Welcome to Functional Medicine 411, a new website dedicated to Functional Medicine. Scott Watkins is Dr. Scott Watkins. I am excited to help you on your path to health and wellness. I am a former cancer specialist who has shifted focus to helping you prevent health issues before they happen. Here I share with you my journey, and the principles behind Functional Medicine. This can empower you to control your health. If you are looking for the best people to help you Prevent Health Issues before they start visit Functional Medicine 411 today.
From Cancer Care to Prevention of Health
My career started at West Virginia University Medical School. I then completed a residency in Radiation Oncology, at the Albert Einstein Center at Temple University Hospital. As a Board Certified Radiation Oncologist I treated cancer patients for 25 years, making sure their radiation treatments were accurate.
As I approached my fifties, I began to notice changes in my health: weight gain, high blood-pressure, and lack of sleep. My busy schedule led to many unhealthy habits and my primary doctor warned me of pre-metabolic symptoms. My professional and personal insights combined with this personal experience led me to investigate Functional Medicine’s preventative approach.
Functional Medicine: The Power of Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine focuses on identifying and addressing disease causes, with a focus on prevention and well-being. Functional Medicine, unlike traditional medicine which treats symptoms often, aims to maintain your health by providing personalized care. Here are some of the core principles:
1. Gut Health and Nutrition
The health of our gut has a significant impact on our overall health. The food we eat may contribute to chronic conditions such as acid reflux, heart disease, diabetes and heart failure, or it can prevent them. Adopting a low carbohydrate diet, for example, helped me reduce my acid reflux symptoms. It was a simple but effective change.
2. Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent Fasting (alternating between eating and fasting) can improve digestive health and reduce inflammation. This method is a powerful way to prevent diseases caused by chronic inflammation.
3. Early Prevention
Diabetes can be prevented long before the diagnosis. We can prevent end organ damage from chronic conditions by managing insulin levels early and reducing inflammation. Functional Medicine promotes early intervention in order to prevent diseases from starting.
I Commit to Your Health
We offer comprehensive guidance at Functional Medicine 411 on how to incorporate these principles into your daily life. We offer a variety of health programs, ranging from dietary modifications to customized health plans. Our goal is to promote health and prevent disease.
Real-Life Impact
Diabetes is traditionally treated after diagnosis, and often only when significant damage has been done. Functional Medicine aims to manage risk factors as early as possible, such that elevated insulin levels are addressed before they become full-blown diabetes. This proactive approach is effective in preventing a variety of conditions including heart disease and obesity.
Take Control of Your Health
Preventative healthcare is more than just avoiding sickness. It’s also about improving your quality of living. Here’s where you can begin:
- Assess your Lifestyle: Pay attention to your eating habits, sleep patterns, and exercise. Even small changes can have a huge impact.
- Educate yourself: Learn the impact of gut, nutrition and inflammation on overall health.
- Seek guidance: Consult a Functional Medicine practitioner in order to create a health plan that is personalized.
Join me on this Journey
I am committed to helping you achieve optimal wellness through prevention. I have seen first-hand the effects of neglecting your health. My goal is to help you prevent these problems by taking proactive measures.
Our motto at Functional Medicine 411 is “An ounce is worth a penny in cure.” Together, we can build a healthier tomorrow. Join our community and explore our resources to begin your journey towards wellness.
Yours in health,
Dr. Scott V. Watkins M.D.