In this episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, Caroline welcomes Ashlynn Matthews to have an uncommon chat about the common cold. They start by discussing what a normal viral infection looks like, how to know if your viral infection has turned into something bacterial, and when you should seek medical care. Caroline and Ashlynn also share practical symptom management strategies including things like saline rinses, raw honey, and supplements. This episode will equip you with the knowledge you need to help your family through this cold season.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Symptom Management: For managing symptoms of a viral infection, we recommend a few things.To promote drainage of mucus you can use a humidifier, saline nasal drops, a neti pot, or run the shower in your bathroom and breathe in the steam. Also, supplements, herbal steams and teas can support the immune system. Specifically we like high-doses of vitamin C, bromelain, NAC, or quercetin for supplements.
2. When to Seek Help for Kids: Parents should seek medical attention if their child exhibits persistent symptoms for more than ten days, experiences a new fever after 7 to 10 days of illness, or shows signs of respiratory distress, such as rapid breathing (over 30-50 breaths per minute) or using accessory muscles to breathe.
3. The Role of Illness in Immune Health: Getting sick is a natural part of life and plays a crucial role in developing a robust immune system. Exposure to various pathogens helps the body learn and build immunity, making it better equipped to handle future infections. It can be normal for young children to experience multiple illnesses, especially in preschool years, as their immune systems are still developing.

Resource:

Need to quickly assess whether your child is in respiratory distress? Check out this Instagram reel!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

03:32 - Viral Infections

04:40 - Viral to Bacterial Infections

12:35 - Promoting Mucus Drainage

17:20 - Herbal Steams

18:54 - Supplements and Teas

29:36 - Illness Frequency in Children

32:36 - Hygiene

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, Amanda and Maddie discuss pregnancy management from pre-conception through postpartum care. They discuss why early lab testing and monitoring hormone levels, particularly progesterone, can help sustain a healthy pregnancy, especially after experiencing a miscarriage. Amanda and Maddie also highlight the role of thyroid health during and after pregnancy and offer practical tips on choosing the right prenatal supplementation and dealing with postpartum depression.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Thyroid Management During and After Pregnancy: During pregnancy, thyroid hormone demands increase by 30%, necessitating an increase in thyroid medication dosage for women with pre-existing thyroid conditions. After delivery, the demand decreases by 30%, and it is recommended to reduce the medication dosage accordingly to avoid hyperthyroidism.
2. Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression is common and can be significantly influenced by hormonal changes after delivery. Progesterone injections can be an effective treatment for mood changes in the postpartum period, with many women experiencing rapid improvement in mood within hours of administration.
3. Prenatal Vitamins: Prenatal vitamins are important for pregnant women, particularly those with MTHFR mutations, which means your body has issues breaking down folate. We recommend a prenatal containing methylated folate and to start supplementing four months before conception.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:39 - Who Benefits from Pregnancy Management?

03:30 - Monitoring Hormone Levels Throughout Pregnancy

06:20 - Cervical Length

07:29 - The Use of Progesterone and Other Hormones

08:27 - HCG (A Fertility Medication)

11:22 - Lovenox for Clotting Disorders

12:20 - Natural Killer Cells

13:30 - Pregnancy Management Case Example

14:48 - Postpartum Depression and Care Protocols

19:26 - Thyroid Management in Postpartum

21:39 - Prenatal Supplements and Optimal Vitamin Levels

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, Caroline is joined by Lucy Bordiuk, a mental health counselor. They discuss Lucy's journey to becoming a counselor, her integration of faith into her practice, and the balance between work and motherhood. Lucy shares her background, the fulfillment she finds in helping clients, and the values guiding her counseling approach. They also reflect on the challenges and joys of being working mothers, emphasizing the importance of listening, understanding, and trusting in God's guidance.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Importance of Counseling: The discussion highlights that counseling can be particularly beneficial during times of significant life changes or decision-making.
2. Balancing Work and Motherhood: Both Caroline and Lucy discuss their experiences as working mothers and the challenges of balancing professional responsibilities with family life. They emphasize the importance of discernment in navigating these roles and the need for grace and understanding towards oneself in the process.
3. Creating a Supportive Work Environment: The podcast touches on the unique aspect of Fiat Integrative Health providing childcare for employees. This initiative not only supports working mothers but also fosters a nurturing environment where children can be present, enhancing the overall workplace culture and allowing parents to maintain a connection with their children while fulfilling their professional roles.

Reflection Questions:

• How do I balance discernment with surrender while making decisions for my career and vocation?
• What decisions am I actively discerning? How will these decisions impact my vocation and my career?

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:01 - Lucy's Journey to Counseling

00:06:34 - When to Seek Counseling

00:09:31 - Values in Counseling

00:11:13 - Balancing Work and Motherhood

00:19:31 - Discernment as a Working Mother

00:23:15 - Creating a Family-Friendly Work Environment

00:27:04 - Wisdom for Working Moms

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, family nurse practitioners Caroline and Jenn dive deep into the topic of pediatric fevers. They address common concerns many parents have regarding fevers including when to check for a fever, the most accurate methods of taking a child's temperature, and febrile seizures. Caroline and Jenn also offer practical advice for managing fevers at home, focusing on measures such as proper hydration and providing comfort to your child. By the end of the episode, you will feel more empowered and prepared to manage your child's fevers, knowing you have the support and guidance of experienced healthcare professionals.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Fever and Its Importance: A fever is a natural defense mechanism that helps the body fight off infections caused by viruses or bacteria. It raises the body temperature to inhibit the growth of pathogens, increase white blood cell production, and facilitate healing through improved blood circulation.
2. When to Seek Medical Attention: Parents should call a healthcare provider if their child has a fever lasting more than 3 to 4 days (without signs of improvement), a fever over 104°F that does not come down or respond to treatment, or if the child exhibits signs of dehydration, difficulty breathing, severe headache, or lethargy. Infants under three months with a rectal temperature over 100.4°F should always be evaluated by a pediatrician.
3. Febrile Seizures: Febrile seizures can occur in children between six months and five years due to rapid temperature increases. While they can be alarming, they are typically harmless and do not cause lasting damage. Parents should stay calm, ensure the child is in a safe position (typically on their side), set a timer, and seek medical advice if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or your child does not regain consciousness after the seizure ends.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:23 - Disclaimer for Infants Under Three Months

00:03:00 - Checking for a Fever

00:09:24 - Understanding the Role and Benefits of a Fever

00:12:24 - Managing Symptoms

00:15:10 - Nighttime Fevers

00:16:54 - Febrile Seizures

00:21:40 - When to Seek Medical Attention

00:27:36 - Encouragement

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, Amanda and Madeline, two family nurse practitioners dive into women's health. They discuss their personal journeys into healthcare, the importance of individualized care, and the benefits of a root cause approach to treatment. Amanda and Madeline also discuss miscarriages, PCOS, and compare NAPRO and FEMM with traditional medical practices.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Individualized Treatment: The discussion emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment approaches in women's health. Instead of relying on standard solutions like birth control or surgery for issues such as irregular cycles or menstrual pain, practitioners focus on understanding the unique hormonal and health profiles of each patient. This includes comprehensive testing and personalized treatment plans that address the root causes of symptoms, leading to more effective and holistic care.
2. NAPRO (Natural Procreative Technology): NAPRO aims to address women's health issues without the use of contraception or synthetic hormones. It is based on extensive research to treat various conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and recurrent pregnancy loss.
3. FEMM (Fertility Education and Medical Management): FEMM is a program that empowers women to understand their bodies through education on charting cervical mucus and recognizing signs of ovulation. This approach identifies and addresses underlying health issues, such as insulin resistance or hormonal imbalances, rather than simply masking symptoms. FEMM aims to provide women with the knowledge and tools to take control of their reproductive health and overall well-being.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:38 - Maddie's Journey Into Healthcare

00:02:11 - Amanda's Healthcare Background

00:03:59 - Women's Health Approach

00:04:46 - Introduction to NAPRO Technology

00:07:35 - Introduction to FEMM

00:09:06 - Differences from Traditional Care

00:10:24 - Maddie's Experiences with Miscarriages

00:15:22 - Understanding Fertility Approaches

00:17:04 - Insulin Resistance and PCOS

00:18:49 - Luteal Phase Defects

00:20:36 - Thyroid Disorders in Women's Health

00:22:25 - Bioidentical Hormones

00:27:00 - Wrapping Up

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In our first episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, co-founders Caroline and Mike share their personal journeys and the motivations behind establishing Fiat Integrative Health in Franklin, Tennessee. Caroline recounts her unexpected job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led her to envision a clinic that integrates care for the body, mind, and soul. Mike discusses his passion for psychiatry and his perspective on the importance of treating the whole person in healthcare. Together, they emphasize the need for a relational, rather than transactional, approach to medicine, fostering a supportive community for both providers and patients.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Holistic Approach to Healthcare: Caroline and Mike emphasize the importance of treating the whole person—mind, body, and soul. They believe that true health encompasses not just physical well-being but also mental and spiritual health, advocating for a more integrated model of care that addresses all aspects of a person's life.
2. Direct Primary Care Model: Fiat Integrative Health operates on a direct primary care model, which is membership-based and does not accept insurance. This approach allows for more personalized care, longer appointment times, and better accessibility for patients, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and satisfaction for both patients and providers.
3. Community and Provider Support: Fiat seeks to build a supportive community and culture within their practice, prioritizing the well-being of their staff through intentional team-building activities, open communication, and a focus on shared values, which in turn fosters a positive environment for patient care and provider fulfillment.

Reflection Questions:

• When have I experienced transactional care in the healthcare system? How did it impact me?
• Have I ever experienced integrative, whole-person care from a healthcare professional? How did this experience stand out from other healthcare interactions?

Resources:

Fiat Integrative Health website

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:51 - Mike's Background

00:04:02 - Caroline's Journey to Nursing

00:09:57 - The Idea for Fiat Integrative Health

00:12:16 - Naming the Clinic

00:14:05 - Meaning of Integrative Health

00:15:53 - The Shift in Medicine

00:17:20 - Mission and Values

00:18:08 - Fragmented Care of Traditional Medicine

00:19:33 - Core Values of Fiat

00:20:33 - Building a Supportive Culture

00:21:20 - Intentional Team Care

00:25:00 - Unique Care Model

00:26:32 - Patient Care and Accessibility

00:27:32 - Reflection on Healthcare System

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

Join us for conversations in pursuit of true health and integration for the whole person. Our team of Catholic healthcare providers explore topics from women's health, faith, therapy, community, and family. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or wherever you like listening to podcasts. For more information about what we do, visit our website at fiathealth.org.