CW Vol 2. Ed. 14 - CW Vol 2 Ed. 13 - Functional Medicine - What is It?
Whether you’re swinging a hammer or crunching numbers, staying healthy matters—and not just for work. In this Newsletter, we’re introducing Functional Medicine—a science-based approach that digs beyond symptoms to address what’s holding you back, so you can feel well in all aspects of life. From the field to the office and to home with family and friends, here’s how it can help you thrive on and off the clock.
Functional Medicine Basics
What It Is: Functional Medicine looks at your body as a connected system, finding and fixing the root causes of issues like pain, fatigue, or stress.
How It Works: Using advanced tests (think gut health or hormone checks) and custom plans (diet, lifestyle, therapies), the Functional Medicine doctor will tailor treatment to your needs—whether you’re on-site or at a desk.
Why It Matters: Less downtime, more energy, and better focus for work—plus the vitality to enjoy family, hobbies, and everything else that makes life good.
How Functional Medicine Helps You
Functional Medicine is all about you—your body, your day, your life. Here’s how it plays out, straight from the playbook of the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the pioneers of this approach:
For Field Crew: Lugging steel beams or pouring concrete? That wear-and-tear could be inflammation grinding your joints like sandpaper. IFM notes that diet—like too many processed carbs—can spike inflammation by 50% or more. Functional Medicine could dial that back, so you’re not just powering through shifts but also hitting the trails or tossing a ball with your crew at home.
For Office Staff: Zoom calls and late-night emails frying your brain? Your gut might be the culprit—IFM says it’s the “root” of 80% of chronic issues, from fatigue to fog. A custom plan could reset your system, turning those bleary afternoons into sharp focus—and leaving you energy for a post-work run or movie night.
Picture This!
Imagine a construction worker who’s been battling nagging shoulder pain after years of lifting, or an office admin who can’t shake that mid-day crash despite coffee on tap. Regular doctor visits might say “take it easy” or “try more caffeine,” but Functional Medicine takes a different angle. For the field worker, tests might reveal inflammation tied to poor nutrition or low magnesium from sweating it out—fixed with a targeted diet shift and supplements. For the office admin, it could uncover a food sensitivity or stress spiking cortisol—handled with a gut-friendly plan and relaxation tweaks. The result? They’re not just patched up—they’re back to lifting with ease or powering through reports, with energy left for life outside work.
What Functional Medicine Offers
Here’s what it brings to the table:
Acupuncture: Eases pain or tension—great for sore backs or stiff necks from screens.
Nutritional Therapy: Builds meal plans to cut inflammation or boost stamina, tailored to your day.
Hormone Testing & Balancing: Checks stress or energy levels, using natural fixes like supplements.
Gut Health Optimization: Fixes digestion with probiotics or diet shifts—key for energy and immunity.
Chiropractic Care: Aligns your spine, helping with fieldwork strain or office posture slumps.
Who’s Behind It?
Functional MDs: Doctors with added training (300+ hours via places like the Institute for Functional Medicine) in nutrition, systems biology, and lifestyle care.
Naturopaths: NDs with 4-year degrees and expertise in holistic therapies like acupuncture and botanicals.
✅ Try This: Swap a soda or energy drink for water and a handful of nuts or a banana—steady fuel for any shift!
✅ Stay tuned—this month, we’re rolling out a new tool to explore Functional Medicine options and HSA benefits, making it easier to take charge of your health!
Remember, no medical advice here, just tips for a healthier lifestyle! Consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new health regimen.
View this Newsletter and links to resources here.
4/2/2025