Have you ever wondered why you still feel exhausted, foggy, or just not at your best—even when your doctor says your labs are "normal"?

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Melissa Schenkman welcomes Dr. Kristin Oja, founder of STAT Wellness, for an insightful conversation on the growing field of functional medicine. Together, they explore how this approach goes beyond symptom management to address the underlying causes of chronic conditions, fatigue, gut issues, hormonal imbalances, and cognitive decline.

Dr. Oja explains the essential differences between functional, traditional, and integrative medicine—and why they don’t have to be mutually exclusive. You’ll learn how functional medicine practitioners use advanced testing, biometrics, and personalized treatment plans to restore balance in the body, improve energy levels, and optimize long-term health.

Key discussion topics include:

• Understanding the root causes of fatigue, brain fog, and gut health challenges
• The impact of stress, environmental toxins, and nutrition on your hormones and metabolism
• How microplastics and blood sugar dysregulation contribute to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's risk
• The role of biometrics such as VO2 Max and body composition in assessing overall health
• A thoughtful approach to supplements—why more isn’t always better

Whether you're managing a chronic condition or simply seeking to optimize your health, this episode provides practical insights into how functional medicine can complement traditional care and offer a comprehensive path to wellness.

🎧 Listen now to discover a more personalized, effective approach to your health.

Highlights:

• (00:36) What is functional medicine — and why is it the healthcare we’ve been waiting for?
• (05:07) Fatigue, brain fog, and energy dips: Understanding the root causes
• (06:44) Gut health: Your second brain and why it matters more than you think
• (11:21) Functional medicine’s role in managing chronic conditions — at any age
• (17:50) What to expect in your first functional medicine appointment: labs, timelines, and tests
• (21:02) The value of biometrics: Body composition, visceral fat, and VO2 max explained
• (26:04) How insurance, HSAs, and budget planning can support your wellness investment
• (28:17) Choosing the right functional medicine provider: Red flags and best practices
• (30:48) STAT Wellness expansion: Telemedicine in new states and nationwide consultations

Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/

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Learn more about this episode's guest, Kristin Oja and STAT Wellness here: https://www.statwellness.com and https://www.statwellness.com/about-total-health-and-wellness/#our-story
Follow her journey on Instagram @kristinojadnp and @statwellness

Have a question about one of our podcast episodes? Email us at [email protected]. We will be answering your questions in our next upcoming Q&A.

Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman

Thanks again to our sponsor Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com