Sweet, Sweet Summer!

Tracy McDaniel • July 18, 2023

Hello to the OSFM community.  We hope you're having a summer full of sun, fun and time outdoors!  Here's some summer news from the clinic.


Mental health offerings

  • pediatric mental health
  • mind/ body medicine, biofeedback
  • craniosacral therapy


Dispensary and Lab information

  • Online dispensary update
  • B vitamin interference with lab testing
  • Pharmacy recommendations
  • Function medicine lab testing


Clinical updates and offerings

  • New mammogram and slightly older colon cancer screening guidelines
  • Cardiometabolic group class coming soon
  • Smoke safety repost
  • 2023 dirty dozen and clean 13 has arrived!


Practice news

  • Yoga space rental
  • Alexandra Owen is joining the practice!
  • Summer is a great time for visits


MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT


The team at OSFM has noticed a distinct uptick in visits related to mental health in the past few years, and we'd like to share some of the ways we can help if you or your child/ teen is struggling.  First, all of our doctors are well versed in integrative approaches to mental health care, including diagnosis, lifestyle medicine, nutrition, herbal and nutrient supplementation as well as prescribing medications.  In addition we have a few specific approaches that you might find helpful.


Dr. Short is back at OSFM and seeing patients virtually for:

  • Holistic mental health support; including medication/supplement management
  • Caregiver support for common childhood concerns and challenges
  • Adolescent/Teen guidance for depression, anxiety and other mood disorders 
  • Acute medical visits when appropriate for telemedicine


Dr. Short is offering mental health visits based on the FAST programs developed by Seattle Children's.  These are modules/sessions (based on a variety of evidence based techniques such as CBT, ACT, DBT, etc.) that caregivers work through with in session to address issues (in their child's behavior) from anxiety, depression, early childhood concerns which include- managing tantrums, "big feelings", not listening, to caregiver self care, etc.  Dr. Short teaches tools and strategies to families – These skills can benefit most families regardless of symptoms. For early childhood they are foundation skills to build relationships. Parenting is hard. and Dr. Short wants to support caregivers through these unique stages. 


Many of you know Dr. Nassim.  She's been offering Mind-Body Medicine sessions.  This approach is exploratory.  Through this type of medicine we teach people about the connection between mind and body, and how to regulate their stress response. Through this practice, we ultimately become more aware and less reactive to our environments. This allows us to respond to our world in ways that align with what we value and how we want to live and show up in the world. The modalities we utilize are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Autogenics, Functional Breathing Techniques, Meditation, and Biofeedback (coming soon!)


Craniosacral Osteopathic Manipulative Technique with Dr. McDaniel is another way to approach both physical and mental health concerns by working with the fluid, bones, fascia to reset and restore free movement and balance. 


DISPENSARY AND PHARMACY INFORMATION


Fullscript:   We encourage you to purchase your medical supplements from our reputable online resource rather than larger online retailers, as there is no guarantee of freshness or quality of ingredients. There have been numerous studies that show products’ contents are not reflected accurately on the facts label often. By purchasing through our online store, you can trust that you're getting the best quality supplements available and in the process support your local primary care naturopathic clinic. Link https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/oneskyfamilymedicine  https://www.verywellhealth.com/safety-of-amazon-supplements-6500961


Finding a Pharmacy.  Many of you used to use Pharmaca as your pharmacy of choice, and know that it was bought by Medly in 2021.  Medley filed for bankrupcy shortly thereafter and the company was bought by Walgreens.  All prescriptions were automatically transferred to Walgreens after the purchase.  We've had many requests for pharmacy recommendations since this happened, particularly as people learned of Walgreen's decision not to stock medications used for abortion care in many states. 


Here are some local pharmacies you might try if you're looking for a new one

  • Katterman's Pharmacy on Sandpoint
  • Madison Park Pharmacy and Wellness Center in Madison Valley
  • Ostrom's in Kenmore on Bothell Way
  • Bob Johnson's Pharmacy on 85 th NW in Greenwood


LAB TESTING TIDBITS


Many people don't know that taking high doses of Biotin can interfere with lab test results, especially thyroid results.  If you're taking high dose Biotin, which often happens with hair and nail formulas or high potency B complex supplements, make sure to discontinue 2 days before your lab tests to get an accurate result.


We're excited to announce that our functional medicine testing services are now available via telemedicine, allowing you to optimize your health from the comfort of your own home. Our functional medicine testing approach looks at the underlying factors contributing to your health concerns, such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and gut dysbiosis, cardiometabolic dysfunction and food allergy/ intolerance.  By identifying these root causes, we can provide personalized treatment that can really make a difference in your progress moving toward health.  Talk to your doctor if you're interested in learning more about functional medicine testing.


CLINICAL UPDATES


Have you heard that the US Preventive Services Task Force has announced new mammogram screening guidelines?  The new guideline suggests beginning mammograms at age 40 and doing them every other year until 74.   And while we're updating you on screening guidelines... in 2021 the colorectal cancer screening guideline age at first screening changed from 50 to 45. 


Heads up that we're planning to roll out a very cool cardiometabolic group this fall.  Stay tuned or let us know if you're interested- this class/ group visit will be great for people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood sugar dysregulation, or strong family histories of these things.  Dr. Mary Barrett will be conducting the group online and we'll let you know more soon.


What a blessedly clear and beautiful summer we're having!  Each day I wake up feeling such gratitude for the clear air, the and the gorgeous green all around us.  As you know, this isn't the case in much of the country which is experiencing the heat and smoke we've had here in recent years.  In the spirit of preparation and in support of those who are in those hot smoky areas, we've udated our blogpost on coping with smoke season.


The Environmental Working Group has releasted their 2023 Dirty Dozen and Clean 15- a great resource for deciding where to put your energy and finances when choosing produce.  Check it out, they even have an app!


PRACTICE NEWS


Are you or someone you know looking for a yoga space rental? A yoga space is available for rent in our lower floor. We would love to see the space used within the community to promote wellness and good in the world.  The space is ideal for yoga classes, meditation sessions, community acupuncture, and wellness retreats. We welcome someone who shares our vision of promoting health and wellness to the community. Contact us today to learn more about our yoga space rental options and to schedule a tour of the studio. We look forward to hearing from you!


We're thrilled to announce that Dr. Owen will be joining OSFM permanently after she completes her residency in the fall.  Dr. Owen will continue to offer comprehensive naturopathic primary care including pediatrics, offering frenotomy services and gender affirming care for all ages.  Welcome Dr. Owen!


Summer scheduling: Summer is the perfect time to take care of any medical needs that may have been put off. Whether it's getting a sports physical, annual exam, or catching up on immunizations, we are here to help you stay on top of your health this summer. Don't wait until the busy back to school and fall sick season to take care of your medical needs. We look forward to helping you stay healthy and happy this summer and beyond!

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