The following blog is a guest post by Molly Harmon, third year medical student at National University of Health Sciences. Molly’s article first appeared on the website of the Indiana Association of Naturopathic Physicians (INANP). It offers valuable insight for students working towards becoming a naturopathic physician and shares her journey from a unique perspective.

The following blog first appeared as a featured article for the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges in December 2017. We hope you will enjoy this up-close and personal account of what it means to choose naturopathic medicine as one’s calling and become a naturopathic physician.

According to experts, 80 percent of our New Year’s resolutions fail. That number is quite discouraging, not to mention that’s a lot of pressure to put on ourselves. If your finding that your enthusiasm is beginning to stall this year, don’t worry, read on for six great strategies to help you reboot your resolve and rebalance.

Heart disease is one of the biggest health concerns facing Americans today. As the No. 1 killer in the United States, it accounts for one in every four deaths, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

The good news is it is also preventable. You might think that heart disease is only a concern for older adults, but even at a young age, lifestyle decisions can put you at a higher risk for heart issues later in life.

Naturopathic medicine has its roots in many traditional healing systems, including the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates who expressed the concept of “the healing power of nature” as essential to medicine over 2,400 years ago. Naturopathic medicine has grown substantially in the past three decades as a safe and effective alternative or complement to pharmaceuticals, and yet the field is not as well known as other forms of health care.

The holidays are a time to enjoy family gatherings, delicious meals, and home decorating. Nevertheless, it is easy to get over-involved in the holiday chaos and end up stressing over things that are meant to be pleasant.

Each year, there is an increasing amount of studies that show how people are stressed, and even sad, during the holiday season.

The opioid epidemic, officially announced in 2016, has commanded much attention. Now considered a “national emergency,” efforts to address the issue are already underway. As various government institutions, health care facilities, and nonprofit organizations prepare action plans, one trend is clear: physicians will certainly attempt to prescribe less opioids than in previous years. But for the nearly 50 million Americans who experience chronic pain, how will physicians now approach their pain treatment? 

For the millions of Americans with chronic conditions, naturopathic doctors are offering new perspectives and treatment options that are quickly becoming a first line of care. This growing popularity has led to more support among legislators to license NDs in states across the country.

Lady Gaga recently came forward about her struggle with fibromyalgia, a unique syndrome that is not yet well understood by the medical community.

Once thought to be a psychological disorder, it wasn’t until 1981 that a scientific study confirmed fibromyalgia is a real medical condition. However, stigmas surrounding the condition still exist. In hopes of raising awareness, Lady Gaga is featured in an upcoming Netflix documentary, “Gaga: Five Foot Two,” which explores her struggle with the chronic condition.

As the diagnosis of the condition has increased, the medical community seems to have become more accepting of the syndrome. However, there are still some physicians who do not believe fibromyalgia is a real condition.

In the Q&A below, Anna Jurik, DC, MS, RD, LDN, an attending clinician at the NUHS Whole Health Center in Lombard, Illinois who specializes in women’s health, sheds light on four important questions about fibromyalgia.

Upon entering the healthcare profession, I knew I wanted a position where I could give patients the time and empathy required for healing. I wanted to implement treatments which recognized the mind-body connection and addressed the root cause of disease.

I now work in concert with medical doctors at the Center for Integral Health in Lombard, IL, where we do just that. By using modalities such as homeopathy, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling, we are able to achieve deeper, long-lasting health. Receiving my degree in Naturopathic Medicine from National University of Health Sciences, has made this rewarding work possible. It has also made a profound difference in the way I view my health, as well as the care I expect for my family and the greater community.