transforming the health of families
Since becoming a functional nurse, I have noticed how functional medicine has already had an incredible impact on my own family and friends. People want to understand what it is, and how they can lead healthier lives. We talk about nutrition, clean and whole foods, clean products in our everyday environment, and the importance of exercise. I have noticed subtle shifts in my immediate and extended family.
It has made me realize how much people want to be educated and empowered to live healthy lives, they just didn’t know how. Now everyone is scanning their food, home and body products through the Yuka and Environmental Working Group apps. It was quite humorous to see my father running around his house scanning all of their items and shouting out how bad they are. Nutrition advice in the media and online spheres are extraordinarily confusing, so it’s been helpful to bring it back to the basics of just consuming whole foods and removing processed foods. A lot of our choices become habits, whether they have been good or bad choices. Sometimes all we need is a little reminder to realize we have gotten into bad habits, which then leaves space for change.
I think about my daughter and partner’s health everytime I make meals for them or make purchases at the grocery store. My partner and daughter take note of everything I do, especially when I alter the norm. When I educate my patients, this becomes true for their families as well. When they make improvements to their eating or exercise habits, these changes influence their whole family and can better the health of everyone around them. Even if family members don’t make immediate shifts, they are watching what is happening with their loved one. When they see positive changes, they realize they can do it too. No one can make anyone change, but we can be a positive role model for those around us. As I see within my own family, this causes a ripple effect to generations below us and the community around us.
In holistic nursing and functional medicine we also address stress management and emotional wellbeing. Cultivating this aspect of our lives improves our relationships with our family members and community. This can be transformative for strengthening family bonds.
Nurturing ourselves and our wellbeing has a remarkable influence not just on ourselves, but for those around us as well. The functional medicine approach is truly transformative on a large scale, improving the health of not only individuals, but families and communities as well.
