Your First Visit: What to Expect
It is a privilege you have chosen to trust us as you begin and/or continue your journey of creating health in your body. We believe that you have the power to heal your body and optimize your health. We are excited to walk alongside you and give you the tools you need to feel your best and reduce your risk of chronic disease. We help you meet your health-related goals using a comprehensive, integrative approach that combines the best of conventional and functional medicine.
At Rhett Women’s Center, our approach begins with the belief that you KNOW your body. We believe that your lifestyle choices have the power to impact your health more than medications. We develop a partnership with our patients to create a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of health creation. We know there is NOT one cause to every condition and symptom. We also know that each condition and symptom can have multiple solutions.
Here is what you can expect at your first visit:
Thorough Assessment
- We will begin with a thorough assessment of your symptoms. We want to know as much as possible about you and what brought you to our office. Knowing your symptoms and your story is important because so many different symptoms that may seem unrelated can, in fact, be closely linked. We will also review your lifestyle habits. This review may include, but is not limited to, nutrition, exercise and movement, sleep, and stress management.
Laboratory Work Up
- We will get a comprehensive set of lab work. So, come fasting (for at least 12 hours) if you can!
Identifying Root Causes
- We will address lifestyle factors and root causes. This will allow us to start to take control of the what may be impacting you and provide clarity as to the root cause(s) of your symptoms.
- Nutrition: We see food as information, as nourishment, and as medicine. Conversely, food can also be the cause of multiple symptoms, inflammation, and disease. To figure out how food affects your body, we begin with an elimination diet which typically includes…gluten, dairy, sugar, corn, soy, and eggs. We encourage you to eat. An example diet:
- Veggies 9-11 servings (including at least 3 cups of leafy greens)
- Fats 6-9 servings (oils, nuts, seeds, olives, avocados)
- Protein 2-3 servings
- Fruits 1-2 servings daily
- Exercise and Movement: Daily movement is extremely important! You want to move your body in a way that makes you feel great! Your body also needs plenty of rest and a variety of activities. Exercise that we recommend may include:
- Daily walks
- Start with 10 minutes and work your way up to 30 minutes to an hour
- HIIT–High intensity interval training that is short in duration
- Consider no more than 15 minutes 2-3x/week
- Yoga/Stretching
- At least 15 minutes daily
- Consider a yoga class that is suitable to your fitness level
- Daily walks
- Sleep
- Work for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night
- Try to be in bed by 10 p.m. and up by 7 a.m.
- Eliminate screens (including your phone, computer, television) at least 1 hour prior to bedtime
- Develop a bedtime routine that is relaxing and prepares your body for rest
- Stress Management
- Incorporate practices in your day that allow you to manage daily life stresses in a life-giving way
- Consider creating a morning practice that may incorporate journaling, meditation, and/or movement
- We love using the Calm App or the Headspace App
- Nutrition: We see food as information, as nourishment, and as medicine. Conversely, food can also be the cause of multiple symptoms, inflammation, and disease. To figure out how food affects your body, we begin with an elimination diet which typically includes…gluten, dairy, sugar, corn, soy, and eggs. We encourage you to eat. An example diet:
We know EVERY patient is unique and brings their own perspective. This outline is typically where we begin. Based on your personal goals and symptoms, we work to meet you where you are and gather information to help you reach your goals.