The Livewell Clinic - May 2019

Check out our May newsletter!

MAY 2019 LEDGER Where’s the Beef? THE 13375 University Avenue, Suite 100, Clive, IA 50325|www.thelivewellclinic.com|515.279.9900

WHY FOOD SOURCING IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF A HEALTHY NUTRITIONAL PLAN

terrible. Granted, I obviously don’t want my son to feel bad, but I was happy to hear that he was learning about the best foods for his body. As a family, we choose to shop at the farmers market or grocery store chains with healthier options, likeWhole Foods. We select organic, natural, in-season, and grass- fed products, and our children are learning by seeing their mom and I make these smart decisions. This lifestyle is expensive, to be sure. The other day, I spent nearly $40 on a chuck roast, which is absurd. But I was able to freeze the leftovers, save the broth, and maximize the use of that $40 slab of meat. Eating healthy is an investment, and while we’re not perfect, we do our best to make sound contributions to our health each day. Personally, I like to try new options and learnmore fromhealth-conscious organizations. The Environmental Working Group is a great source with guides designed to help customers discern which foods are covered in pesticides, which ones are safe to eat, and various other food-sourcing and nutrition guidelines. The lists also detail which produce is perfectly fine when purchased for a bargain and which options you may want to splurge on for better, safer quality. Learnmore about resources for mindful food sourcing on Page 3 of this newsletter. In the end, making smart food-sourcing choices comes down to using logic. You would fill your car with the cleanest oil available, so why wouldn’t you do the same for your body?

Recently, I’ve been incorporating more sardines into my diet, and on a surface level, the small fish are disgusting. They smell weird and, frankly, don't look appetizing at all. But sardines are extremely healthy, so I opt to get creative with how I eat them, pairing themwith foods that complement their flavor. My body is getting great nutrients from this new habit. Sardines and other wholesome foods I eat give my body the proper fuel it needs to function well. You can’t put beer in a car’s gas tank and expect it to run. Nor should you expect your body to run on pesticides, grease, and genetically modified ingredients. But when you’re not aware of where your food comes from, that’s exactly what you’re attempting to do. Opting for grass-fed meats, organic and nongenetically modified produce, in- season products, and wholesome ingredients offers a bevy of positive results. First, the number of nutrients in these food sources is much higher than their overprocessed counterparts, and inmost cases, the farming and delivery has been done sustainably. Eating squash in the fall and locally grown strawberries in the summer is going to give you the best nutritional value and protect the environment against emissions caused by unnecessary shipping. Even better, when you purchase your food from the farmers market, you choose a healthy and environmentally sustainable option that supports the local economy. This is howmy family and I try to eat each day. One of the more rewarding parts of living this way is that my wife and I get to see the effect this has on our children. A proud moment for me recently was whenmy oldest told me he must have eaten something his body didn’t like, because he was feeling

Dr. Zachary Watkins

1

317-776-9942 515.279.9 00

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com

Most people have heard of composting one way or another. Your mommight have kept a bin in the backyard for overripe Halloween pumpkins, yard clippings, and egg shells. You might even have a coworker who boasts about the giant compost pile they use to fertilize their garden and lawn. Whatever your level of composting knowledge may be, there is always more to learn about this popular and extremely beneficial method for handling organic food waste. Luckily, May 29 is National Learn About Composting Day!This day provides a great opportunity to introduce yourself to and begin the conversation about composting if you haven’t already. Below are a few answers to your basic composting questions to get you started. What Is Compost? Compost is decomposed organic matter, which is especially good for people who have gardens or aspire to live a sustainable lifestyle. People put coffee grounds; vegetable scraps; paper products, including receipts, paper towels, and tissues; wood chips, leaves, and other types of waste that are not categorized as processed food, meats, or fish products in their compost bin. Compost can stabilize gardening soil, keep the soil from contracting diseases, and help the ground retainmoisture. Why DoWe Compost? Besides giving gardens and lawns significant nutrients, composting also reduces landfills. According to the United States EPA, “Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up about 30 percent of what we throw away.” Organic material often takes longer to decompose in a landfill due to being wrapped in plastic. The more organic material that is composted, the quicker it can deteriorate. Learn About Composting Day The best way to recognize this holiday is to learn as much as you can about composting. When you dive in, you’ll discover you can compost materials you never knew you could, including latex balloons and cardboard egg cartons. Once you do your research, you can start your very own compost by dedicating a part of your backyard to disposing of organic matter or by purchasing a compost bin. This article covers the basics of composting, but there’s still plenty more to learn! Head to your local farmers market or botanical garden and talk to the experts about any questions you have— they’ll be sure to give you some great tips. BLACK GOLD FOR YOUR GARDEN SOIL NATIONAL LEARN ABOUT COMPOSTING DAY!

MEET KELSEY PRINCE! OUR NEWEST FRONT DESK ASSISTANT

In the few months that she has been here, Kelsey Prince says The Livewell Clinic’s patients and the lifestyles they are learning about have already left an impact on her life. “My favorite part is learning about functional medicine and seeing all the patients go through the journey, […] learning a better way to help themselves and their families,” Kelsey says. “[The patients are] warm and welcoming. I love when they come in, and they are just happy and love to do this.” This winter, Kelsey joined our Livewell team at our front desk operations. Her duties include checking patients in for their appointments, answering phones, and helping the clinic run its day-to-day operations. Kelsey says she is appreciative of all her coworkers at the clinic; each has been engaging and helpful during her short tenure. Having worked in chiropractic clinics in the past, Kelsey has a basic understanding of functional medicine and is excited to continue learning about the process at The Livewell Clinic. “I wanted to learn more about health and helping people,” Kelsey says. “[I remember] a patient who did the cleanse, and it was, ‘Oh, my gosh, this was my missing piece.’ You can tell when a patient goes through it and they are happy, and you can tell by day one to day 14 how much their journey has started to change.” Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Kelsey moved to Iowa just over a year ago. She and her boyfriend, Kyle McGinn, are enjoying their new home and life with their pit bull, Zetty. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her friends, riding her bike, and taking Zetty for a walk. (She loves all other dogs, too!) As she continues her journey here at The Livewell Clinic, Kelsey hopes she can become more engaged with the patients and health coaching. “It’s so cool to see [the patients] with their goals and watch them change,” Kelsey says.

We’re thrilled with the enthusiasmKelsey has had since she joined our team! Thank you for all your hard work.

We’re hiring! If you’re interested in joiningThe Livewell Clinic team, check out our job postings on Indeed.com.

2 www.thelivewellclinic.com

Part-Time Medical Assistant

Details: A medical assistant is directly involved in patient care. They draw blood, prepare examination rooms, gather medical histories, assist the providers, and educate patients. Additional responsibilities include cleaning equipment, stocking examination rooms, and other duties within the scope of the practice. Requirements: Candidates must … • Be a certified or registered medical assistant from a formal medical assistant program, with current CPR certification. • Have previous medical assistant experience and be knowledgeable and interested in functional medicine. • Be passionate about helping patients, ensuring quality customer service, building strong relationships, and using interpersonal skills. • Have skills in patient care, phlebotomy, communication, and multitasking. Helpful characteristics: Other qualities that would be beneficial are … • The ability to communicate and interact verbally and in writing with people of diverse backgrounds. • Proficiency with web-based programs and Microsoft Office software.

Full-Time Patient

Experience Coordinator

Details: The patient experience coordinator schedules and checks patients in and out for their appointments, processes financial transactions, answers the phone, directs visitors, assists with patient inquiries, handles mailing, and does miscellaneous administrative duties. Requirements: Candidates must … • Have, at minimum, a high school degree or a GED, with two years of office experience. • Be proficient with web-based programs and Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and Outlook. • Have excellent customer service, communication, and multitasking skills.

Apply for these jobs or learn more online at Indeed.com. Search for “The Livewell Clinic.”

This May, The Livewell Clinic is hosting a special offer for patients who refer a friend to the clinic. Here’s how it works: 1. Refer a friend to The Livewell Clinic. 2. Tell your friend to use offer code CTSMAY19 and to let the clinic know who referred them. 3. After applying the code, that friend will then receive $150 off their initial blood panel. 4. As the person who referred this new patient to us, you will receive a $150 credit to use on any of The Livewell Clinic’s products. 5. Take advantage of this special offer by May 31. This savings promotion is as simple as sharing your story, but if you’re not sure where to start, try some of these tips: 1. Encourage your friends: For months, you’ve been raving about how great you feel. That kind of improvement doesn’t go unnoticed, and if your friends have been curious about your success, now is the time to introduce them to The Livewell Clinic. 2. Support your mom: What better gift is there to get your mom than total wellness? Show your mom you care by referring her to The Livewell Clinic. 3. Spread the word: Social media is the perfect tool for earing this reward. Share your story on Facebook or Instagram, and let your followers, family, and friends know that you know where they can get help too. Don’t wait to help your loved ones feel better. Refer a friend to The Livewell Clinic by May 31, and you will both reap the rewards! To learn more about this program or how The Livewell Clinic can help you and your loved ones, visit TheLivewellClinic.com or call 515.279.9900.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

T I PS FOR L IVING THE HEAL THI EST FOOD-SOURCING L I FE

food to be delivered right to your door. ButcherBox is a cruelty-free, meat- delivery service that ships grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, and heritage-breed pork to your doorstep. If you’re looking for the convenience of delivered meals, Sun Basket offers 100 percent non-GMO and organic foods that fit within a variety of meal plans, including a paleo lifestyle. Never have food sources you can feel good about come so easy. Look in Your Backyard If delivery is too expensive and you live nowhere near aWhole Foods Market, then it’s time for some good old-fashioned ingenuity. Plant a garden to grow your own vegetables. Your harvest can then be frozen or preserved for use throughout the winter. Or partner with a ethical local farmer and split up the purchase of beef with some neighbors. You can also use the stems and rinds from your vegetables and bones from the cow for stock and other recipes. There are plenty of ways to be food-source conscious while also living in a food desert; it just takes some creativity. You canmake smart, food-sourcing choices, and our experts atThe Livewell Clinic can help provide you with tips. Learnmore by calling 515.279.9900, and read Dr. ZacWatkins’ recommendations for a food-conscious lifestyle by visitingTheLivewellClinic.com and clicking on the resources tab.

Knowing where your food comes from is an essential part of health and wellness. Luckily, locating that information is now easier than ever. Find out how you can become more food-source conscious with the following tips. Rethink the Grocery Store Thankfully, more communities are demanding healthier food options, and the rise of farmers markets and grocery stores that are committed to offering wholesome foods is evidence of that. Rather than shopping at a discount store, opt to purchase your produce and

meats from a local farmers market or a store with healthy options. Food co-ops can also be great sources, and even atThe Livewell Clinic, we offer our own snacks that are great alternatives to overprocessed options. Order Farm-to-Table Delivery

With the creation and rise of meal-delivery kits, there are now options available for healthful

5/4, 8 p.m. Complimentary Postpartum Yoga at Birthwell Register now by emailing us at info@birthwell.net or calling us at 515.777.3877 . Livewell Events

SHRIMP SAUSAGE SKEWERS

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined • 1/2 pound cooked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces • 2 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

5/8, 12 p.m. & 5/22, 12 p.m. Facebook Live

Creole Seasoning Ingredients • 2 tablespoons paprika • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder

• 1/2 tablespoon cayenne or chili powder • 1/4 tablespoon dried oregano • 1/4 tablespoon dried thyme

5/21, 5–6 p.m. "Kitchen Cabinet Medicine for Families" with Dr. Sandy Seeman, Naturopath

Directions

Directions 1. Heat your grill to medium-high. 2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients for creole seasoning. 3. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, zucchini pieces, and sausage pieces, and cover them with the olive oil. 4. Add creole seasoning and mix well until all ingredients are covered. 5. Load up skewers with alternating pieces of shrimp, sausage, and zucchini until they’re full. 6. Grill skewers until shrimp are well-cooked (6–8 minutes).

6/18 "Movement" with Jenene Armstrong

Free Seminar Dates (formerly known as Intro to Living Well) in May are: 5/9 – 5 p.m. 5/14 – 5 p.m. 5/18 – 9 a.m. 5/23 – 5 p.m.

Inspired by PaleoLeap.com

3 515.279.9900

24/7 Emergency Services

www.thelivewellclinic.com 515.279.9900

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

The Value of Food Sourcing INSIDE 13375 University Avenue, Suite 100 Clive, IA 50325

Black Gold Meet Kelsey!

How to Be Food-Source Conscious Livewell Events Shrimp Sausage Skewers

How to Travel Sustainably

GO GREEN

GET OUT THERE WITH THESE ECO-TOURISM TIPS

Vacations can come with great expense, and not just for your bank account. According to a 2018 study published inNature Climate Change, travel accounts for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cut through the greenwashing and do your part to lessen these emissions by traveling sustainably. TRAVEL GREEN When possible, trains, hybrid buses, and carpooling are great alternatives to larger, more environmentally intrusive travel methods. Large cruise liners are detrimental to oceans, and airplanes emit large amounts of toxins into the air. However, you can cruise and fly with the earth inmind. Some cruise lines are working to reduce their impact by installing more eco-friendly lighting and materials, and flight experts recommend using “green” airports, choosing fuel-efficient airlines, staying longer, and traveling less. If anything, it’s an excuse to extend your European vacation! STAY GREEN Where you stay impacts the environment as much as how you get there. Hotels use copious amounts of water for bathing and laundry, and they struggle to reduce energy because guests leave their

lights and televisions on. However, many luxury resorts, woodsy cabins, and even entire countries have opted to make eco-tourism easier. If you’re looking for a region of the world committed to preserving nature, look no further than Iceland, Finland, and Sweden, which are ranked the three most environmentally friendly places in the world. DO GREEN Man-made attractions like the Egyptian pyramids andMachu Picchu are some of the world’s greatest wonders, but Earth itself is pretty breathtaking. Check out natural attractions while hiking or camping in preserved forests, or soak up all the Caribbean has to offer by snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. When you’re mindful of your surroundings and remain unobtrusive, there are endless outdoor activities you can explore. Some locations even partner with environmentally conscious organizations you can donate to or volunteer with.

Opt for a green vacation and know that while you relax, the earth is getting a little relief too.

4

www.thelivewellclinic.com

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6

www.thelivewellclinic.com

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker