Source: Lorraine Marie, The Statesman- Examiner, Colville, WA

Some folks sicken easily while others, who indulge in an array of bad health habits, never seem to. Why? Nurse practitioner Frances Collins, one of the medical providers at the new Colville Healing Arts Center, says the phenomenon has always fascinated her.

As a child she was interested in herbs and flowers which later helped her to better understand healing as a multi-faceted condition -- not always the result of conveniently introducing a chemical into the body.

In her role at the new Healing Arts Center, Collins provides primary care for families, which she defines as general health care. As well, she says she can help with anything that promotes maximum health such as nutrition counseling, weight control, stress reduction, and longevity counseling. She can also address women's health issues such as menstrual disorders, Pap smears, and understanding the menopause process.

Collins' interest in weight control has personal roots; as she became older she experienced unexpected weight gain. She launched into an exploration and came to understand weight issues as not just a benchmark of social bias. Rather, weight is rooted in physical as well as psychic components, she said.

Working as a team, Collins helps an individual to identify their personal weight goals and to devise a plan that will be successful -- without starvation diets. The process will include life- style changes with an emphasis on exercise and nutrition. Foods are meant to be enjoyed more while also satisfying what the body needs for a state of vitality.

Body size aside, what are indicators that weight control would be beneficial for an individual? Collins listed limitations in physical abilities, no sense of vitality and how one feels in general.

It can be a difficult assessment, she pointed out, since some people are not aware that they can feel better. Weight loss can be not only pleasing from a look-in-the-mirror standpoint but can also reduce risks of cancer and heart disease, Collins added.

As an example of her success with those battling their weight, Collins cited a professor she has worked with who was 80 pounds overweight, had developed hypertension, and had been feeling sick "all the time." At Collins' suggestion, she cut out junk foods and watched her consumption of refined foods, began to meditate, and went on a detoxification diet.

"So far, she has lost 50 pounds without any starvation diet and has experienced no yo-yo weight loss," Collins said. Natural supplements to help the woman's mood were also part of the regime, and the professor decided to walk and swim more.

"She's feeling a lot better," Collins said. Other people also explore why they develop certain eating patterns. It can be a major breakthrough to realize that not cleaning one's plate and not eating after one feels satisfied, is acceptable. Collins advocates regarding eating as a sacred time -- don't rush, keep it pleasant, savor each bite, and be thankful for the food and its nourishment.

Source: Lorraine Marie, The Statesment-Examiner, Colville, WA

[Top]

---