NEW APPROACH

From Page 8

Sudak takes a holistic approach that embraces the whole person –mind, body and spirit – to reach the goal of optimal wellness. Integrative health uses an array of approaches, including conventional medicine and other healing therapies. It emphasizes the relationship between patient and practitioner.

“Integrative health is effective because it delves into underlying factors,” explained Sudak. Patient and clinician work together to create an individualized plan drawn from diverse healing practices. The plan can draw on the expertise of other practitioners, such as dietitians/ nutritionists, acupuncturists and mental health therapists. Many options are available, such as diet modifications, exercise, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, aromatherapy, biofeedback, yoga and meditation.

“When I met Dr. Sudak, I just loved her,” Kelley said of her first appointment in August 2017. “She took in all this information about me and was so interested. I felt her encouragement and knew I could immediately trust her guidance.”

Kelley identified four goals: lose weight; deal with pain from fibromyalgia and sciatica; improve her shortness of breath; and resolve the chronic diarrhea.

“Our patients can radically change their lives,” Sudak Said. “We help them feel deeply cared for and empowered. We rapidly establish a deep rapport and create a positive healing environment. At the end of their first visit, patients often tell us they have felt heard.”convenience, and socialization all play a role. But, between downsizing, apartment or condo-style living, or even retrofitting your existing home, today’s seniors have more choices than ever.

In trying to find the root cause of many of Kelley’s problems, Sudak first looked to the gastrointestinal tract because Kelley had struggled with heartburn and diarrhea. A timed lab test analyzed gas levels in Kelley’s breath and helped diagnose a bacterial overgrowth in her small intestine. Acid-blocking medications for heartburn had suppressed good bacteria and allowed other bacteria from Kelley’s large intestine to travel to her small intestine, Sudak explained. The condition caused bloating, discomfort and diarrhea. It also made it difficult for Kelley to lose weight.

“All those of years of problems and all I had to do was blow into a straw at the lab,” she said with a smile.

Susan worked with Dietitian Jean Larson on an individualized nutrition plan to lose weight and restore a healthy gut. The plan has no gluten, dairy products, sugar, legumes or grains.

“I’ll stick to it if it works, and it has worked,” Kelley said. “Now I’m not worried that I’ll gain the weight back. Jean is very encouraging and so knowledgeable on how foods can hurt or heal your body.”

Sudak recommended Kelley begin exercising and referred her to SpineX, an eight-week exercise program for back pain that strengthens core muscles and safely boosts activity.

“SpineX taught me how to think about exercise,” Kelley said. “You have to stretch and move. If you hurt and you don’t move, you don’t get better.”

Acupuncturist Jake Swette has helped Kelley with sciatica pain and vertigo.

“Jake really listens to you and customizes each treatment to what’s bothering you,” explained Kelley. She added that the team treats her as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms.

“I’m so much more active and I have a better outlook,” she said. “I’m excited about getting up every day and doing things instead of saying that it just hurts too much.”

“Susan is an extraordinary determined person,” Sudak said. “She puts her mind to it and she’ll do it 100 percent. Her spirit drives her. It’s so joyful to work with such a committed patient and participate in such a beautiful metamorphosis.”