“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”
Angela Y. Davis
My Story Into Health
Like most of us, I used to take my health for granted. In my 20s, as an Army Officer, I would burn the candle at both ends with no obvious ill effects. In my 30s, as a Partner in a high pressured executive search firm in the City, I continued to work hard and play hard, but this lifestyle was beginning to wear me down and could eventually have led to burnout.
It all hit home in 2000 when I was in my early 30s and my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer aged just 60. I wanted to do all I could to support her through the invasive treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and through many hours of research I discovered functional medicine, although back then there was no formal name for it.
Essentially, it was taking a holistic approach to improvements in her diet and sleep, whilst reducing stress where possible. She responded well both physically and mentally to this approach and lived well for more than three years longer than predicted by the doctors. This experience led me to become a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach.
Why Functional Medicine
I am passionate about the power of good nutrition and lifestyle to treat the root causes of ill health and studying to become a Functional Medicine Health Coach has given me the tools to help people find their way to lasting lifestyle changes to promote health and wellbeing.
Functional medicine combines knowledge of balancing nutrition, mind, body and spirit with the environment we live in, to help create connections for people to find a route to long-term health and vitality.
Even small changes can lead to significant and lasting health benefits. My clients often refer to me as their ally or being similar to a sports coach but, instead of coaching them to run faster or further, I am coaching them to reach their potential in terms of long-term health.
You May Already Know What It Takes To Be Healthy, So Why Does It Seem So Hard
Making lifestyle changes is never easy and I understand the many demands that are placed on us in this fast-paced life that we live. That is why I work with my clients to quickly understand the importance that these long-term changes will make to their lives and help create workable plans around nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management and relaxation.
This can often include providing some education around the science, which empowers my clients to make long-term health changes. They begin to understand their body better to make the best choices for their health. When they are empowered with knowledge and techniques, they can take control of and improve their health for the long-term.
