Mental Health

Top 5 Reasons to get Updated Bloodwork

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Getting routine bloodwork done can be anxiety provoking for some and an inconvenience for others, but having regular bloodwork done may provide some useful insights for your health. Whether it is through your medical doctor or a naturopathic doctor, bloodwork may help to reveal the culprit behind some of these common complaints: 

I’m Tired

When it comes to fatigue, there can be many common culprits from diet and lifestyle to stress and burnout. What some individuals do not realize is that fatigue can be a warning sign from our body that certain nutrients are low, or certain organs are not functioning at their optimal. A naturopathic doctor might consider ordering certain tests to help with discovering the root of this problem. 

I’m Anxious

With any mental health concern, our diet and lifestyle can make a huge impact on its state. Specifically, when trying to formulate a plan of action on how to address mental health concerns, bloodwork can be helpful in determining if there are nutrients that are deficient or other conditions that are contributing to the problem. 

I’m Bloated

Digestion is so important for our overall health. If one area of our digestive tract is not functioning well, it can affect our whole body. The most common complaint that individuals have with regards to digestion is bloating. Bloating can be the result of many different factors, for which blood tests can offer the clue to determine the culprit behind the digestive concerns. In addition, functional medicine tests such as food sensitivity testing can provide valuable insight into which foods might be contributing to bloating. 

I’m Hormonal (or feel like I am lacking)

Whether it is male or female hormones, they can all contribute to how we feel. Specifically, if hormones are too low, it can cause feelings of fatigue, mood swings, irregular cycles, etc. If hormones are too high, it can cause mood swings, skin blemishes, irregular cycles, etc. No matter the hormone, when they are imbalanced, it can create feelings of not being well. Hormones can be tested through bloodwork in order to determine if hormones are too high, or too low, and thus a treatment plan can be created to help support the journey to balance. 

I’m “Fine” 

When many individuals are not feeling well, the first stop is normally to get bloodwork done in order to determine what is going on. Occasionally, the bloodwork reveals that someone is “fine”, even though they do not feel “fine”. Getting further bloodwork may be helpful. In addition, a different perspective such as one attained through a Naturopathic Doctor, may be helpful as they look at bloodwork differently compared to your medical doctor. They look at your bloodwork compared to what is optimal and not just “fine”. This can help provide some clarity, insights, and answers for why they are feeling the way they are feeling. 

Can PNHC’s Naturopathic Doctors run Bloodwork? 

YES! Both of our naturopathic doctors are able to run most bloodwork. The bloodwork however is NOT covered by OHIP. The bloodwork can occasionally be covered under someone’s benefits (it is always best to check with your plan about this), but if nothing else, it can be put towards health expenses on an individual’s income tax return. Blood tests do vary in cost, and so, it is best to consult with your naturopathic doctor to determine the costs, what is necessary, and/or what paths to explore with testing. 

Ready to Book an Appointment? 

Give us a call/text at 226-232-7665 or go to the contact portion of this page (make sure to put in your email address correctly), and allow us to help you get matched up with the right Naturopathic Doctor for your specific situation! 

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in trying any of our services, working with any of our amazing practitioners, or are simply wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today! 

Expanding Registered Massage Therapy at PNHC

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We are so excited to let our community know that our massage availability has expanded with the addition of another massage therapist to our team. We now have four massage therapists who are eager to help with your health needs. Our availability in the past for evenings was limited. We are now able to offer more morning, mid day, AND evening openings! Ready to book in with one of our RMTs? Call or text 226-232-7665 to book in, or email us at info.pnhc@gmail.com. Not ready yet but want to learn more about our RMTs? See below for more information. 

Cheryl McReynolds 

Right when her patients walk in the door, Cheryl makes them feel welcome and relaxed. Cheryl started her career working in medical administration in alternative medicine offices, expanded her passions to reflexology, and further pursued training as a registered massage therapist. Her beginnings in her career have made her specifically adept at making patients feel relaxed, safe, and cared for in their treatments. Cheryl has a remarkable way of holding space for her patients and providing just the right amount of therapeutic pressure. She brings additional training to our team in the area of lymphatic drainage. 

A fun fact about Cheryl is that she is a fantastic “sharer”. From deals to treats, she loves to brighten our days with small acts of kindness. 

Joshua Morrison 

Josh brings a great wealth of knowledge to our team with his experience working in teams alongside physiotherapists. He loves trying to solve a problem that has not been solved yet, or has been difficult to correct. Josh allows his knowledge with personal training to align with his skills as a registered massage therapist in order to produce therapeutic outcomes. Of all of our Registered Massage Therapists, he has the deepest pressure. He finds it rewarding to help his patients get back to a place of health and reduced pain. Whether it is on the sports field or in the workplace, he helps his patients achieve a better quality of life.

A fun fact that you may not know about Josh is that he is our clinic “scarer”. If you hear a random “yelp” out of our team, Josh is likely the culprit behind it. 

Amber Stere 

Amber is a familiar face at our clinic as she started her journey as one of PNHC’s medical administrators. She wanted to expand her impact on client care and dove into the world of Registered Massage Therapy. Amber is interested in getting to the root of what is causing a patient’s concerns. She is always looking to solve the puzzle of what is ailing them. She, like much of our team, also finds joy in brightening her patients’ day, and giving them hope for their situations. She absolutely loves helping individuals recovering from musculoskeletal injuries, struggling with acute or chronic pain, and looking to de-stress in life. 

A fun fact about Amber is that she has been known to be randomly, joyfully dancing and singing at our clinic, and has been caught by a patient/team member or two. 

Lorri Zimmerman

Though Lorri is not currently accepting new patients, she brings the perfect therapeutic touch to those she works with. Lorri initially began her career as a reflexologist, and expanded her approach to include registered massage therapy. This therapeutic combination is seen in her treatments, as she often combines the two to help her patients to achieve their health goals. Lorri’s holistic approach to care creates a treatment that helps a patient’s physical and mental/emotional well-being.  Lorri enjoys working with patients who struggle with frequent headaches and migraines, as she understands the struggle first hand. She believes that most of our ailments can be attributed to the stress response, and that by activating the parasympathetic nervous system through massage and reflexology, it can make a huge impact on our health.

A fun fact about Lorri is that she shows a lot of joy around holidays, often bringing fun props and dressing up to brighten spirits around holidays. 

All of our RMTs can work with a wide range of concerns and patient demographics, but also have certain areas they work really well in. Not sure who would be the best fit for your situation? Ask our team and we would be happy to direct you to the right fit for your specific concern!  

PNHC now offering reduced fee Psychotherapy Counselling!

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We are excited to be able to expand our mental health support through psychotherapy at Plattsville Natural Health Clinic! We have Mandy Adam, an intern therapist working under the supervision of Elizabeth C. Faus Counselling and Psychotherapy, who will be starting with us May 5, 2025. Mandy will be offering reduced fees for psychotherapy during her student internship at our office. She will be offering individual sessions for only $90 and couples sessions for $150. Welcome Mandy and we look forward to watching you impact the health and care of our patients and community!

If you would like to book with Mandy, simply contact:

Elizabeth C. Faus elizabeth.c.faus@gmail.com or 226-228-0448 to see if Mandy or Elizabeth is the right fit for you.

Mandy Adam mandy.w.adam@gmail.com or 226-228-8495 to speak to Mandy directly.

Do you want to know if Mandy’s style is what you need? See below for a little about her approach:

One time I saw a friend at the store holding a cake. I asked, “What are you celebrating?” He appeared confused, but then realized I was looking at the cake and with a sad smile said, “This is my comfort cake for a tough day.” I wonder how often in life others assume we are celebrating, but underneath our smiles we are hiding our pain. Do you ever feel that way? On the outside everything looks fine but inwardly you are hurting? Maybe it has always felt like no one will ever understand you. My desire as a therapist is to meet you where you are at in your story and to see the world through your eyes.” Source: mandyadam.com

To learn more about Mandy before booking, see below for her bio:

Meet Mandy Adam, an intern therapist at Elizabeth C. Faus Counselling & Psychotherapy, located at the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic. As she concludes the final phase of her Master’s in Counselling, she is dedicated to applying her skills and knowledge to support individuals on their personal journeys. Mandy holds an undergraduate degree in Religious Education and Human Services, which provides her with a solid foundation in psychology and sociology.

Mandy is committed to fostering meaningful connections and believes in the power of compassionate, non-pathologizing spaces where individuals can feel safe and understood. Her collaborative approach emphasizes transformative change through an integrative evidence-based framework. Mandy employs a range of therapeutic modalities, including person-centred therapy, attachment theory, narrative therapy, coherence therapy, art therapy, biopsychosocial approaches, family systems therapy, DBT, ACT, and faith-based approaches.

With experience working with military families, teens, single mothers, and individuals facing burnout, Mandy has a diverse approach to addressing life’s challenges. In her free time, she enjoys glamping with her three kids, reading, and expressing her creativity through writing and art.

For more information: mandyadam.com

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in trying any of our services, working with any of our amazing practitioners, or are simply wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today! 

Psychotherapy now available at PNHC – Welcome Elizabeth!

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We are so excited to welcome Elizabeth Faus registered psychotherapist to our team! When you meet this remarkable lady, she immediately draws you in with her approachable and personable disposition. She is currently available on Thursdays between 12pm and 5pm for all of your psychotherapy needs, with opportunity to expand her hours in the future. To book in for your appointment, call or text 226-232-7665. Still not sure if psychotherapy is right for you? See below for more information or give us a call to learn more.

What is Psychotherapy?

In an environment of empathy and compassion, psychotherapy helps individuals to develop strategies and tools needed for change and healing. While it is always an option for clients to come for short-term therapy (and sometimes that is all that is needed or accessible due to financial limitations), psychotherapy is by definition a deeper dive into individual’s lives—the deep-rooted patterns, childhood stories or traumas that may be limiting their daily lives. It is often when individuals are willing to “go deeper”—to look at the root causes of their suffering—that they see real, lasting change in their lives.

EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is an evidenced-based psychotherapy method proven to be effective in treating trauma, depression and anxiety. It involves asking the individual to focus on specific trauma memories and images from their past while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (eye movement, tapping, etc.). EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about a distressing event, but instead focuses on the emotions and thoughts associated with traumatic memories. The processes involved in EMDR allow the brain to desensitize, digest, and reprocess negative memories leading to long-term healing and freedom.

Elizabeth Faus RP

Elizabeth completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Western Ontario in 2014, and then began working in Human Resources. Her love of connecting with people led her to pursue a Masters of Arts in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy which she completed in 2018. Over the last 5 plus years, Elizabeth has been providing individual counselling to children, adolescents, teens and adults. She resides in Ayr Ontario with her husband and two young daughters. 

Elizabeth has knowledge and experience providing support to those struggling with complex trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, self-harm/suicide, loss and those simply wishing to improve their emotional well-being. She is specifically trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy which is an evidenced-based psychotherapy method proven to be effective in treating trauma and depression.

She brings energy and dedication to her work, offering a warm and compassionate environment. She desires to journey alongside clients so that they may feel heard, seen and may experience positive change and long-term healing. 

In her free time, she enjoy lattes, giggling with my girls, and deep conversations.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in trying any of our services, working with any of our amazing practitioners, or are simply wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today!