MOM REALLY DOES KNOW BEST
3 WIVES ’ TALES PROVEN TRUE
MEET MELISSA REISINGER PATIENT EDUCATION DIRECTOR/HEALTH COACH Melissa Reisinger has wornmany hats. She’s been a head veterinary technician, a bank worker, owned an in-home daycare and a cleaning business, and grew up on a farm. But the current position she holds atThe Livewell Clinic came from years of searching for answers. For eight years, Melissa struggled with health issues. She saw 20 different doctors in the Des Moines area, inquiring about chronic disorders and digestion struggles to no avail. Frustrated, inOctober 2015, Melissa started treatment atThe Livewell Clinic, and after finding success there, she was inspired to help others learn about nutrition. Melissa was hired byThe Livewell Clinic in February 2017 to help in the reception area. Eventually, Melissa was trained to do medical assistance, and after earning her licensure as an Integrative NutritionHealth Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, she became the Patient Education Director/Health Coach. “I really want to empower other patients to be in control of their health and not feel victimized by their diagnosis,” Melissa says. “A lot of people, they get that diagnosis, and they cling to that. And I was there for a while.” Education has been one of Melissa’s favorite parts of her job. She enjoys finding newways to help patients, and she is hoping to someday lead group programs at The Livewell Clinic to further educate all her patients. “I love learning, and I’m always learning new things here,” Melissa says. “I think it’s so cool that our clinic is forward-thinking. To me, it’s exciting to have my doctors tell me what they’ve heard at the conferences they’ve been to, and I like that it’s cutting edge.” Melissa, her husband, Brett, their daughter, Ruby, and their son, Jasper, have just finishing building their dreamhome. When she isn’t helping our patients live healthier, Melissa can be found spinning on her ceramics wheel and firing up her creations in her kiln. She also enjoys yoga, gardening, taking care of her chickens, and playing with her dog.
“Make a face like that, and it’ll stay that way forever.” You may have heard something like this fromMom’s book of wisdom. Maybe you never disputed the idea that mother knows best. But as you grew up, it slowly became clear that hair doesn’t grow back faster and thicker if you shave it, cracking your knuckles doesn't cause arthritis, and gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for months after you swallow it. After a whirlwind of wives’ tales over the years, many common claims have been put under scrutiny. Wives tales have been known as pseudoscience and blind intuition, but even as many were disproved, some surprisingly proved to hold weight. Here are three wives’ tales that have proven to be true. GARLIC CURES COLDS For decades, moms have professed the healing properties of garlic, suggesting it can cure colds and help the body fight sickness. It turns out they were absolutely right. Garlic has antiviral properties that strengthen the immune system and nutrients that help combat illnesses. The effects of garlic can actually be more effective than over-the-counter flu medications. Some studies show that regular consumption of raw garlic lessens the likelihood of getting a cold, so if you feel a tickle in your throat, try a clove before you open the medicine cabinet. HEARTBURN MEANS A HAIRY BABY It’s hard to list wives’ tales without bringing up one about pregnancy. Many are solely based on intuition, but a few that sound odd are legitimate. In 2007, a study done by Johns Hopkins attempted to debunk the myth that heartburn during pregnancy would mean a hairy baby at birth. Instead of proving it wrong, they found that 82 percent of women with severe heartburn during pregnancy gave birth to hairy babies. Turns out the hormones that cause heartburn in pregnant women also affect fetal hair growth. JOINT PAIN PREDICTS THE WEATHER Did you ever look at your mom with skepticism when she would predict rain because her knees hurt? If so, you might owe your mom an apology, because there is a scientific connection. The drop in barometric pressure that’s common during storm weather causes pain in arthritic joints.
Melissa’s experience, dedication, and passion for what she does every day make her a valued member of our Livewell team. Thank you for all you do, Melissa!
2 www.thelivewellclinic.com
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