47:03] Art journaling and how Yolanda discovered she had been doing it for healing  [50:29] Why Yolanda left her customer service job and how she became an art educator  [55:44] How to tap into Yolanda's creative healing work and work with her [58:31] Ending the show and call to action Notable Quotes  People's negative reactions don't tell the truth about your story; they just reaffirm that it's not meant for them. Once a story decides it wants to get healed, it's going to come out   When your whisper story gets out and gets apart from you, its impact reduces  When you get to the other side of your healing, you may have to introduce yourself to yourself  People around you know more about you than you do because you don't spend time with yourself    Let's Connect! Yolanda Grier  Website: https://www.yolandagrier.com/ Creative Healing podcast: https://www.yolandagrier.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative_healing_podcast/ Get Yolanda's books: https://www.yolandagrier.com/shop   Dr. V Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Office-Visits-with-Dr-V- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/office_visits_with_dr_v/

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to fitness, workouts, or marathons. Everyone has different goals for themselves and will have different needs when it comes to training and running. It can also be challenging to find the motivation and inspiration to stay consistent, but it's all about finding what works for you and sticking to it. One of the best ways to create consistency is by joining a community or group in your area. Getting involved with other people who are also trying to achieve or make changes in their lives will help you stay motivated. Join the conversation with Bridget Boss Faison as she shares her journey and experiences in training, workouts, and marathons. Bridget is a two-time half marathon finisher, a guidance counselor, and an educator. She completed a half marathon and a second one just recently. Fitting her training and workouts into her lifestyle has helped her accomplish her goals and change her body and life.   During this episode, you will learn about; [00:18] Introduction to the episode  [02:06] Why and how Bridget started running [09:36] Bridget's level of fitness and how she has managed to maintain a healthy weight [12:08] What are weight bees and how to use them [13:37] Working with groups and why Bridget couldn't do it by herself  [16:10] How Bridget is able to balance her training, job, and family life [18:43] Going beyond your excuses to invest in your future health [20:52] Bridget's seven days workouts and training schedule  [25:52] Bridget's health goals after going past 200 pounds and where she is today [28:52] How she keeps her momentum going in her training  [31:26] About Bridget's experience in the first and second race [34:22] Why you need the right shoe when running [36:41] Bridget's advice to anyone who wants to get off the couch  [40:10] Ending the show and call to action Notable Quotes  You have to start somewhere to get where you want to be To be effective, make your workout and training a lifestyle  Joining a community or group makes a huge difference  When running, you have to have the right shoes  Just get started, stick to it, and find a community to make it easier.  Let's Connect! Dr. V Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Office-Visits-with-Dr-V- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/office_visits_with_dr_v/

Thad is a personal trainer and running coach who combines his passion for running (over 30 years!) and his love of writing by hosting the popular website RunnerDude's Blog (RunnerDudesBlog.com), one of the top-ranked running blogs in the country. He's also a contributing writer for Active.com, has written articles for AmateurEndurance.com, and was featured in the July 2010 Runner's World "Ask the Experts" section. Thad owns RunnerDude's Fitness, a personal training studio in Greensboro, North Carolina, that provides fitness and running programs for all ages and ability levels. He has worked with hundreds of runners, from beginners to experienced marathoners. His biggest reward is helping others get hooked on running, fitness, and healthy living.   Tune in!   Physical activity is the foundation for a healthy life. It has been shown to help with everything from sleep to heart health and mental health. It also helps with weight loss, mood, and energy levels. There are many different ways to be active, including running, walking, cycling, and swimming. Running is an efficient way to get your daily dose of physical activity in without breaking a sweat or burning too many calories.   Running can strengthen and tone your body, improve your cardiovascular health and endurance, and increase your overall performance during a race or a long-distance run. Learn more about running with Thad McLaurin in this episode.   During this episode, you will learn about; [01:15] Meet our today's guest, Thad McLaurin [02:11] How he became the Runner Dude and a running coach  [06:41] Did his childhood upbringing have anything to do with his passion? [10:50] Personal benefits of running [12:54] Thad's message to the overweight and obese  [16:36] How to choose the best running footwear [19:50] Keeping records of your running progress [23:55] Why everybody should be doing a running exercise [25:25] How to avoid injury when running [27:17] Strength training as a way to prevent injury when running [29:16] Muscular endurance training exercises you can try today [32:30] The health benefits associated with running [37:26] Key takeaway lessons from Thad [38:55] Connect with him and know about running groups you can join [45:10] Episode wrap up and calls to action   Notable Quotes  “Running is the only inclusive activity that anybody can do, regardless of their age, color or race.” “Shoes are an investment in running.” “Anything you do too excessively is poison.” “Running is all about maintaining balance.” Book Recommendation; Full-Body Fitness for Runners by Thad McLaurin: https://www.amazon.com/Full-Body-Fitness-Runners-Thad-McLaurin/dp/0692026959 Let's Connect! Thad McLaurin Website: http://runnerdudesfitness.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thad.mclaurin/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/runner-dude-19a07322/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunnerdude/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RunnerDude_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiP5W0Q8VF31tde9Ek7GamA   Dr. V Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Office-Visits-with-Dr-V- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/office_visits_with_dr_v/  

It is the first thing people notice about us, and it can make or break a first impression. A healthy smile is a reflection of a healthy life. It is important to keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy to have a great smile. In order to achieve this, it is important to follow a dental health checklist for an ideal smile. The first step would be brushing twice a day with toothpaste. This helps remove plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. The second step would be flossing once or twice a day for about 30 seconds or until the thread goes cleanly through the teeth. It is also necessary to brush after eating any type of food as well as drink plenty of water throughout the day. The last step would be visiting your dentist at least twice every year for an oral exam, cleaning, and x-rays if needed. Learn more with Dr.Julie Phillips in this episode. Dr. Phillips has resided in North Carolina for over 20 years. After completing dental school at SUNY at Buffalo, she moved to North Carolina, where she completed her prosthodontic training and earned her Master's Degree at UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. She has been in private practice, specializing in Prosthodontics since 1999. Her practice focuses on providing all types of dental restorations, whether you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, including implant restorations, crowns and bridges, and partial and complete dentures. When you want to make your mouth healthier or improve the appearance of your smile, Dr. Julie Phillips is ready to help you.   Tune in!   During this episode, you will learn about; [00:54] What's in for you in today's episode [01:47] How we met with Julie [04:00] The small overlooked things that have a really big impact on dental health [05:54] Common dental medications to combat dry mouth [09:12] Things you can do to have healthy teeth if you can't avoid sugar [16:26] Julie's thoughts on teeth whitening [18:48] How to prevent staining of your teeth [19:36] Do you really need fluoride for your teeth? [21:30] Who are prosthodontists, and how're they different from a general dentist [23:57] What inspired Julie to become a prosthodontist [26:17] How can chronic conditions impact one's dental health [28:50] Why is it important to have healthy gums [32:49] Dental red flags that you should be looking for [34:03] Tips to get rid of bad breath [37:59] How you can connect with Dr. Julie [39:22] Episode wrap up and calls to action Notable Quotes “Water can't replace saliva in keeping our mouth hydrated.” “It takes nine months for a cavity to form.” “An acidic drink is a big enemy to healthy teeth.” Over-use of teeth whiteners can be detrimental to your enamel.”. “Anything done to moderation is good.” “Your mouth affects your general health.” “Anything good is costly.” “If you won't brush your teeth at home, you'll be forced to pay someone else to do that for you.” Let's Connect! Dr. Julie Phillips Website: https://juliephillipsdds.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/DrJuliePhillipsProsthodontics/ Healthgrades: https://www.healthgrades.com/dentist/dr-julie-phillips-3kg9t Dr. V Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Office-Visits-with-Dr-V- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/office_visits_with_dr_v/

Join the conversation with Nanyamka Joseph, a functional nutrition coach who is passionate about helping driven and working women become the healthiest version of themselves. Nanya's journey to health started with a desire to have her first child. After years of trying with no success, her breakthrough was surprisingly simple, and it came when she changed what she was putting in her body. Food! Let's Connect! Nanyamka Joseph Website: https://www.simplified-wellness.com/#gallery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanyamka_joseph/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/nanyamka.joseph Dr. V Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Office-Visits-with-Dr-V- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/office_visits_with_dr_v/

Boundaries and Balance-Dr. Zoe Living with a healthy boundary and balance in life can be very challenging, especially when you are surrounded by people who have unhealthy boundaries and practices. It is, therefore, important to know what kind of person you are and what type of boundary you need. Aspects such as time management, work-life balance, self-care, and happiness can be tricky at times, but living with a healthy boundary and balance in life can help you avoid unnecessary stress. This episode with Dr. Zoe Stallings will give some steps to help create a healthy boundary with your life. Dr. Zoe is the founder and CEO of the Mobile Urgent Specialized Treatment Clinic PLLC, also known as the MUST CLINIC PLLC. In her completely mobile clinic, she continues to see patients as a Family Medicine Physician providing medical care to patients with compassion.  She truly wants to partner with patients to help them improve their lifestyles and their overall health. Tune in!   During this episode, you will learn about; [01:23] What's in for you in today's episode [04:29] Dr. Zoe Stallings' backstory and career background [06:12] How she started Mobile Urgent Specialized Treatment Clinic [12:57] How Dr. Zoe overcame mental hurdles to start M.U.S.T Clinic [18:04] Follow these tips and stop procrastinating [18:51] Where can you find Dr. Zoe, and is she taking new patients? [22:44] Boundaries and how they affect our health [27:03] How does it show up in our health when our boundaries are violated [30:52] Meaning of “balance and health.”  [35:04] How to maintain a healthy life balance [37:46] Zoe's lessons on how to bounce back and triumph after a divorce [40:57] Family is a key pillar is one's success [46:03] Dr. Zoe's key takeaway lessons for you! [50:32] Ending show and calls to action Notable Quotes  It's weird how the pandemic gave an opportunity for businesses to move to the next level. Talking to people is a great way to figure out what the community will need Waiting for the right time and environment to start something will never come You have to identify your boundaries consistently. Once people learn why those boundaries matter to you, they will respect them. If you enter into a negative space, you will see and draw negativity Inspiration follows movement Resources Mentioned Boundaries by Henry and John:https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/0310247454. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WF972WK/ Let's Connect! Dr. Zoe Stallings  Website: https://www.mustclinic.health/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoestallings/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustclinic/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Mobile-Urgent-Specialized-Treatment-Clinic-PLLC-105872994518152/   Dr. V Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Office-Visits-with-Dr-V- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/office_visits_with_dr_v/

Consent is all about knowing when to say yes and when to say no. It's a practice that can be applied universally, not just in sexual contexts. However, there are many reasons why consent can be difficult, but one of the most common is that it's not something we are taught at home or school, especially when it comes to intimacy and sexuality. In order to foster a culture of consent, we need to be able to talk openly about these issues. Learning and teaching our children about consent can help us to know what it means and how to apply it in different situations in our life.  Join the conversation with Bobbi Pompey as she shares the concepts around consent and how you can cultivate it as a culture in your everyday life. Bobbi is an independent living skills specialist and an adjunct professor at San Francisco State, where she teaches independent living skills for the blind.   During this episode, you will learn about; [00:53] What's in for you in today's episode [02:01] Having conversations around sex and handling sex assault [06:06] Bobbi's career background  [08:25] The meaning of cis and transgender [10:27] The role of consent in everyday life [13:14] The true definition of consent and how it plays in different situations [15:04] How assumptions around consents can get us into troubles  [21:35] Legal consents and how your right to consent can be violated [24:10] How Bobbi got into the space and her experience in the field  [27:06] Bobbi experience with tools of consent and how she used them [30:17] How Bobbi was sexual assaulted and what prevented her from reaching out [34:00] When Bobbi got help and was finally able to speak it loud [37:39] Tools that you can use when you feel like your consent has been violated [40:27] Resources where you can learn more about consent and sexual assault [44:00] How to reach out and connect with Bobbi Notable Quotes  Consent is bigger than sex, intimacy and relationships Consent is respecting somebody for their permission or denial If you are uncomfortable with your consent, it's probably being violated Always trust your gut Whatever you have to do to get out of a situation is what you've to do.   Resources Mentioned The Consent Academy  The Ethical Slut: Polyamory, Open Relationships, and Other Freedoms in Sex and Love Navigating consent classes with Dossie Easton Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN)   Let's Connect! Bobbi Pompey  Email: bobbipompey@gmail.com Dr V Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Office-Visits-with-Dr-V- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/office_visits_with_dr_v/

In this episode, Dr. V discusses preconception counseling.  With over 50% of pregnancies being unplanned, it is more and more important for women/couples to schedule an appointment with their doctor to specifically discuss this topic. Dr. V details exactly what should be discussed during one of these sessions to help you understand why it is so important to optimize your health prior to becoming an “incubator.”   [00:05:00] When to Consider Preconception Counseling [00:06:30] #1 Thing to Think About Before Having a Baby [00:08:20] Risk Assessment: What Could Become An Issue Before and After You Get Pregnant [00:15:35] Substance Use And Problems Many Can Cause [00:18:00] Nutrition, Weight Management & Exercise [00:23:40] Why You Need A Physical Exam & Blood Work Before Getting Pregnant [00:29:35] Certain Viruses That Put Your Baby at Risk [00:31:50] Genetic Testing [00:33:11] Ways Doctors Can Intervene & Improve Your Pregnancy Outcomes [00:37:40] Behaviors that Can Put Your Baby at Risk [00:38:35] High Blood Pressure & Pregnancy Risks [00:42:55] Medications to Avoid & Conditions to Control Why Preconception Counseling Is Important? Quote from Dr. V:  “You need to live a life that prepares you to be pregnant even before you think about or want to get pregnant. And so, again, I'm really focused on prevention and the things that even we do as teenagers, and in college, when we're not wanting to get pregnant or have per se. It really is important that we start taking care of ourselves from every facet of life. Just so you know, sometimes this conversation can not be had prior to getting pregnant because 50% of pregnancies are unplanned. Can you believe it? 50%? I'm not telling anybody's business, but I wasn't planned. And I think I shared that on my last podcast. I wasn't, I wasn't. And so we don't often have the time to have the conversation that we're going to have today. So if you stay ready, you don't have to get ready.” Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com ------------------------------ Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend! If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out! Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/ Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com

------------------------------ Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend! If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out! Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/ Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com Links and Resources:

In this episode of the Office Visits with Dr. V, we meet Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Auma “Kess” Thongteum. We discuss why women get hot flashes, lifestyle factors that can contribute and ways to reduce the severity of hot flashes in your daily life without medication.    [00:02:38] Kess Discusses Why Women Get Hot Flashes [00:05:00] Who is Auma “Kess” Thogterums? [00:07:54] What Can You Do To Get Rid Of Or Reduce The Severity of Hot Flashes [00:09:30] Lifestyle Changes That Can Reduce Hot Flashes [00:13:45] Medications Given To Those Experiencing Hot Flashes [00:14:35] Women Who Should Not Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy [00:17:34] Herbs and Non Prescriptive Medications [00:19:59] Let's Talk About Soy & Breast Cancer [00:22:00] Hot Flashes Don't Always Start at 51 [00:23:45] Follicle Stimulating Hormone Diagnosis of Menopause, Yay or Nay? What Can We Do To Get Rid of Hot Flashes OR Make Them Less Extreme The average age a woman goes through menopause is 51. Many women experience what they consider temperature changes such as getting warm and others as extreme as hot flashes and these can happen at a variety of ages, such as their '30s and even'70s. Before these fluctuations in temperature are labeled as hormonal related due to menopause there are some factors to rule out. One place to begin investigating is how well your thyroid is functioning, then, we look to lifestyle changes and stressors. And, before prescribing medicine we need to determine if there are alternatives such as some lifestyle changes you can implement. Even if you have an estrogen imbalance, there are still things you can do to reduce hot flashes before you even get to prescriptions. Some examples of lifestyle changes is reducing caffeine intake, reduce the amount you smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, and eat spicy and sugary foods.   Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Show Transcript ------------------------------ Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend! If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out! Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/ Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com Links and Resources:

In this episode of the Office Visits with Dr. V, we meet Dr. Melissa Davies.  She is new to Eagle OB GYN and she is going to be taking care of many of Dr. V's patients as she phases out of her traditional OB GYN practice to pursue her Health and Wellness Enterprise.   Dr. Davies, a caring Ob/Gyn and robotic surgeon, discusses many aspects of gyn surgery from a patient's perspective.     [00:00:55] Dr. V Details Meeting Dr. Melissa Davies [00:03:19] Dr. Davies Tells Us About Herself & Seeing Her First Live Birth [00:05:18] What Does It Meant To be A Doctor Of Osteopathic Medicine [00:10:28] What Does Dr. Davies Love About Obstetrics And Gynecology? [00:16:30] The Difference Between Robotic Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery [00:20:00] Dr. Davies Two Favorite Common Surgeries That OB GYN's Do [00:20:59] Dr. V's Favorite OB GYN Surgery [00:24:03] Risks Of Hystorectomy Surgery [00:27:37] The Importance of Having an OB GYN Who Provides You With Alternatives To Surgery [00:30:06] The Optimal Surgical Candidate Critera [00:34:32] Dr. Davies Recommendations On Finding Credible Information On OB GYN Surgeries Dr. Melissa Davies Dr. Davies is a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina. She went to Campbell University for her undergraduate degree, then spent three years out of medical school, during that time she worked in a medical office there, before going back to medical school at Campbell again, and then she did her residency training, and just finished up this year at ECU Vidant. She saw her first live birth in Tanzania, East Africa and that solidified all of her hopes and aspirations, during medical school she was drawn to obstetrics and gynecology more than anything else. She loves that it allows her to empower women and educate women on their bodies and overall health. She is a mom of two kids, her oldest is eight and his name is Jonathan and her youngest is four and a half her name is Hannah Grace. She prides herself on being a mom, she always wanted to be. She's been married for 13 years and she just celebrated her 13th wedding anniversary. ------------------------------ Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend! If you would like to stay connected and get your questions answered by Dr. V, feel free to reach out! Facebook: Office Visits with Dr. V Instagram: office_visits_with_dr_V. Website: https://officevisitswithdrv.com/ Email: officevisitswithdrv@gmail.com Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Dr. Melissa Davies

In this episode of the Office Visits with Dr. V, we meet Physician Dr. Kimberly R Shelton, she specializes in internal medicine and functional medicine. She is Dr. V's personal physician. Dr. Shelton explains why Covid is such a serious virus, misinformation about the virus, reasons to consider the vaccine, and alternative treatments she prescribed her patients early on as well as other alternatives being used and their efficacy.   [00:02:14] Who is Kimberly Shelton? [00:03:43] What is Functional Medicine & Why is Dr. Shelton Passionate About It? [00:06:51] Dr. Shelton's Patient Supplement Regimen Before The Vaccine. [00:08:20] Dr. Shelton Explains Types of Coronavirus And Covid's Relation To Sars [00:09:38] Immune System & Diet and Exercise [00:13:52] Keeping the Virus in the Upper Respiratory System [00:17:27] Covid Long Hauler Symptoms [00:18:33] Dr. Shelton on the Vaccine [00:21:50] Alternative Medication Being Used Like Plaquenil or Hydroxychloroquine & Ivermectin & More [00:24:17] What Is Monoclonal Antibody Infusion? [00:28:03] Take Cold and Allergy Symptoms Seriously. [00:32:41] Let's Look At The Studies [00:35:40] Doctors Looking At The Science Functional Medicine & Why Dr. Shelton Decided to Practice: Functional medicine is a way of thinking, a way of approach that looks not at just a patient's prior diagnosis of disease but their condition based on a set of symptoms. Functional medicine looks beyond that to the cause and looks at trends in their personal history and tries to put the whole story together. So looking at the patient from a more holistic perspective and looking at the systems and mechanisms behind the progression of certain symptoms rather than just the end game, which is the symptom of the condition itself. Dr. Shelton early on in her career, found there to be an overuse of prescriptions, procedures, and surgeries as the answer to treatment without trying to view the patient holistically looking at their health and wellness over time and the lack of education for patients around their ability to heal naturally (not in all cases, of course).   Links and Resources: Dr. Sheltons Website Show Transcript

It has been said, "If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life."  But for so many of us, we are in the Matrix and have failed to realize that we are not pursing our purpose.  This is a follow up episode from Dr. V's Covid Epiphany and the Great Resignation.  We speak to Jerome Myers, the Preeminent Authority on Dream Realization and Chief Inspiration Officer of Dream Catchers, to discuss the psychology behind why we stay and some of the effects on her health by staying stuck.  Learn about how to "Take the Red Pill", Learned Helplessness and the levels you need to address to live a life of meaning and purpose.  Note:  If you haven't seen the movie, The Matrix, you will need to watch it for homework. [00:02:38] Jerome Tells His Story [00:10:21] Jerome is Flipping Houses and It Opens a Door [00:13:14] Jerome's Dream Comes True [00:15:47] The Majority of Us Decided Who We Were Going to Be Around 6 Years Old [00:18:51] The Matrix as A Metaphor [00:22:15] Jerome Explains The Six Levels [00:27:08] 70% of Doctors Visits Are Due To Stress [00:38:12] Learned Helplessness Explained [00:46:05] How to Get in Touch with Jerome [00:46:37] Jerome Describes A Bit About His Journey Taking the Red Pill [00:50:18] Jerome Briefly Explains An Overview of His Book And Why It is Important   Learned Helplessness: Jerome explains learned helplessness as an addiction to a paycheck. People with learned helplessness are waiting for somebody to send them money every week or every other week or once a month, whatever the pay cycle is, instead of convincing themselves that they can go out there and offer the world something that they will compensate them for. More importantly, people do not see their value. And so, first, they must get clear on what their gift is, what they are really good at. What do people seek them out for? And that thing, if packaged the proper way and put in front of the right person will command some income, but what are you good at? So, the starting point is getting quiet and actually thinking about what are people seeking you for?    Links and Resources: https://officevisitswithdrv.com Show Transcript Book: Dreams Should Be Real https://www.jeromemyers.co/ Podcast: Dream Catchers

The global pandemic caused by Covid changed the course of my life.  The hustle and grind of a thriving Ob/Gyn practice was no longer appealing after I realized what was most important to me.  Millions of other Americans have made the same choice to leave their jobs, which is being called The Great Resignation.  Living out my priorities has boosted my health and happiness, which has started me on a path to doing and achieving things I never thought possible.  Be inspired by following your heart's desire.

Postpartum Depression. Anxiety. Mental illness.  The shame and silence around these topics is heart breaking, especially when there is a way out.  Dr. V has an eye opening discussion with her friend and neuropsychiatrist, Dr. Samantha Suffren of Women's Transitional Healthcare in Charlotte, NC.  Dr. Suffren freely shares her encounter with postpartum depression and how to recognize when your unhappiness may be something more serious.  She also educates us on how to use the healthcare system to address our mental health needs.