Spoiler Alert: Tough Love Ahead
CALLING ALL BUSINESSWOMEN!!
(Yes! That means YOU!!)
Imagine This Scenario in Your Business:
Your company is slowly declining. Sales are down, revenue is down, and cash flow is unpredictable. New clients coming in are exceeded by existing customers leaving. You’ve tapped into your reserves and savings way more than is comfortable, but you still can’t afford the solutions you feel will bring your business to the next level. You’ve tried a million different things to get your business back to where it used to be — colleagues on Facebook, friends far and wide, and even your family members have given advice. Some things seemed to help initially in the short-term, but ultimately, nothing helped long-term. You’re scared…frustrated…alone.
But wait!! Here comes some help! You were given a grant to provide you with a business coach free of charge, so you dive in! There are meetings…reports…systemic changes…retraining…expenses…and so much more. After several months with this coach, you run all the metrics only to realize that your business is in worse shape than when you started.
So, you try another…and another…and another because it’s “free.” Except that it’s NOT free. What about your wasted time? Wasted efforts? Wasted energy? What about the changes that made things worse? As the months turn into years, you feel like your business is barely hanging on. It’s all you think about. It’s all you talk about. It has totally consumed you. You struggle for 4-6 years with multiple different coaches only to find your business in the same or worse condition than when you began.
Would You Tolerate This?
Doesn’t it sound a little insane?
To waste years of time, energy, and resources to follow the advice of “free” coaches?
To have to start over with each new coach?
All for your business to be in the same place (or worse)?
OF COURSE YOU WOULDN’T TOLERATE THIS!!!
So WHY, my friend, do you do this with your health?
Your number one income-producing asset is YOU. That’s why YOUR health MUST come FIRST! Your health is what allows you to:
- Be focused and productive.
- Run your business like a BOSS.
- Show up for your family and friends.
- Have energy and passion to create a life you LOVE instead of a life you accept or tolerate.
Yet we rely on “free” providers, paid for via “health” insurance (so NOT really free), to help us feel better. These doctors are highly educated in pathology, disease, and trauma…but they receive virtually no training in what it takes to be vibrantly healthy. Disease and health are two very different processes. Expecting “health” advice from a “disease” doctor is like going to your podiatrist and expecting dental work.
But we aren’t taught differently.
Instead, we’re bombarded with messages underscoring that “health” is external. That someone else knows more about your body than you do. Take this pill. See that “expert.” Have this surgery. And maybe worst of all, “Ask your Doctor if {insert medication name} is right for you,” creating even more pressure on Doctors to pull out their prescription pads.
Your health declines like the business above. Sleep is down…enjoyment is down…and energy is sporadic. You’ve tried lots of different things to improve your health, even listening to advice from friends, family, colleagues, Chat GPT, and “Dr. Google.” Some things help in the short-term, but nothing has helped you to feel like you felt the last time you felt awesome. So, you see the experts…starting over each time. Doing labs…trying supplements…referrals…and more…but feeling worse and worse. As the months turn into years, you feel you’re barely hanging on. Your health issues are all you think about. They’re all you talk about. They’ve totally consumed you. You’re scared…frustrated…alone. Maybe you even give up, thinking this is “normal stress” or “normal aging.”
After 4-6 years of this, where are you physically, emotionally, and financially?
- You have no energy.
- You wake up feeling exhausted.
- Your doctors tell you your labs are normal, but you feel awful.
- You have no time for yourself, and the things you used to enjoy are no longer interesting.
- You’re having more and more issues with headaches, brain fog, digestion, skin, hormones, energy, metabolism, etc.
- You’ve likely spent thousands with little to no results.
- You’re not able to be the person, mother, wife, sister, friend, or business owner you want, need, and DESERVE to be.
So Where Do You Start?
You start by understanding that if you “don’t have time” or “don’t have money” to dedicate to being healthy, you most certainly won’t have the time or resources to be ill.
You start by making the decision to not tolerate this any longer.
You start by making the decision to make your health your TOP priority. (Let’s face it…if you had to spend money to save your business, you’d do it. Why should spending money to reclaim, preserve, and protect your health be any different?)
You start by finding the right team to help you reach your health goals, because you can’t do it alone.
This is Where I Come In!
I help dynamic women just like you to become burnout-proof. With my unique background in Corporate Wellness, Functional Medicine, Nutrition, and Hypnotherapy, I focus on the gut-brain connection and on creating a resilient internal environment so you can achieve new levels of vibrant health, peace, purpose, and productivity. I create a custom roadmap specific to you, based on the data collected from your Functional Labs. Because I’ve been where you are, I can show you the way.
I know, I know…you’re asking yourself how much time this will take…how much will it cost…and what if it doesn’t work? While I can’t guarantee results for every single person, I can tell you that my process is designed for your success. I don’t guess at what the problem is, wasting your time, money, and resources. I run advanced cutting-edge tests that tell me exactly where your body is stressed, failing, and needs help. Then we rebuild your strength from the inside-out.
But what about these “Functional Labs?”
Functional Medicine lab testing may consist of blood work, additional lab work, hormone tests, and stool tests. But is it really necessary?
When people ask if the functional labs are “necessary,” they’re usually concerned about the cost. Traditional healthcare often covers a broad spectrum of generic tests under insurance plans, which makes stepping into the territory of functional health coaching seem daunting. Functional medicine & functional health coaching seek the root cause of symptoms by utilizing specialized diagnostic lab testing.
Consider the value Functional Medicine lab tests provide in uncovering the underlying causes of health issues. While it might be tempting to view these costs or the process as prohibitively expensive, it’s important to consider the long-term health benefits and savings that result from addressing health problems at their source instead of chasing symptoms.
Understanding Functional Medicine Lab Testing
Before diving into the specifics, know that functional medicine lab tests aim to uncover the root cause of your health issues. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on treating symptoms, functional medicine uses these tests to map out your unique biochemistry, fostering a personalized approach to your recovery.
The Role of Lab Tests in Functional Medicine: Test, Don’t Guess!
Functional health coaching is like a detective agency for your health. I use lab testing as a cornerstone of my investigation, looking deep into your body’s clues to understand what’s really going on. You don’t have to guess about your health concerns; these tests can reveal hidden root causes behind your symptoms, ranging from nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or gut dysbiosis to environmental exposures. It’s about tailoring the approach to your specific needs.
An Investment in Your Recovery
Think of functional medicine lab testing as an investment. Yes, there can be a cost—but it’s also an investment in unraveling the complexities of your health. Finding out what’s really happening inside can save you time and money in the long run by targeting the exact issues and avoiding a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
Comparing Functional and Conventional Lab Tests
When you look at functional vs. conventional lab tests, think specific versus general. Functional tests have a high level of specificity; they’re tailored to identify specific processes within your body and how different systems interact with each other. Conventional tests are great for diagnosing diseases after they occur, but functional tests are often more helpful to prevent disease and maintain optimal health by pinpointing imbalances before they become more serious issues.
Why Order Functional Labs?
When you’re navigating the maze of health and wellness, functional lab tests offer detailed insights that often streamline your journey to understanding your health issues. They’re a powerful tool for getting a fuller picture of your health, beyond what conventional tests may reveal.
Shortens Average Length of Time for Diagnosis
With traditional testing, diagnosing complex conditions can take forever. One study by the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association (AARDA) revealed that, on average, a person with an autoimmune disease sees 4-6 Doctors over 4-6 years before being properly diagnosed. Just think of all that wasted time, energy, and LIFE!! Functional labs aim to cut that time down significantly. They dive deeper, often uncovering issues that would take ages, or might never be picked up in routine exams.
Better Understanding of Bodily Imbalances
Functional labs get personal. They check out hormone balance, nutrient deficiencies, and more. You get a report that isn’t just normal versus abnormal, but one that shows you the optimal range for your body.
Insight Into Metabolism
Curious about your metabolism? A comprehensive stool test could unveil secrets on how your body’s digesting and absorbing nutrients, or how your gut bacteria might be affecting your weight. A saliva or dried urine hormone test can provide invaluable information on hormone metabolism, shining light on your future risk for things like adrenal dysfunction, osteoporosis, and cancer.
Targeted and Personalized Interventions
These tests are like your body’s blueprints. With this level of detail, your Functional Health Coach can craft a health plan that’s tailor-made for you, hitting the right spots to get you into top shape. Say goodbye to uncertainty about what steps to take!
Measure Your Progress and Recovery
It’s a journey, and functional labs are your milestones. By tracking changes in your test results over time, you can actually see how well your treatments are working and adjust as needed.
You’re Worth Every Penny
So often what holds people back is not a time or money problem…it’s a PRIORITY problem. If you were told a loved one NEEDED a certain treatment for their life, health, or happiness, you’d find a way to make it happen. Why would you be any less deserving? Investing in these tests can save you time, energy, and even money in the long run by targeting exactly what your body needs.
Expense of NOT Ordering Functional Labs
When considering the costs associated with functional medicine, it’s crucial to understand not just the price tag of the lab tests, but also the hidden costs of delaying these tests. These can take a toll on both your personal and financial well-being.
Delayed Understanding of What’s Wrong
Without functional lab tests, pinpointing specific issues can be like finding a needle in a haystack. For you, this might mean a longer wait for an accurate understanding of the issues or imbalances, which can stall the start of your journey toward feeling better.
Delayed Intervention
The gap between recognizing a health concern and beginning an appropriate treatment gets wider without timely insight from functional lab testing. Delayed intervention can be timely and costly, leading to potentially worsened conditions that could have been managed more effectively earlier. Imagine if you had received proper care as soon as you started having symptoms. Or even better, imagine you had done these tests BEFORE you ever had symptoms, and were able to take action to avoid the problems altogether!
Lost Productivity
Think about all the days you’ve missed out on, whether it’s work or personal activities, due to unresolved health issues. Was there an amazing hike you didn’t feel up to taking? Just didn’t have the energy to write that book or take a leap of faith towards your dream? This lost productivity affects not just your wallet but also your quality of life and mental health.
Impact on Family
Your family NEEDS you! If a delay leads to prolonged health issues, the emotional and sometimes financial support needed from family members can put a strain on these vital relationships. Did your gut issues stop you from fun activities? Or were your hormones such a tangled mess it impacted intimacy with your partner? Perhaps you weren’t as involved in your child’s hobbies as you wanted to be?
Lost Energy and Years of Life
Constantly battling symptoms without knowing the cause can drain your energy levels, making each day harder than it needs to be. And every day without tailored treatment is a day you’re not living your life to its fullest.
You Can’t Afford NOT to Order Functional Labs
In the long run, putting off functional lab tests might seem like you’re saving money, especially if you’re thinking about out-of-pocket costs. But consider the comprehensive benefits these tests provide: they can preempt escalating health expenses and the invisible costs of not living well. When viewed from this perspective, you can’t afford NOT to start with functional testing!
Managing Expenses for Functional Medicine
Functional health coaching is worth the investment in your health, but the expenses might seem prohibitive at first glance. To better manage these costs, reassess spending priorities and take steps to ensure you’re getting the most value from lab tests.
Reassess Your Priorities
Allocating funds to functional health coaching may require you to look at your budget with a fresh set of eyes. Reflect on non-essential expenses that you could cut back on to free up some cash. Your health is paramount, and investing in it could reduce long-term healthcare costs, especially if you’re dealing with conditions like hormonal imbalances, heavy metal toxicity, gut dysbiosis or nutrition-related issues.
Options for Payment
I make it easy for you to invest in yourself with a variety of packages that save you time and money. Also, check to see if your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can cover some expenses.
Maximizing Value from Lab Testing
To make sure you’re getting the bang for your buck with lab tests, communication with your Functional Health Coach is key. I select tests that are relevant and necessary for your health concerns. The ideas here are optimizing your internal and external environments and prevention—catching issues early could save you tons on future treatments.
Are You Ready to Take Your Health Back?
Remember: Your number one income-producing asset is YOU. That’s why YOUR health MUST come FIRST! Are you ready to partner with a Functional Health Coach who listens to you and guides you through a tried-and-true process?
- Who orders the RIGHT tests at the RIGHT time to rapidly assess imbalances?
- Who uses targeted and efficient interventions to get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible?
- Who can explain seemingly unrelated or random symptoms, and who achieves measurable results?
- Are you ready to get your health, energy, and life back months or even years sooner than if you tried to go it alone?
If your answer is “YES!!! I’M IN!!” — I invite you to a Coffee Clarity Call with me where we can explore your issues and goals. Not only have I personally been where you are, I’ve helped others get to where you want to be. (Take a look at some of their amazing transformations here!)
Frequently Asked Questions
When considering functional health coaching, you likely have questions about the necessity and associated costs. Here, you’ll find clear answers to some of the most common queries.
Do insurance plans typically cover functional health coaching treatments?
Most insurance plans don’t have coverage for functional health coaching. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand what if any aspects of your functional health coaching treatment might be covered.
How can appropriate and early Functional Testing SAVE me money?
By investing in appropriate and early functional testing, you might avoid costly treatments down the line. Detecting and addressing the root cause of an ailment early can reduce the need for more expensive interventions later.
What are 5 most commonly ordered functional medicine tests?
Advanced functional tests can include blood tests, saliva tests (for cortisol and hormones), gastrointestinal tests, urine, or stool tests, and even hair or breath tests! Your Functional Health Coach will determine which ones are appropriate, based on your health issues and history. Many of the test samples are gathered at-home then sent to the lab company for analysis.
What can functional medicine tests uncover?
Functional labs can reveal digestive issues such as leaky gut, SIBO, or food sensitivities that result in symptoms like bloating, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. They can find hormone imbalances that impact your adrenal glands, thyroid gland, reproductive organs, and overall health. Functional tests can measure the levels of key nutrients and their metabolism. Lab test results can show where heavy metals or other toxins may be compromising your health. Lab results and lab values are interpreted by your Functional Health Coach, who then determines targeted interventions to help you reach your goals!
