FAQs
I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or prediabetes, and I don't want to take medications all my life. Can you help me taper off these meds?
Yes! Identifying and treating the root cause of chronic illness through therapeutic lifestyle prescriptions is exactly what lifestyle medicine is about. We are happy to work with your primary provider to deprescribe medications as you are able to address the root causes of disease and make them unnecessary.
I'm not interested in longevity - I do not want to live longer, but I have things I want to do while I'm healthy enough to do them. Do your longevity plans still apply to me?
You’re exactly who our longevity plans apply to. None of us wants to simply live longer, but we want to live better. We wish to remain as young as possible as long as possible, so we can live the life of freedom we desire. We help you to optimize your wellness to be able to do those things you wish to do, whether that’s continuing to enjoy the things you do now, to add more active sources of joy and fulfilment, or to visit and play with grandchildren down the road.
What is biological age testing (epigenetics, methylation)?
Methylated age testing, also known as epigenetic age testing, provides insights into biological age by assessing patterns of DNA methylation in specific regions of the genome. This testing compares your chronological age (the number of years you’ve been alive) to your biological age (how old your body appears at a cellular level). The results can offer valuable information about the rate of aging and potential age-related health risks. Specifically, methylated age testing may reveal whether your biological age aligns with your chronological age, or if you are aging faster or slower than expected based on your DNA methylation patterns. This information can help identify areas for targeted interventions to optimize health, prevent age-related diseases, and promote longevity.
How will I know my health is improving?
We begin with baseline testing of biomarkers of health and aging, and after making inventions for sufficient time, we measure success partially by retesting to obtain objective results.
Will you tell me I need to consume a vegan diet?
We advocate a whole food minimally processed diet, that is rich in a variety of plant foods.
While it is possible to follow a vegan whole food plant based diet, a diet may be vegan and still be very unhealthy, and would not be recommended by us. We help clients obtain nutritional excellence to support their bodies for optimal wellness and aging.
How do I know what to believe about what a healthy diet is?
There are countless examples of people claiming to have the secret key to a healthy diet that will cure all our ails. The truth is that each individual responds to particular foods uniquely, even identical twins respond differently to the same foods. Our doctors have spent hours upon hours going through scientific studies, and are prepared to help you identify the best foods to nourish your body, based on your genomics, your microbiome, your activity, and all the factors that make you unique.
How is Freedom Lifestyle Medicine different from traditional medicine?
We take a very long range view of your health, and look at many more markers of health than traditional medicine. Our holistic precision medicine approach helps you identify your personal health goals, the obstacles to achieving those goals, and develop a personalized health, longevity, and wellness plan to live the vibrant life you desire. Traditional medicine mostly responds to disease states after they arise; we help you improve your health often very early in the process before the disease state can develop. Additionally, we help identify and treat the root cause, and rather than prescribing medications to manage the problem, we help to reverse the problem.
What is the difference between the service you provide and the care I can receive from a primary care provider?
Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider forms a fundamental aspect of a successful wellness journey. Our role is to provide advice and interventions specifically designed to complement the care provided by primary care providers, ensuring a holistic approach to your well-being.
While primary care providers play a crucial role in your overall healthcare, our service at Freedom Lifestyle Medicine offers a specialized and personalized approach to preventive care and wellness. We focus on leveraging cutting-edge genetic insights and comprehensive lab panels to tailor interventions specifically to your genetic makeup and health profile. Our emphasis on genetic-based care, personalized wellness plans, and the integration of lifestyle modifications sets us apart, ensuring that you receive highly individualized care aimed at optimizing your health, longevity, and wellness outcomes. Additionally, we work collaboratively with your primary care provider to ensure seamless coordination and comprehensive healthcare management. We often collaborate closely with existing primary care providers to help treat root causes of disease and de-prescribe medications for chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Can you accept FSA or HSA cards?
Yes, we accept both FSA and HSA. However, we advise contacting your plan provider beforehand, as plan guidelines may vary.
Does the membership option have a commitment period?
Our lifestyle and longevity memberships may be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, with discounts for paying annually or quarterly. For monthly plans, we require a 6-month commitment period. We recognize that meaningful change takes time, and we have observed that most clients require a minimum of 6 months to effectively implement lifestyle changes and obtain measurable results.
Our atheletic performance programs include shorter 3- or 6-month options to help athletes develop specific focused performance optimization plans.
What does the long term yearly plan provide beyond the initial assessment and follow up?
The long-term yearly plan ensures continuous access to our services beyond the initial meetings, providing sustained support and guidance throughout your health journey. With regular follow-up appointments, personalized interventions, and ongoing monitoring, the plan allows for the integration of lasting lifestyle changes tailored to your needs. Furthermore, you’ll have direct access to your provider via text, ensuring immediate support whenever you need it, right at your fingertips. Our commitment to your long-term health optimization includes comprehensive support, accountability, and adjustment of your personalized wellness plan, empowering you to achieve sustainable improvements and prioritize your well-being over the long haul.
How do I know what a healthy diet is?
There are countless examples of people claiming to have the secret key to a healthy diet that will cure all our ails, eliminating some secret toxin, adding some superfood, etc. The truth is that each individual responds to particular foods uniquely, even identical twins respond differently to the same foods. Our doctors have spent hours upon hours going through scientific studies, and are prepared to help you identify the best foods to nourish your body, based on your genomics, your microbiome, your activity, and all the factors that make you unique.
Do I have to wait for scheduled check-ins, or will there be someone to help with accountability and questions as they arise?
You’ll have access to support and assistance whenever you need it. We are dedicated to providing ongoing accountability and guidance, so you’re encouraged to reach out whenever questions arise or you need additional support. Whether it’s between scheduled check-ins or at any other time, we’re here to help you navigate your health journey effectively. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re committed to ensuring you have the resources and support you need every step of the way.
What is the difference in the products and supplements you provide versus what I can buy at Walmart or Amazon?
The difference lies in the quality and credibility of the supplements we provide compared to those available on platforms like Amazon. We primarily offer supplements from trusted brands such as Thorne, known for their commitment to quality, purity, and efficacy. These supplements undergo rigorous 3rd party testing and adhere to strict quality standards, ensuring optimal potency and bioavailability. In contrast, products available on Amazon may vary widely in terms of quality, sourcing, and manufacturing practices, making it difficult to guarantee their safety and effectiveness. By offering supplements from reputable brands with a track record of excellence, we prioritize your health and well-being, providing you with confidence in the products you’re incorporating into your wellness regimen. You can rest assured that supplements recommended by us are from trustworthy reputable brands that deliver high quality products.
Do you prescribe GLP1 agonist medications such as Ozempic or Wegovy?
We believe in using therapeutic lifestyle interventions to treat chronic conditions, including weight management. We are concerned about the long term safety and side effects of these medications. We prefer to help develop lifestyle choices that carry no risks and only good side effects, to help develop a life of freedom, including freedom from very expensive weekly injections.