The Catalyst: Sparking Creative Transformation in Healthcare

Primal Play: Creativity in Movement

Movement is medicine, and play is the secret ingredient that makes it enjoyable and sustainable.  This is the message of Darryl Edwards, a movement coach and founder of the Primal Play Method.
 
In this episode, Darryl shares his personal journey of overcoming burnout and transforming his health through exercise. He discovered that traditional exercise programs didn't resonate with him and his clients, so he developed the Primal Play Method, which combines the science of evolutionary biology with exercise physiology and play psychology. The Primal Play Method focuses on three pillars: primal movement patterns, exercise science, and playfulness. Darryl believes that movement should be enjoyable and engaging, just as it was when we were children. By incorporating elements of play into our exercise routines, we can tap into our inner child and rediscover the joy of movement.
 
Darryl's approach is inclusive and diverse, with exercises suitable for all ages, abilities, and fitness levels, certainly including those who are managing or overcoming injury. He emphasizes the importance of finding activities that you truly enjoy, rather than forcing yourself to do something that feels like a chore. Through his work, Darryl aims to inspire individuals to transform their health and well-being by making physical activity fun and engaging. He believes that by embracing our natural human instincts for play, we can optimize our health and vitality.
 
This is your permission slip to break free from the monotony of traditional exercise and infuse your fitness routine with joy and playfulness. Get ready to color outside the lines and discover the transformative power of primal play.
 
Quotes:
• "Movement is medicine. It isn't just about getting into shape. It's also about improving my health." (08:51 | Darrell Edwards)
• "I went back to my childhood. It was when I was playing out all day, long summer days where literally food was just something you stuff down your face because you want to get back outside again. And it was only when the sun went down and your parents said you had to get back in that you went in. And those days were just absolutely incredible. So that was a sort of like I am living for the moment and all that matters is play." (18:09 | Darrell Edwards)
• "I don't just want to do one thing. I want to do a variety of things, one, because it increases enjoyment and longevity of performing that task, sustainability of having different things, variety being the spice of life. Right. So it does that. It also ensures that my body isn't overly stressed in one particular domain because I'm working at different intensities, using sometimes strength, sometimes cardio, sometimes balance, flexibility, all these all these different facets." (32:06 | Darrell Edwards)
• "My job is to help individuals embrace their inner child, accept that it's okay to have a longing for that, but learn how to recreate that now." (36:20 | Darrell Edwards)
• "As an adult, I don't want to be doing all the things that I did as a kid. I want to be cognizant of my adult capabilities, my adult abilities, but I want to maintain that mindset of that child." (37:32 | Darrell Edwards)
 
Links
Connect with Darryl Edwards:
Website: www.primalplay.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fitnessexplorer
 
Connect with Lara: 
Catalyst Compass: https://buff.ly/3ODQEsc
Premium Subscription Box: www.drlarasalyer.com/shop/#SubscriptionBox
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Unplugged: Putting the Me Back Into Metrics

When embarking on a new venture, it’s easy to compare ourselves negatively to our peers on social media, to try to be too much to our patients and forget what brings us joy. The more you define success on your own terms, based on your own values, the less you’re likely to feel imposter syndrome or burnout. Today, Dr. Lara will delve into the three categories that tend to cause medical entrepreneurs the most overwhelm and worry: social media, patients and their healing, and overall success. She’ll help you determine your own personal metrics to help you gauge whether your current situation is working for you, whether it’s time to make changes large or small, or if it’s time to go in a completely new direction. 
 
She’ll present the metrics by which she measures her own success and progress and provide examples from her own life. She also offers up thought-provoking questions which will help you hone in on yours. You’ll consider your needs based on your geographical location, your budget, what work/life balance means to you. How can you use social media as a source of inspiration, to recognize where your role as practitioner ends, and how you personally define success? 
 
The most important thing to remember is that there is no one way to measure your metrics or determine your values. And the more you define your values and measures of success, the closer you’ll get to putting the “me” back in metrics!
 
Quotes
• “Just because you're grieving the absence of certain things in your life now does not mean you can’t hold space and honor that that served a great purpose during those chapters in your life, but it no longer fit the overall equation of happiness and peace.” (3:27 | Dr. Lara)
• “How do we measure our metrics?...There is no one right direction towards health, there is no one right way to run a business.” (7:43 | Dr. Lara) 
• “Look at your own values, look, and filter your emotions through your mission and values. If you're still feeling envious, and jealous, then that might mean you want to move in that direction of that domain or value. And that's okay.” (10:39 | Dr. Lara)
• “Emotions are messengers.” (10:55 | Dr. Lara)
• “We don't need more data, more information, we need smart use of data and information in small strategic ways.” (17:41 | Dr. Lara) 
• “We apply to medical school as a well-rounded human and suddenly now we're just doctors or nurses or PAs we forget what made us unique and self-expressive.” (22:59 | Dr. Laura)
• “Our human condition is naturally gravitating towards change. And when it becomes stagnant, sometimes we need to, you know, kind of spice things up a bit.” (24:39 | Dr. Lara)
Links
Connect with Lara: 
BRAINSTORM SESSION: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery
Holistic Hub FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthinnatemembers
Join our newsletter list and win prizes: https://drlarasalyer.com/win/
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Are You Talking About Me? -- How to Make Feedback Your Friend

“We need to understand that feedback is part of our growth” Dr. Lara says on this solo episode of The Catalyst. Feedback–including and perhaps especially negative feedback–is vital not only to providing the best value to your community, but in allowing to shape your company and its services. It’s a metric which helps to ensure you’re fulfilling your set mission and goals and even lets you know what services are worth letting go of to save time and money. Dr. Lara shares three impactful questions that you can model to glean impactful insights from your community. The subtle nuances of each question are enough to encourage more fruitful answers. She’ll also share her secret to timing the release of a survey so that the recipient is more likely to answer rather than ignore because they feel pressured or nagged. 
 
She also shares feedback she has received from members of her Catalyst Studio Mentorship program where she helps other clinicians optimize their own practices. She explains in detail what each comment means to her, what questions it prompts her to ask about her business practices and how it impacts her decisions going forward. Listen as she shares her insights about how to address her members’ feelings of overwhelm, lack of user friendliness and geographically-specific issues. Clients tend to be reticent about sharing less-than-glowing reviews, and she’ll share how to make them feel safe enough to be truthful. 
 
While no one can take in every last bit of input from clients, using it constructively is one of the best ways to optimize your business. Hear Dr. Lara share the best way to make use of trends and her two go-to survey platforms.
Quotes
• “This is also a disclaimer not to take into account every single piece of feedback, because you have to filter it through your mission, your values and the trajectory of what you're trying to do in your business.” (5:23 | Dr. Lara)
• “For my patients, I include extra details like, ‘I grow more from the difficult feedback, from the hard feedback. So please know that I welcome that feedback if not more than the glowing feedback.’” (8:02 | Dr. Lara) 
• “People are still holding their cards to their chest, because that is what feedback does. People want to glow, and they're a little bit more reticent to tell you something disappointing.” (15:49 | Dr. Lara)
• “Maybe that shows that I need to be more obvious about stating that and more encouraging of my Catalyst mentees to explore…what worked for my community won't work in LA or New York or Canada.” (16:25 | Dr. Lara)
• “I love this feedback. This helps me create better systems…So that's how I grow from feedback.” (21:50 | Dr. Lara)
 
Links
Connect with Lara: 
Brainstorming session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery
Compass: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/r0OoKwkS
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Special Edition: IPM Congress Unpacked!

"Listen, Lara, you are preaching to the converted there because that is one element that helped me with my recovery," shares Helen Perks, a registered nutritional therapist, during her captivating conversation with Lara Salyer on the Catalyst Podcast. The duo delves into their experiences at the International Precision Medicine (IPM) Congress in London, which brought together diverse thought leaders in the field of functional medicine. In this exciting three-part episode, the co-hosts unravel fascinating anecdotes, inspiring talks, and the value of connecting with like-minded professionals to explore cutting-edge knowledge in nutrition, breathwork, and holistic health.
 
The three-day IPM Congress in London turned out to be a captivating experience for Helen and Lara. From heartwarming anecdotes about navigating the London Tube system with suitcases to attending thought-provoking talks by distinguished speakers, the event left a lasting impression on both hosts. The second day featured sessions about cultivating resilience, managing stress, and exploring the art of storytelling in medical practice. Dr. Rangan Chatterjee's keynote on the "Wellness Prescription for the 21st Century" resonated deeply, emphasizing the importance of personalized medicine and empowering patients to take charge of their health.
 
The final day of the IPM Congress focused on "Food on Prescription," highlighting the connection between real food and overall health. Dr. Venetia Patel, a pediatrician, emphasized the significance of a whole-child approach to health, while Dr. Ouma Naidu discussed the impact of food on mood. Throughout the event, Helen and Lara emphasized the power of breathwork in supporting health and well-being. They both expressed their passion for sharing knowledge and collaborating with professionals worldwide, underscoring the importance of attending the IPM Congress for networking, learning, and reigniting one's passion for functional medicine.
 
Here are the "Awards" for all the people mentioned:
MOST FOMO: IPM Congress: https://www.ipmcongress.com/ 
MOST INTERESTING: TreeTop Man: https://www.youtube.com/@treetopmanfit6314 
MOST RELEVANT TO AGING: Animal Moves: (Primal Play) https://www.primalplay.com/books 
MOST FOMO: IPM Congress: https://www.ipmcongress.com/ 
MOST RELEVANT TO WISCONSIN, USA: Armin Labs: https://arminlabs.com/en 
MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Sentia Spirits: https://sentiaspirits.com/ 
MOST FRIENDLY AND EMBRACING: British College of FxMed: https://www.bc-fm.org/home 
MOST LIKELY TO TRAIN WITH: Metabolic Terrain Institute for Health (cancer): https://mtih.org/ 
MOST FLAVORFUL: Pukka Tea: https://www.pukkaherbs.com/uk/en/ 
MOST LIKELY TO HELP BURNOUT: Dr. Reena Kotcheka's work: https://drreenakotecha.com/mindful-in-healthcare-course/ 
MOST ENDEARING: Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas "getting over yourself is key to happiness" https://www.drmiguelmateas.com/ 
MOST GLOBALLY IMPACTFUL: Food for Mood by Dr. Uma Naidoo 
MOST REALISTIC: Dr. Ayan Panja's Integrative Approach in a Standard GP Consultation http://www.drayan.co.uk/ 
MOST GREEN: Dr. Lucy Loveday's Green Prescription with Nature immersion https://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/working-life/working-life/an-immersion-in-nature/ 
MOST GROUNDED: Sophie Trew's breathwork break https://www.sophietrew.com/ 
MOST AUTHENTIC: Dr. Cristina Bjorndal https://drchristinabjorndal.com/ 
MOST BUSY: Kirkland Newman's MindHealth360 https://www.mindhealth360.com/
Quotes
• "The IPM Congress was a fantastic experience. I got to meet like-minded professionals from around the globe, and the energy of curiosity and playfulness was palpable throughout the event." (04:12 | Lara Salyer)
• "Being at the IPM Congress really helped me reignite my passion for functional medicine and stay up to date with the latest trends and research." (07:12 | Helen Perks)
• "For me, the first step towards good health is taking responsibility for our health, which forms part of my respect model of health and wellbeing." (1:02:50 | Helen Perks)
• "It's just incredible to see that all of these topics, no matter what day they centered on, there's elements of similarity that food and nutrition is paramount." (1:03:15 | Lara Salyer)
• "I felt like if I had planned better, I could have organized my time better. I felt very much like I wanted to go here, but then what about this one, and so my organized brain would have liked a clear pathway." (1:06:20 | Lara Salyer)
Links
Connect with Helen Perks:
Website: www.helenperks.com
Instagram: @helenperks.bsc
Facebook: Helen Perks BSc.
Threads: helenperks.bsc
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

FlashCast: When You’re Struggling to Fill Your Group Visits

In this episode, we explore five essential tips to maximize attendance in group visits, addressing the challenges faced by many healthcare professionals. The significance of group visits becomes evident when we recognize the limitations of scaling one-on-one patient care. Dr. Lara Salyer, your host, shares valuable insights on how to make these visits more effective and impactful.
 
First, set realistic expectations, emphasizing the significance of group visits as part of the treatment plan. Secondly, utilize reminders with specific topics to increase attendance and create a safe environment for participants. Thirdly, gather valuable feedback by polling patients and the community to understand their needs and preferences. Fourthly, mind your language and use inviting terms to describe group visits. Finally, consider open or closed enrollment options, offering flexibility or fostering a sense of community. By implementing these tips, healthcare professionals can enhance group visit effectiveness and promote better patient outcomes and community engagement.
 
By implementing these five tips, healthcare professionals can enhance attendance and effectiveness in group visits, thereby fostering better patient outcomes and community engagement. Remember, group visits offer valuable opportunities for patients to connect, learn from one another, and receive support throughout their healing journey.
 
Quotes
• "Functional, holistic, integrative medicine is simply not scalable. The math does not work. You can't serve your patients or population one-on-one. We don't have enough physicians, providers, practitioners. We need to be clever and innovative with growing this kind of education and lifestyle support." (Dr. Lara Salyer | 01:30)
• "Group visits are a key part of this. Group visits help patients see they're not alone. They help patients learn from other patients. They also help promote your services because as you have newer people in the fold, you might have people that have been through your methods or systems that reassure and tell those newer people, Hey, I've been there too." (Dr. Lara Salyer | 03:20)
• "Reminding your patients with a topic can really help increase that attendance and help them get used to what is going on." (Dr. Lara Salyer | 05:47)
• "Tip one was set expectations. Tip two, remind them. Tip three, pull your members. Tip four, look at the words you're using when you're describing these groups." (Dr. Lara Salyer | 10:22)
 
Links
Connect with Lara: 
Symposium: https://drlarasalyer.com/symposium/
Catalyst Compass: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/r0OoKwkS?typeform-source=drlarasalyer.com
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Unplugged: Tips for an Extraordinary 60 Minute Patient Visit

“The true medicine that we give our patients as a functional medicine practitioner is the medicine of trust, the medicine of empowerment, that they know their bodies are going to be okay,” shares host and functional medicine practitioner Dr. Lara Salyer. The world of functional medicine is vast and it can be a challenge to not get lost in the weeds during patient visits. Today, Dr. Lara explains her tips for a flow channeled experience that enables her to keep her patient visits to 60 minutes or less. Take a peek behind the desk at Dr. Lara’s process and see what this efficiency looks like from the patient’s point of view as she guides listeners through a pretend visit.
 
Even though you have a lot of information at your disposal, it is important to keep in mind that patients might not be as excited as you are to dive into the deep end. Keep it simple and dial it back so that you do not overwhelm your patients with too much information. Dr. Lara spends 80% of her time just doing prep work so that everything is as streamlined and convenient as possible for the patient. When the patients fill out her intake survey, she makes sure to highlight the key areas that need further investigation and begins strategizing three to five anchor goals that will become the main focus of treatment. A good portion of the initial visit is spent determining the anchor goals and then doing a physical exam. By the end of the visit, the patient walks away with a welcome bag full of useful items, a short visit summary with highlights and supplemental resources, some very basic educational material on functional medicine, and a list of easily achievable next steps. 
 
Instead of allowing yourself to get lost in the weeds, possibly overwhelming not only yourself but also your patients, do everything you can do in advance to make the patient visit process flow smoothly. Sometimes less really is more. Give patients the educational resources and allow them to decide for themselves how deep into it they want to go. 
Quotes
• “Prep is about 80% of my time.” (8:29 | Dr. Lara)
• “The summary is divided into two sections, the highlight section, which is the bare minimum of five steps that she has to do, and then there's a line. And underneath that it says supplemental information and resources, because not all of us are as excited to learn about medicine as we are.” (18:14 | Dr. Lara)
• “We don't have to have all the answers figured out, but we can trust that our body is working with us.” (20:19 | Dr. Lara)
• “The true medicine that we give our patients as a functional medicine practitioner is the medicine of trust, the medicine of empowerment, that they know their bodies are going to be okay.” (21:05 | Dr. Lara)
• “The future of functional medicine is empowering one patient at a time that will influence their whole family unit.” (22:49 | Dr. Lara) 
• “My advice to patients is, step into that role of advocacy for yourself.” (24:33 | Dr. Lara)
 
Links
Connect with Lara: 
Catalyst Compass: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/r0OoKwkS
Catalyst Symposium: https://drlarasalyer.com/symposium/
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Human-Centered Healthcare Transformation

“Today in a fast paced, disjointed world working remotely, one of the things we've lost is our ability to really connect with each other,” shares Mike Seyfer, CEO of both Haley’s Salt, the digital performance marketing firm for health and wellness brands, and the Institute for Healthcare Excellence. Mike is helping to transform profit-driven sick-care into human-centered health care. Nowadays with burnout rates sky high, it is more important than ever to flip the script on healthcare and put people back at the center. 
 
Physicians did not go into medicine to be robots entering data all day without any real opportunities to connect with their colleagues and patients. Without those connections, job dissatisfaction grows and can ultimately lead to burnout. By teaching more human-centric skills that focus on building empathy, physicians and nurses can better relate to one another and to their patients. This also enables them to be more present in the moment and get a better overall understanding of the patient’s needs. Additionally, being intentional about creating and implementing DEI programs that are truly inclusive can go a long way in making the workplace feel like a safe space for all employees.
 
The problem with the business of healthcare is just that, it is a business. In order to catalyze change in healthcare, people need to be centered rather than profit. When physicians and nurses regain the chance to really connect with each other and with their patients, they will experience a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction with their work which reduces burnout long term. 
 
Quotes
• “Today in a fast paced, disjointed world working remotely, one of the things we've lost is our ability to really connect with each other.” (11:44 | Mike)
• “What makes us feel great at the end of the day is that connection. I don't care what industry you're in, your sense of accomplishment is impacting somebody that you care about.” (12:53 | Mike) 
• “When we take the time to actually listen, ask questions, we generally get to the real true root causes of things.” (27:40 | Mike)
• “As intentional as we've been about this, we're just blind to some stuff.”(38:30 | Mike)
Links
Connect with Mike Seyfer:
Website: iheteam.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeseyfer/
Twitter: @htkseyf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.seyfer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeseyfer/
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Innovative Ways to Add a Nutritionist: Without Breaking the Bank

“Each practitioner I have worked with that is like, ‘I’m just going to do it’ has found that it's super beneficial to their patients, but also for them,” explains Jessica Bruno, MS, CNS. Adding a nutritionist or health coach to your practice may sound out of reach financially, but it does not have to be. Jessica is a certified nutrition specialist with a masters in functional medicine and human nutrition who is bringing her affordable, quality services to functional medicine practices. 
 
Jessica ended up pursuing functional medicine and nutrition after her own health went haywire, prompting a doctor to recommend that she go on biologic immunosuppressive medication for possible Crohn’s disease. After working on nutrition and lifestyle changes with a functional medicine practitioner, Jessica was healthy again without having to harm her body and immune system with injections. Now, armed with the knowledge to help others in similar situations, Jessica guides patients through nutrition and lifestyle changes that can help get their health back on track. She works with the practitioner at intake to design the proper program for each patient, in some cases offering one-on-one counseling and in others providing services through social media and pre-recorded educational presentations. This frees up the physician to spend more time on the clinical aspects of a patient’s care, while the nutritionist spends time following up with patients and helping them with things like following a certain diet. 
 
Adding a nutritionist to your practice can be beneficial not only for your patients, but also for you as a physician to get some of your valuable time back. Working with someone like Jessica enables you to provide more educational resources and even one-on-one followup with your patients without you having to be directly involved. Although it can be intimidating to make the leap and invest in your practice, the results speak for themselves in showing how useful this investment can be in the long term. 
 
Quotes
• “The RD is very well versed in conventional medicine, a CNS is more trained in functional medicine.” (25:40-25:45 | Jessica)
• “I get the opportunity to help people realize that there's more than just the nutrition perspective, there's also lifestyle.” (30:39-30:46 | Jessica)
• “Each practitioner I have worked with that is like, ‘I’m just going to do it’ has found that it's super beneficial to their patients, but also for them.” (31:08-31:17 | Jessica)
• “Any step that requires a little bit of an investment is always scary. But yet, it always yields the best growth.” (31:45-31:52 | Lara)
 
Links
Connect with Jessica Bruno:
Website: www.naturalandnourish.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalandnourish/
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Maximizing Outcomes Through Collaboration and Practitioner Resilience

“Seriously? This is all we have to offer?” Tracy Harrison, principal instructor and founding CEO of the School of Applied Functional Medicine, found herself asking this question when her husband suddenly suffered a series of debilitating seizures and was a cocktail of drugs and very little information. This eye-opening incident spotlighted the current state of medicine which offers good disease care, but a major lack of actual health care, which Tracy says should address functional imbalances before such a major loss of vitality as to prompt a diagnosis and treatment. Patient and professional should engage in an ongoing, communicative relationship to maintain the patient's health long term. Not only does this allow a patient ownership and authority over their own health, but allows the practitioners to be actualized. 
 
Incentive is key. People don’t want to feel bound to a third party and a set of rules. Science shows there is no one path to health, and Tracy discusses the need to veer away from perfectionist mindset. At the School of Applied Functional Medicine, students’ diverse backgrounds allow each to contribute their own unique genius to the curriculum. 
 
The approaches discussed here present a significant potential unburdening of disease care. Moreover, reactions from patients remind Tracy and Lara why they are so dedicated to the good medicine movement.
Quotes
• “We need a whole separate initiative and system that promotes…functional balance that naturally repels disease.” (5:05-5:23 | Tracy) 
• “The car parked at the top of the hill…If you let it pick up some speed going downhill, it's going to land in the ditch. It's going to go in the lake.” (7:07-7:25 | Tracy)
• “You don't evaluate the function of a car outside of the state of the road, the climate, the environment…we can't separate the functional balance or lack thereof of a human system from diet, stress, sleep, relationships, personal fulfillment or belief systems.” (24:12-24:45 | Tracy)
• “We're trying to tell people what the right answer is rather than partner with them to discover the right answer for themselves…no one will ever be sustainably healthy under that set of rules.” (27:09-27:33 | Tracy)
• “The day you get that email that says, ‘Oh my gosh, I'm pregnant and I've been trying for years… for the first time ever, I have hope.’ There's no greater feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction.” (51:46-52:16 | Tracy)
 
Links
Connect with Tracy Harrison:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolappliedfunctionalmed/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AppliedFunctionalMedicine
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Healthy Hormones: The Adventure of Navigating Healthy Hormone Balance in Our Overly Stressful World

“Women are so cerebral. We’re running things. We're doing things, we are getting there. And it disconnects us from our pelvic floor. And when we look at the pelvic floor, that is our safety. That is our power,” shares Debbie Rice, ND. Debbie is the Director of Clinical Education for Precision Analytical and also practices part time as a naturopathic doctor. Her focus is on hormone health, thyroid health, and adrenal health. Most people have a very limited education on hormones, especially when it comes to women and their cycles. Hormones play a large role in overall health for both women and men and are critical for helping the body manage stress. Today, Debbie joins host Lara to discuss the importance of a healthy hormone balance.
 
It is a common misconception that hormones are static within the body. In truth, hormones are continually fluctuating depending on your circumstances, and with women, routinely fluctuating throughout their cycles. People are so busy nowadays and it is easy to end up so disconnected from your body that you are not really noticing your hormonal shifts. At Precision Analytical, Debbie performs hormone evaluation through the Dutch test, which uses dried urine to test for levels of sex hormones and adrenal hormones. This test is very helpful for understanding how your body is processing estrogen, testosterone and progesterone as well as the stress hormone, cortisol.
 
Knowing what your hormone levels are within your body empowers you to make more informed choices for managing your stress levels and preventing burnout. Not all providers are particularly knowledgeable about hormones and may not even think to discuss them with their patients. If you are looking to better manage your stress, seek a provider who understands the critical influence of hormones on the body. 
 
Quotes
• “We have choices that influence our health. We have choices that can lead us down the healthier pathway.” (23:26-23:35 | Debbie)
• “Some people feel silenced, even when they're talking to their provider.” (33:17-33:20 | Debbie)
• “There are choices that you can make with your lifestyle that make such a huge difference in how your body registers that stress.” (35:17-35:23 | Debbie) 
• “Women are so cerebral. We’re running things. We're doing things, we are getting there. And it disconnects us from our pelvic floor. And when we look at the pelvic floor, that is our safety. That is our power.” (37:12-37:22 | Debbie)
 
 
Links
Connect with Debbie Rice:
Website: dutchtest.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrice.debbie/
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
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