The summer heat can be intense in Arizona this time of year. It is easy to get overheated or dehydrated in the warm and dry summer months. A general rule is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water a day. Water alone may not be enough to hydrate you, and the need to be hydrated may increase if you sweat a lot or work outside all day. Dehydration can hit suddenly if you are not consistent about drinking water and replacing electrolytes that are released during sweating or exercising in … [Read more...] about Are You Hydrated Enough?
The Vitality Doctor Flagstaff
Understanding Hormone Imbalance in Men
Men also can experience a decline in hormones and should know that it could happen at any age. Men rarely hear about this topic, or they think that hormone imbalances only occur in women. Hormone imbalance can happen at any age and stage of life for both men and women. More men need to be aware of hormone imbalance symptoms and management. Many people are aware of the normal changes teenagers experience during the hormonal shifts of puberty: acne, hair growth, deepened voice and muscle … [Read more...] about Understanding Hormone Imbalance in Men
The Vitality Doctor Christina Kovalik Helps Patients Navigate the ‘Hormone Shift’
Growing up in a health-conscious household laid a firm foundation for The Vitality Doctor, Christina Kovalik, but what really sparked her interest in the medical field was when her mom took her to observe a birth when she was 5 years old. “My mom was a childbirth coach and taught classes, so I became interested in the medical field at a very early age. The seeds were planted,” said Dr. Kovalik, who was born and raised in Phoenix. In pursuit of her dream, Kovalik attended Northern Arizona … [Read more...] about The Vitality Doctor Christina Kovalik Helps Patients Navigate the ‘Hormone Shift’
Understanding the Hype about Peptide Therapy for Weight Loss
Obesity and diabetes cases are high in the U.S. and rising on a daily basis because of the American lifestyle and poor diet choices. Hormone imbalance may also contribute to weight challenges. The most recent drug that has been FDA approved for weight loss is a GLP-1 peptide called Tirzepatide-mounjaro (name brand). Another GLP-1 peptide that often is used for diabetic patients is semaglutide, name brand Ozempic, which also has been shown to lower hemoglobin A1c blood tests, balance blood … [Read more...] about Understanding the Hype about Peptide Therapy for Weight Loss
Why Are You So Tired?
Springtime brings beautiful blooming flowers, trees and plants. Flagstaff winds can pick up high pollen and dust counts that aggravate allergies. Making poor dietary and lifestyle choices can increase the burden on the liver, worsening allergy symptoms. Eating a lot of fried, fatty or processed foods, foods that lack nutrients and vitality, will also increase the burden on the liver, creating more of an allergy/inflammatory response on the body. How do you know if you are showing signs of liver … [Read more...] about Why Are You So Tired?
Why Are You So Tired?
Fatigue is very common issue that I see in my practice on a daily basis. There are many causes of fatigue, but one of the most common causes is hormone imbalances caused by stress, poor nutrition or hormone shifts of aging – perimenopause, menopause and andropause. Stress triggered by lifestyle, work schedules, financial troubles or life challenges trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. When chronic stress occurs, it can put your body … [Read more...] about Why Are You So Tired?
Exploring the Benefits of Acupuncture for Overall Health
Acupuncture has been used in China for thousands of years and is still used today in hospitals and clinics there. It was brought to the U.S. in the 70s and has spread across the country as alternative therapy for various health aliments from pain, immune system boosting, fertility, hot flashes, stress, depression and anxiety, allergies and more. There are different techniques and philosophies associated with acupuncture such as Japanese, Korean or Traditional Chinese medicine techniques. All … [Read more...] about Exploring the Benefits of Acupuncture for Overall Health
How Belly Fat Leads to Inflammation, Disease, Hormone Issues
Obesity is continually on the rise in the United States since the 1990s because of food packaging, lifestyle choices and changes in the food pyramid recommendations of eating a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. Food packaging got in on the low-fat bandwagon and would add more sugar, grains, processed items in place of the good fats or nutrients that they removed from food products. Certain lifestyle choices also contribute to increasing belly weight and increasing inflammation from continually … [Read more...] about How Belly Fat Leads to Inflammation, Disease, Hormone Issues
Natural Treatments May Shorten Duration of Colds, Flu, Viruses
Cold and flu season is here. Many people are getting sick more often this year, despite normal measures of washing hands and sanitizing. Although those efforts can prevent illness for those diligent and consistent with the habit, some people require natural ways to boost their immunity through cold and flu season. Here is a list of my favorite immune boosters to help shorten the duration of a cold, flu or virus. It can also be used for preventative enhancement. Do the wet sock treatment. Take … [Read more...] about Natural Treatments May Shorten Duration of Colds, Flu, Viruses
Honoring the Season of Gratitude with Five Simple Exercises
The holidays are here and it is a great time to start implementing the attitude of gratitude. There are many short exercises that you can do to keep you in that space of feeling and expressing gratitude on a daily basis. Many people can get stuck in a rut of complaining or in a negative space like it is a vicious cycle. They may be focusing on the bad things going on around them or negative thinking patterns. Like attracts like. Everything has energy or vibration, including thoughts, words and … [Read more...] about Honoring the Season of Gratitude with Five Simple Exercises
