Our Approach
Acumen Health & Wellness Center offers a patient-centered integrative medical approach. We address both acute and chronic conditions with a focus on prevention and health optimization.
Our integrative approach looks beyond the symptoms and combines the best of conventional diagnostic science with advanced natural therapeutics to address the whole person.
Trained in Naturopathic Medicine, we provide a unique, holistic approach. We combine the best of Western and Eastern medicine with diet and lifestyle to help each patient feel younger and achieve their health and wellness goals.
The approach is to thoroughly understand each client before developing a treatment plan. Although every person’s plan is different, your treatment plan might include any of the following: testing, bio-identical hormones, nutraceuticals and supplements, diet and life-style changes, exercise, stress management and even conventional pharmaceuticals when appropriate.
Our Approach to Evaluation
Consultation and Exam
We will begin your evaluation with a comprehensive intake questionnaire to understand your medical history. Your initial consultation with Dr. Waddell will include a detailed discussion and physical exam.
Testing
As an assessment tool, we rely on testing to gain valuable insight into your health. In addition to conventional laboratory testing, we offer specialty testing to evaluate nutritional status, digestive function, hormone balance, cardiovascular health, food intolerances, environmental toxicity, liver detoxification and more.
Hormone Evaluation
Men & women suffer every day due to hormone imbalance and endocrine dysfunction. Hormone testing is essential for evaluation and treatment of health conditions such as menstrual irregularities, menopause, andropause, osteoporosis, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, cognitive decline, and infertility.
Endocrine/Hormonal testing allows for customized treatments that fit each person’s needs and addresses their individual symptoms. Follow up testing and monitoring is necessary based on treatment and progress.
Nutritional Analysis
We offer comprehensive nutritional analysis to assess fatty acids, amino acids, minerals and antioxidant status. There are an increasing number of individuals who are deficient in essential nutrients. With proper nutrient balance, health, energy, and stamina are easier to achieve and maintain.
Toxic Metal/Environmental Pollutant & Detoxification Testing
We are all exposed to environmental toxins on a daily basis. This is increasingly problematic and a contributor to health-related issues. The liver is vital for proper detoxification and elimination of such toxins but for some individuals there is an impairment of the liver detoxification pathways. Testing for hepatic detoxification and environmental toxins allow for proper targeted treatment.
Functional Gastrointestinal Assessment & Microbial Testing
The gastrointestinal (GI) system plays a vital role in health making it necessary to properly evaluate and treat any dysfunction. Testing allows us to uncover underlying imbalances, such as bacterial or microbial overgrowth, inflammation and enzyme deficiencies that might be missed with a conventional approach.
Celiac’s disease, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s disease), constipation, heartburn, diarrhea and food allergies can all benefit from proper digestive testing and targeted treatments based on testing.
Allergy/Food Sensitivity Testing
We test and treat food allergies and sensitivities, immune disorders and environmental allergens. Undiagnosed allergies may contribute to inflammation, lethargy, mental fatigue, headaches, sinus issues, gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation, diarrhea, cramping), eczema, acne, skin disorders, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and arthritis symptoms, just to name a few.
Specialty Cardiovascular Testing
Cardiovascular disease has affected most of us in some way and it is important to look beyond cholesterol when evaluating cardiovascular health. With cardiovascular disease as the number one cause of mortality in both men and women, prevention is key and the use of specialty cardiovascular testing is essential in evaluation, education and treatment.
Genomic Analysis
We offer genotypic-phenotypic assessment and test genetic variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs (pronounced “snips”), are DNA sequence variations that occur when a single nucleotide in the genome sequence is altered, these genetic variations can predispose someone to a particular disease therefore testing is vital for prevention and health optimization. Evaluation allows for valuable targeted treatment, as SNPs are associated with inflammation, cardiac diseases, detoxification capacity, cancer, methylation, diabetes, mental illness and Alzheimer’s.
