Why Do We Need Functional Medicine?
An Interview With:
Mike Woodley, R.Ph, FAARM, FMNM
Founder and Chief Health Officer Vitopia Health
As a society, we are experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. In fact, just watching TV commercials or looking casually on pharmacy shelves you can see that medicines that were once available only by prescription are now over-the-counter, and anxiety related medicines like antacids keep getting stronger and stronger to combat our rising tide of illness.
The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward acute care. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom. The acute care approach to medicine does treat symptoms, but does not work in preventing and treating chronic disease. In most cases, acute treatment alone does not consider the unique genetic makeup of each individual or factors such as environmental exposures to toxins and the aspects of today’s lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise in chronic disease.
Further, a huge gap exists between research and the way doctors practice. The gap between emerging research in basic science and integration into medical practice is enormous, particularly in the area of chronic illness. Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses.
That has been my experience working in the medical field for over 30 years. My personal journey to health is a testament to the critical need to address root causes as well as symptoms, to restore function to the body and balance to the body's systems. That is why I created Vitopia Health.
For more information, please check out our in-depth articles on preventing and healing chronic diseases utilizing a functional medicine approach. We also encourage you to subscribe to our distribution list so you can receive the most current scientific information on healthy aging and prevention of chronic disease.
To your health!
Mike Woodley, R.Ph, FAARM, FMNM
Founder/Chief Health Officer