Hollis library sponsoring new series

Friday, February 11, 2011

For those who have been longing for a way to learn how to improve their health without spending a fortune, the Hollis Social Library in conjunction with Greenhouse Naturopathic Medicine in Hollis will be sponsoring a six-month healthy living series to help the community get on the right track regarding their health.

The series began Jan. 20 with a focus on weight management. Naturopathic doctors, Julia Greenspan, ND, and Esther Perreault, ND, discussed ways to achieve life long weight management by identifying the best personal method for each individual. Detoxification was also addressed.

“In my practice I specialize in a variety of areas, one of which is weight loss and the different medical areas that often result in weight management issues,” Perreault said. “For example, poor thyroid function, adrenal function, food sensitivities, inflammation, poor digestion, insomnia/sleep deprivation, insulin sensitivity and lifestyle issues.”

According to Perreault, naturopathic doctors are trained similarly to medical doctors; however, they are also trained in naturopathic philosophies, or alternative medicine.

“We want to use the most natural and noninvasive means that we can utilize to stimulate the healing response by using the body’s own natural mechanisms,” she said.

Perreault explained that one of the major misconceptions is that holistic doctors throw seven different supplements toward their patients in order to avoid one pharmaceutical medication.

“It’s very individualized,” Perreault said of the naturopathic approach. Rather than treat every patient with similar symptoms in the same way, Perreault and Greenspan work with the patient to determine the best treatment approach that coincides with their individual’s lifestyles.

Greenspan said that the their approach is often difficult for patients to adapt to.

“The tough part is that it involves people doing the work,” she said. “It really does involve people making lifestyle changes. Giving a pill to someone is easy. We are geared towards folks who can take responsibility for their own health.”

“Patients get to avoid all the side effects that come along with (pharmaceuticals) and to really learn about what is going on and how to avoid it in the future,” Perreault said. “Education and prevention are all major tools we use to facilitate the healing process.”

The series meets on the third Thursday of every month through June. In February, Perreault will host the evening and discuss the natural approach to treating cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes. As subscribers to naturopathic medicine alternatives, Perreault will discuss when medication is necessary and how best to avoid prescription drugs. Topics of discussion will include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugars.

In March, Greenspan, who is trained in detoxification and heavy metal chelation, will discuss tick season and Lyme disease by providing guests with preventative methods as well as a step-by-step plan in the event that a tick bite occurs.

“One of my biggest goals and my favorite part of (this series) is (the session) on Lyme disease prevention because this disease is so disabling,” Greenspan said. “So if people know what to do when they get a tick, it can prevent and avoid long term complications from this disease. In my heart, my main goal and my main focus is honestly that piece.”

In April, Perreault will lead the discussion on intestinal health. “M” is for Metopause in May and Greenspan intends on introducing their audience to naturopathic means to relieve common symptoms and will discuss the use of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement and herbal medicine.

June wraps up the series with a discussion on thyroid and adrenal health and its connection to fatigue.

According to the naturopathic doctors, education is the strength of their holistic approach and their seminars are meant to stimulate community awareness about alternative medicine.

“It’s the best way to go,” Perreault said. “It’s the best first route to try. If we are not making a lot of headway then we can entertain the idea of more invasive and pharmaceutical stuff. (Naturopathic medicine) gets people to understand that they have options. They have power and the opportunity to make an impact on their own health.”

Greenspan said that many of the alternative methods they teach are do-it-yourself. Her personal goal is to educate the community on the naturopathic approach and how they can change the way they interact with their body through nutrition, holistic means, and lifestyle changes.

And Greenspan promises to encourage patients along the way. “A lot of it involves coaching,” she said. “But if they can give it the time, and they do what I ask them to do and they give it their best try, they’ll really see great results.”

The Natural Health Series is free and open to the public. However, due to limited space, registration is required. For more information contact the library at 465-7721 or visit the website at www.hollis.nh.us/library.