Welcome to the world of Functional medicine, where prevention is more than a strategy. It’s a lifestyle decision that can have significant health benefits over time. I’m Scott Watkins and I look forward to guiding you on a journey where proactive health measures are prioritized over reactive treatments. There is a reason my new motto is An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure, learn more about Functional Medicine here.
From Cancer Specialist to Prevention Advocacy
After 25 years of working as a cancer expert, I have seen first-hand the importance of preventative measures. I have a vast knowledge of health and disease, thanks to my extensive medical experience, which includes my training at West Virginia University Medical School, as well as my residency in Radiation oncology. My personal health issues in my fifties led me to Functional Medicine.
Why functional medicine?
Functional medicine is more than just treating symptoms. It also aims to find the root causes of disease. It integrates traditional medicine with holistic treatment and innovative research, and focuses on lifestyle and environment factors. I am drawn to this field because it emphasizes prevention and has the potential to improve life quality.
Personal journey and professional shift
As a radiation-oncologist, my career was dedicated to treating cancer patients with precision and compassion. I began to wonder how we could prevent the health problems that cancer survivors continue to experience. My own health issues – increased weight, high blood-pressure, and pre-metabolic symptoms – prompted me to turn to Functional Medicine. These were my wake-up call to change my lifestyle and diet.
Diet and Preventative Health
Diet is crucial to maintaining good health and preventing disease. My own experience with reflux was similar to that of my mother, and I realized how much dietary changes could improve my life. This realization was reinforced by my studies at the Institute for Functional Medicine where I learned the benefits of low-carbohydrate and intermittent fasting diets for maintaining gastrointestinal health.
The Key to Sustainable Health is Upstream Prevention
Functional Medicine is based on the concept of prevention upstream. Functional Medicine aims to address potential health problems before they manifest as diseases. By managing insulin levels, you can avoid the onset and progression of diabetes. Diabetes is a serious disease that damages organs by the time the diagnosis occurs. This preventative method can be used to treat a variety of conditions that affect several body systems. It shows the interconnectedness between our bodies and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance.
Chronic Inflammation: Its Long-Term Effects
Chronic inflammation can cause a number of health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Functional medicine aims to reduce inflammation by modifying diet and lifestyle. It is a proactive approach to a widespread problem.
The New Phase of Medical Care
In this new phase of medical practice, I will continue to educate and assist others in their pursuit of preventative healthcare. I want to move the focus away from the aftermath of disease and towards prevention, to ensure a healthier future.
Join me in this Health Revolution
Join me if you are ready to explore the benefits and take charge of your own health. We can all work together to create a world where prevention is more valuable than cure.
Visit my website or contact me to learn more about your path towards preventative healthcare. Make health a top priority and not just a side note.
Scott V. Watkins M.D., Yours in Health