January 2025 Conscious Health

Welcome the year of Transformation

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Holistic Collaboration We welcome 2025 with an exciting holistic collaboration between Dr. Ashby and Dr. Xiong -both invite you to a free community celebration event at the end of the month -See bottom for details.

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2025 is the year of Transformation, avoid these 6 Common pitfalls and seize opportunities to successfully embark on a Lifestyle change:

"All great changes are preceded by chaos". -Deepak Chopra ​ Embarking on a lifestyle change can be a transformative journey, Here are six common pitfalls to be aware of, to reduce falling off track and get your results by the spring.

#1: Know exactly how sick you are and what you are fixing. Most don’t know how sick they are -so they don’t get serious.

Having a strong reason for a Lifetsyle transformation is key. Know why you want to change. Identify clear goals based on health numbers. Without compelling health data, many wait until they experience symptoms or health issues to begin making changes to their lifestyle.

Unfortunately by the time symptoms show up, a health issue may be advanced. For example, death is the first symptom in close to 50% of people who have their heart attack. Waiting for symptoms can be too late.

Waiting for symptoms can miss opportunities for prevention and even treatment.

HOW TO FIX IT: know your numbers. Get tested. Knowing your health numbers gives you a clear way to organize your health goals -well before symptoms begin. “I feel fine” is not good enough to rely on.

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#2: Some People Dabble in fad diets and challenges instead of committing to a personalized health plan.

We shared this visual last year, fad diets do not help to build the skills of lifelong good food habits and helath choices. Fad diets rob the opportunity for true learning around what makes the healthiest body for you.

Rapid weight loss and failing to address underlying dietary, health and habit needs is a waste of time. Take the time to learn the true lasting transformative habits that will empower great food choices for life.

Sometimes "Going plant based", "trying vegan" or "sticking to low carb" all sound good but don't last and don't solve the true issue. When people dabble :"Trying keto", or "adding more vegetables" it's a short term trick that wastes valuable time.

HOW TO FIX IT: Design a personalized plan with a health professional and commit to it for 90 days. -When we commit to a well designed, personalized health plan complete with an accountability partner, the chances of success skyrocket. To achieve optimal health, a holistic, sustainable, long term approach is most effective.

#3: Most Budget for disease (Health Inssurance) but don't have a budget for Health.

Did you know that health is our own investment? Our health inssurance certainly provides peace of mind for an illness or procedure but optimal health is up to us to focus on and invest in.

Having a health budget tells the universe you value good health and plan for it. This approach is preventie and health building rather than reactive and waiting for the healthcare system. Our health care system is designed to treat those who fall sick.

When we focus on addressing health numbers before symptoms, that is true prevention and health optimization.

FIX IT: Put money aside to optimize or restore health Expert guidance from nutrition, fitness and Lifestyle professionals will require an investment in time, money, effort and attention. Plan ahead and budget for it.

#4: Choose the right experienced Guidance or Coach for your health needs

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Guidance from an experienced professional helps to navigate obstacles, identify pitfalls along the way, and stay motivated throughout their journey. Without proper guidance, many fall prey to misinformation, fad diets, quick fixes and never learn the true path to long lasting healthy habits.

Experienced coaches can provide evidence-based and personalized recommendations for unique needs and circumstances. Without guidance people can feel confused, overwhelmed, and frustrated, making it easier to abandon their efforts altogether.

FIX IT- Sign up with a coach to overcome challenges, stay accountable and connected to achieve long-term success in your lifestyle efforts. Show up for weekly support to your group or coach for three months for best results.

#5: Don't Go it Alone / Lack of Support kills most transformation journeys.

Research shows that many people who embark on a lifestyle journey alone quit within the first few weeks or months. Trying to make lifestyle changes alone is a difficult task. Sticking to new habits after the initial excitement wears off is tough.

On the health journey there are many obstacles, setbacks and some surprises which can show up. Frustration or discouragement can set in, if there is no knowledge and team support to navigate the obstacles. When Going it alone it is easier to give up.

HOW TO FIX IT- Identify or build your support system. If you cannot right now have a professional guide, health coach or the guidance of a health provider; a good friend or supportive family member could be your support system. Let someone know about your plans, goals and end date for the journey.

#6: Ignoring Mental Health or Substance Abuse/dependence:

Depression, anxiety, high stress, alcohol dependence, sugar, caffeine, carb and general food addictions, untreated -will undermine any efforts at Lifestyle changes.

Mental health needs and addiction tendencies lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as emotional/ stress eating, further substance abuse, or isolation -all of which derails lifestyle efforts and progress. Mental health struggles can worsen when not address appropriately during a healthy trasformation journey.

We cannot transform a body and ignore the mind. Sometimes the root causes of unhealthy Lifestyle patterns are hidden in the mental health difficulties; for best results both the mental wellbeing and the physical health transformation must be addressed together.

HOW TO FIX IT: Identify your mental health 'care team' and create a plan for support along with your lifetsyle journey-

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About Dr. Ashby’s Approach: Dr. Ashby specializes in Adult Concierge/Personalized Medicine and Prevention through Lifestyle Medicine. Her expertise is in optimizing and restoring health for healthy longevity.

Her comprehensive care includes:
​Advanced Health Assessment: A thorough consultation and advanced labs to evaluate cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory health.

Top Health Priorities Review: Personalized analysis of advanced lab results to identify key health goals and establish a tailored and personalized improvement plan.

Lifestyle Pillars Assessment: Guidance on supporting the six Pillars of a healthy Lifestyle to cement daily habits for better health.

Personalized Care Plans: Nutritional, fitness, and mental well-being strategies that align with individual lifestyles.

Ongoing Health Tracking: Repeat labs and progress evaluations to ensure success on your health journey.

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Special Announcement: Holistic Collaboration

Dr. Ashby is Collaborating with Dr. Xiong and Shannon Lamoureux

We’re proud to introduce Dr. Xiong -Nationally certified Acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Xiong combines ancient Eastern wisdom with modern scientific insights to address the root causes of health challenges.

Dr. Xiong holds Advanced training in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping therapy, myofascial release, and classical Chinese medicine.

Shannon Lamoureux -Myofascial release Massage Therapist, integrates bodywork, energy healing, and Ayurvedic principles to help clients release tension, and restore balance in mind, body, and spirit.

Save the date, Celebrate the new collaboration and New Year:

Welcome the Year of Transformation with a joyous celebration at Dr. Xiong's clinic! Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 25th, from 2 PM to 6 PM, as we honor this special occasion with an afternoon of fun, relaxation, and community.

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-Presentation by Dr. Xiong (creating an intention for the new year)
-Group Sound Bath with Shannon (clearing out the old to make room for the new)
-Transformations Presentation by Dr. Ashby
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Throughout the event, enjoy mini sessions, including:​
10-minute acupuncture with Dr. Xiong
10-minute myofascial release with Shannon
10-minute consultations with Dr. Ashby
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Savor delightful finger foods, drinks, and tea while connecting with others and setting intentions for a prosperous and healthy new year. Let’s celebrate the possibilities of 2025!