I am a nationally certified family nurse practitioner partnering with individuals to prevent or manage chronic health conditions including diabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, heart
disease, asthma, digestive disorders, obesity, and stress through lifestyle changes, sharing of information, encouragement, support from the CIM team, and appropriate use of medications.
I believe that individuals make choices every day that
impact their health. Because they live with the consequences of their
decisions, they have the right and the responsibility to be the primary
decision-maker in their health care. I view myself as a partner in their
decision-making process. My role is to ensure that clients have the best available
information on which to make informed health decisions.
My goals are to help clients achieve their health
goals including:
- Better blood sugar control
- Improved lipid levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower weight
- Increased ability to manage stress
- Improved health
As a nurse practitioner, I have an advanced degree in nursing and am licensed by the Virginia Boards of Nursing and Medicine to:
perform complete assessments of patients; identify health needs; evaluate
health-related data; diagnose medical conditions; and treat acute and chronic
health care conditions. As an advanced practice nurse, I have extensive
training in therapeutic problem-solving, life-style counseling, nutritional
counseling, and behavioral change counseling. The educational focus of a nurse
practitioner is health promotion and disease prevention. We treat the whole
person - mind, body, and spirit.
I have a family history of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. I have tried to make healthy choices since my late teens to control my weight and follow a primarily plant-based diet. I stay active through gardening and yoga. I constantly
struggle with my weight and still experience occasional joint pain. I know how
difficult it is to make healthy choices. I am a certified yoga teacher and
enjoy gentle hatha yoga.
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