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Practicing integrative health and wellness isn't just for humans! During this session we uncovered what pet-related alternative and complementary treatments are available and the research behind them. We also discussed the lifecycle of our furry friends, and how these approaches can help with prevention and health maintenance, as well as illness, disease, injury, and aging.

This event was held at Aquinas College's Donnelly Center [157 Woodward Lane Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506]. 

Speaker:
Christine Swanson, DCM, DACVIM, Specialist, Board Certified in Veterinary Oncology at BluePearl Specialty & Emergency Pet Hospital

Science-minded from adolescence, Dr. Swanson realized during her internship that her niche was oncology. What she loves about her work is the opportunity to develop relationships with the patients and their owners. She appreciates the challenge offered by each new patient and their cancer. Within her field of oncology, she’s especially interested in combination chemotherapy as extracted from human medicine, and also practices acupuncture with some of her patients..

Moderator:
Denise Witthoft, DVM, Bridges Animal Hospital

Denise graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine all the way back in 1995.  Her first 6 years were spent as a small animal practitioner in a mixed animal practice in Janesville, Wisconsin.  This meant that while their normal patients were cats and dogs, the large animal doctors presented, on occasion, things like baby moose or ostriches for them to attend to.  In 2001 Dr. Witthoft decided to make the move back to Michigan for a change in scenery.  She decided on settling in Grand Rapids and has been quite happy here ever since.  Eight years ago she was fortunate enough to partner with her good friend in opening Bridges Animal Hospital at Ada Village. 

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During this session, we looked at some of the most common threats to fertility, how to prepare your body for pregnancy, and will lay out a plan for health that you can begin two years before conception.

Threats to Fertility:
> Inadequate nutrition
> Toxic burden on our body
> Poor sleep leading to inadequate healing
> Physical de-conditioning
> Untreated food sensitivities leading to autoimmune reactions later in life

Platform for Health
> Nutritional Essentials
> Balance of essential fatty acids, enzymes, fiber, minerals, the right supplements, spices and herbs that heal.

This event was held in the Pfeiffer Room at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park  [1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525]. 

Speaker:
Barbara Meconis, RN, BS, Principal Owner at Holistic Care Approach

Barbara Meconis RN, BS, is a holistic nurse consultant and health coach with experience including IV infusion, case management, quality improvement, and strategic planning. She has completed extensive course work in Healing Touch, energy healing, health coaching, aromatherapy, medical intuitive certification, allergy elimination, and auricular acupuncture. Barbara has served as adjunct faculty at area colleges and universities and is the principle owner of Holistic Care Approach in Grand Rapids.

Moderator:
Laurie DeDecker, RN, DeDecker Consulting, LLC/WoodsEdge Healing

Laurie has been an RN for more than 30 years. She is also an energy therapy practitioner, trainer, healthcare contractor, researcher and medical writer/editor. She is a certified practitioner/trainer in the Healing in America method of energy therapy. Her healing practice includes adults, children and communities. She loves to help people reach their full potential in life through her healing and wellness practice, lecturing, writing, teaching and tribal healthcare. She has served on several nonprofit boards, and as part of her clinical focus she has participated in cancer genetics and public health on a local, state and national level.

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Sticking with healthier and more nutritious foods can come down to one thing when we’re busy or tired: what’s easy and quick to get on the table. Explore why meal planning and food prep are so important to sticking with our dietary goals, and learn the basics of successful meal planning and simple hacks for advance food prep. Save time, improve your health, and cut food waste, all while reducing stress and guilt.

This event will be held at Mercy Health's St. Mary's 245 Cherry St. Building [245 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503]. Signage will direct you upon entering the building. Signage will also guide you to free, onsite parking upon arrival.

Speaker:
Andrea Hop, BS, MA, Certified Health Coach at Grand Rapids Natural Health

Andrea Hop is a former high school teacher, with a background in Psychology, turned holistic health coach trained at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She excels in helping clients navigate what foods energize and nourish the body. Clients are empowered to eat intuitively with an emphasis on incorporating healthier habits in and out of the kitchen and to discover self-care strategies that are motivating.  Andrea loves to help women connect to their power by guiding them to a synergy of the mind, body, and spirit in order to live in radiant health and well-being.

Moderator:
Laurie DeDecker, RN, DeDecker Consulting, LLC/WoodsEdge Healing

Laurie has been an RN for more than 30 years. She is also an energy therapy practitioner, trainer, healthcare contractor, researcher and medical writer/editor. She is a certified practitioner/trainer in the Healing in America method of energy therapy. Her healing practice includes adults, children and communities. She loves to help people reach their full potential in life through her healing and wellness practice, lecturing, writing, teaching and tribal healthcare. She has served on several nonprofit boards, and as part of her clinical focus she has participated in cancer genetics and public health on a local, state and national level.

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Most of the chronic disease in America can be at least partially attributed to the changes in how Americans eat. Industrialization has resulted in more convenient food choices, but at a great expense: our health. During this session, we looked at what has changed in the American diet, the role of inflammation, and how to get back on track by eating foods that nourish our health, rather than feed disease.

Objectives:
> Describe the standard American diet and why it is unhealthy; how we got here.
> Discuss the role of inflammation and altered immune function, as it relates to chronic disease
> What foods feed the fire (inflammation)
> What foods are anti-inflammatory: the new American diet

This event was held at Aquinas College's Donnelly Center.

Speaker:
Dave Johnson, MD, FACC, Integrative Health and Healing, Preventive Cardiology and Medical Director at Grand Rapids Natural Health

Dave Johnson is a board-certified cardiologist with specialized training in integrative medicine from the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine founded by Dr. Andrew Weil. He applies his scientific knowledge with a holistic approach that aims to restore body, mind and spiritual balance in the healing process.

Moderator:
Laurie DeDecker, RN, DeDecker Consulting, LLC/WoodsEdge Healing

Laurie has been an RN for more than 30 years. She is also an energy therapy practitioner, trainer, healthcare contractor, researcher and medical writer/editor. She is a certified practitioner/trainer in the Healing in America method of energy therapy. Her healing practice includes adults, children and communities. She loves to help people reach their full potential in life through her healing and wellness practice, lecturing, writing, teaching and tribal healthcare. She has served on several nonprofit boards, and as part of her clinical focus she has participated in cancer genetics and public health on a local, state and national level.