Naturopathic Medicine

Exciting News!

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I am sure most of you have been wondering why I have been so quiet lately. I apologize for not posting a blog more regularly, but I do have some exciting news to end this drought.

The News!!

As of March/April 2018 I will be extending my practice to include the Plattsville Ontario area! The extension in my practice will involve the grand opening of my clinic, Plattsville Natural Health Clinic. The plans for this new clinic have been ongoing since July 2017, and will finally be a reality. As some of you know, I lived in Plattsville when I was quite young, and so, it holds a special place in my heart. An opportunity came up for me to start a clinic in the community, and I took it! How awesome would it be to provide naturopathic care to a rural area! It is my hope that I will be able to extend my reach and help more and more people by making this addition to my practice! We are not yet booking patients, but we are fast approaching an opening date! I am so thankful for everyone who has helped make this possible. This clinic would not have been possible without the love and support of my parents, sister, husband, friends and family. Thank you to everyone who has offered a kind word or a helping hand.

Coming Soon plattsvilee

What does this mean for my practice in Woodstock?

Nothing will change with my practice at Meyers Chiropractic and Health Specialists, and you can expect to see me there the same number of hours/days that I have been, but I will be using the “days off” to focus my attention to this new clinic that we are starting! With the support of the Meyers team, I am happy to be able to provide the same care I do at Woodstock to the Plattsville and surrounding area (Ayr, Drumbo, Tavistock, New Dundee, etc.).

Thoughts?

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me personally. Otherwise, please keep up-to-date on this new and exciting adventure (I have posted some snap shots of what the transformation process and journey has involved) by going to Plattsville Natural Health Clinic on facebook.

Anxiety: Defined, Signs and Symptoms, and Who can Help

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I must caution you before you read this article that this is not meant to replace the advise of a health care provider and should not be used as such. If you have any of the following symptoms or concerns seek help.

Anxiety Defined

Anxiety can be very crippling for many individuals. It can lead to many doctors visits and much time off from school or work. Anxiety can cause one to be avoidant and often lead to other mental health disorders such as depression.

Before one can really appreciate how anxiety can impact an individual, one needs to understand how it is clinically defined. Anxiety is clinically defined as excessive worry (that is difficult to control) occurring more days than not, regarding several events or activities. The anxiety is deemed clinically relevant when it impedes your activity of daily living in any way shape or form, thus causing distress, and cannot be explained by other diagnosis’ or diseases. In other words, it is your health care team’s job to investigate your symptoms and determine if they can be explained by any other means i.e. heart racing due to arrhythmia.

Below I have provided some surprising yet possible signs and symptoms of anxiety. Look out for them, and if you feel that this may be you seek help (also provided below).

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety:

  • Avoidance behaviors
    • Avoidance of activities may be subtle
    • Limited interpersonal relationships
    • Procrastination
    • Non-assertive in new situations
  • Emotional
    • Nervousness
    • Irritability
    • Dread
    • Insomnia
    • Exaggerated startle response
    • Easily distracted and Unable to concentrate
    • Scanning or vigilance
  • Musculoskeletal
    • Muscle twitching
    • Restlessness
    • Shakiness
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle aches or tension
    • Numbness
  • Cardiopulmonary symptoms
    • Racing Heart
    • Shortness of breath
    • Difficulty breathing especially with exertion
    • Chest pain
    • Sweating palms
    • Cold palms
    • Excessive sweating
  • Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary symptoms
    • Choking sensation
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Heartburn or GERD
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Abdominal pain
    • Anorexia
    • Diarrhea
    • Constipation
    • Frequent urination
  • Neurologic symptoms
    • Dizziness
    • Light headedness or faintness
    • Headaches
    • Tremors

Seek Help

Many different resources are available within a community to help those struggling with anxiety. I have chosen to focus on my community in general, but many of these can be transferred between counties. Many of the organizations below may seem irrelevant, but it can be relevant depending on the cause of your anxiety.

  • Any health care provider on your “personal team” i.e. your medical doctor, naturopathic doctor, nurse practitioner, counsellor, psychiatrist etc.
  • Canadian Mental Health Association Woodstock Branch: 519-539-8342 or 1-877-339-8342
  • Oxford Domestic Assault Review Team: 519-421-0383
  • Addictions Services via Woodstock and area community health center: 519-673-3242 ext 222
  • Addictions Services of Thames Valley: 519-673-3242
  • Kid’s Help Phone: 1-800-668-6888
  • Domestic Abuse Services Oxford: 519-539-4811 or 1-800-265-1938
  • Rape Crisis – Domestic Abuse Services Oxford: 519-539-4811 or 1-800-265-1938
  • Al-Anon Woodstock: 1-888-425-2666

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 Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

 

Acupuncture Clinic – March 1, 2017

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acupunctureOn March 1, 2017, I am inviting any patients of mine who are interested in receiving acupuncture for a reduced rate to join me at the clinic for a “Acupuncture Clinic”! The only change is that the acupuncture will be in a group setting. You will not have any body part exposed that you do not feel comfortable with, but we do ask that you wear comfortable clothes that allow access to the shoulders and knees (in the event that the needles are put in these spots).

The acupuncture points that will be chosen for you will be based on either your previous treatment plan, or your Traditional Asian Medicine (TAM) diagnosis (based n the tongue and pulse).

If you have not had acupuncture before, are a patient of mine, and are wanting to try acupuncture, this a great opportunity to try it for a reduced price.  The price for the session is $25 (compared to $45), and allows the opportunity to make your health benefits for naturopathic or acupuncture coverage go a bit further this year.

When and Where:

March 1, 2017 from 5pm-7pm

Meyers Chiropractic and Health Specialists

338 Dundas St Suite 101

Woodstock ON

N4S 1B4

How to Prepare: 

Call 519-537-7058 to book your spot

Wear comfortable clothes that allow access to the shoulders and knees

Bring your headphones and music

Please note that this is on a first -come first -serve basis and is only open to patient’s of Dr. Elisha Cook ND. If you are not already a patient of Dr. Elisha Cook ND and would like to take part in this event, there is still time to become a patient. Book your initial appointment before March 1, 2017! For more information please call the clinic at 519-537-7058 or contact me personally.

We reserve the right to deny acupuncture treatment in the event that Dr. Cook determines that based on your medical history, that this treatment is not appropriate for you.

The End to 2016, the Beginning to 2017: What is to come?

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A Year in Review

What a year 2016 has been. We have had a lot of ups and downs in world events, and a lot has changed from when 2016 started. I know that for myself, I have seen a lot of changes within my own practice. Ultimately, I have learned a lot from all of my patients and I want to express that heart felt gratitude. Thank you to everyone who has walked through the doors of my office, opened up about your struggles, and allowed me to be a part of your journey. I am also grateful for all of those who have continued to keep engaged by reading my blogs, attending trade shows/events, and posting/sharing via social media. I encourage you that if you have any feedback you would like to provide regarding my blogs, posts, or doctoring, to provide that to me so I can better serve you! You can simply contact me through the contact portion of my website or via email.

Things to Come in 2017

In the New Year, I will have the opportunity to order blood testing as a pay-for-service for patients. What this means is you will not have to necessarily go through your medical doctor to get certain blood tests ordered. In addition, I will be promoting more of my own brand of teas for purchase, while continuing to make custom blends and sell supplements for patients. I have also given some thought into providing in-home visits to help make my services more accessible for some. Finally, I am hoping that with the New Year will bring some more opportunities to finish and finalize a book I have been writing for patient education purposes! I will keep you all posted with updates on it!

As always, thank you for staying connected, and I look forward to working with you!

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 Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!