Anxiety has become an almost universal experience in today’s fast-paced world. Studies reveal that nearly 25% of older adults and a staggering 50% of young adults struggle with anxiety. While quick-fix solutions may offer critical temporary relief, we have found that the true key to overcoming anxiety lies in uncovering and addressing its root causes.

Digging Deeper: Why the Root Cause Matters

Too often, the focus is solely on managing symptoms — while these methods can help, they rarely solve the problem at its core. Without identifying the underlying issue, symptom management becomes a frustrating cycle, where relief is fleeting and anxiety keeps resurfacing in disruptive ways.

Anxiety can stem from various factors, such as toxins, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, genetics, past trauma, environmental influences, excessive screen time, or lack of exercise. Furthermore, even the stigma of having a mental health condition can worsen anxiety.

As Helena Williams, our dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, explains, “Simply discussing a patient’s feelings and concerns can help lift the stigma surrounding mental health. This alone can be a powerful first step toward healing and identifying the root cause.”

By identifying what contributes to an individual’s anxiety, we can take meaningful action toward long-term mental wellness.

Moving Forward: The Benefits of Resolving Anxiety

When anxiety is effectively addressed at its root, the positive ripple effects extend to all aspects of life. Relationships improve as individuals become more present, communicative, and emotionally balanced. Personal and professional productivity increases as focus sharpens and the mind becomes clearer. Sleep quality enhances, allowing the body and brain to rejuvenate, leading to higher energy levels and better overall well-being.

By tackling anxiety, individuals often find they are more confident in social situations, able to set healthy boundaries, and better equipped to handle life’s inevitable stressors. Emotional resilience strengthens, making it easier to manage everyday challenges without feeling overwhelmed. The ability to enjoy life fully returns, and moments of joy, peace, and fulfillment become more frequent.

A Tailored Approach: Finding Your Personal Path to Wellness

Since anxiety can stem from multiple sources, working with an experienced professional is essential. A thorough evaluation can help uncover specific causes and guide the development of a personalized treatment plan.

At The Renewal Point, we go beyond symptom management.  Our doctors and practitioners have decades of experience and are specifically trained to learn about the patient and find the root cause.

Our Holistic Approach to Anxiety Relief

Our practice takes a deep, integrative approach to anxiety treatment. We utilize a combination of in-depth assessments, customized therapies, and referrals when needed. Though this method requires more effort at the outset, we find that it yields more effective, lasting results.

If anxiety is holding you or a loved one back, consider seeking guidance from a practitioner who prioritizes uncovering its true cause. By addressing anxiety at its source, you can regain control, restore balance, and embrace a future of lasting mental wellness.

Setting goals for physical activity can be a meaningful step toward better health and well-being. It’s helpful to remember that any amount of movement is valuable, and exercise goals are most successful when they align with individual needs, preferences, and readiness. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults offer a general starting point:

• Cardiovascular Activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio or 75 minutes of vigorous cardio per week can bring benefits like a lower risk of chronic conditions, improved sleep, and enhanced quality of life.
• Strength Training: Including resistance exercises two days a week can support bone density, metabolism, and mental health while reducing fatigue and the risk of injury.
• Reducing Sedentary Time: Taking short movement breaks every hour or so can help counteract the effects of sitting for extended periods.

Adapting Goals to Your Current Activity Level

• If You’re Just Starting Out: It can be helpful to think about activities you enjoy and what you might need to begin, like comfortable shoes or a specific time in your schedule. Starting small, such as walking for 10–15 minutes a couple of times a week, can make the process feel more manageable and build confidence.
• If You’re Somewhat Active: Gradually increasing activity in small steps can be a gentle way to progress while reinforcing a positive routine. Consistency is key, and even small changes can make a meaningful difference.
• If You’re Already Meeting the Guidelines: You might explore ways to maintain your routine or even try something new, like adding variety to your workouts, adjusting your schedule, or involving a workout partner to keep things engaging.

Ultimately, any movement is a step toward better health, and progress often starts with small, consistent actions. Supporting your goals with flexibility and patience can lead to lasting, positive changes over time.

We are thrilled to announce the return of Helena Williams, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC and the introduction of programs designed to empower our patients on their journey to better health. Whether you’re striving for physical vitality or seeking support for mental wellness, our enhanced services cater to your unique needs.

Introducing the NeuroCognitive and Psychiatric Program

We are excited to debut our NeuroCognitive and Psychiatric Program, led by dual-certified Family Practice and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Helena Williams,. This program is designed to address the complex interplay of mental health and neurocognitive conditions.

Trying to determine the cause of your own or a loved one’s symptoms can be overwhelming, and unfortunately, many conditions go undiagnosed. Proper screening and timely interventions are essential for effective management and improved quality of life.

Through a holistic approach, Helena evaluates your symptoms, lab results, and other diagnostic tests to identify conditions such as:

• Neurocognitive disorders (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer’s disease)
• Psychiatric conditions (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, depression)

By integrating therapies, medications, and referrals, she addresses the root causes of symptoms and supports optimal outcomes for every patient. Additionally, with her comprehensive background in Integrative Medicine, Helena has a keen eye to identify whether the underlying cause is related to factors such as hormone imbalances, neuroadrenal dysfunction, or toxin buildup.

Comprehensive Services for Mental Wellness

The NeuroCognitive and Psychiatric Program offers options such as:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation: Medical and psychiatric history review, Neurocognitive testing (ex: MMSE, MOCA, and Geriatric Depression Scale) and Psychiatric assessments (ex: PHQ-9, Beck Depression Inventory, HAM-A, and GAD-7)
2. Diagnostic Testing: Lab work and imaging, such as MRI, to uncover underlying issues
3. Personalized Care Plans: Tailored interventions, follow-up visits, and referrals to specialists, if needed

These services are designed to provide patients and their families with clarity, support, and effective solutions to enhance mental and emotional well-being.

Other Services and Specialties offered by Helena Williams, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC:

Along with the NeuroCognitve and Psychiatric Program, Helena will continue to see patients for Bio-identical Hormone Balancing, Female Sexual Dysfunction, NeuroAdreneal Balancing, Metabolic Weight Loss, and Integrative/Functional Medicine.

The Return of the Metabolic Weight Loss Program

By popular demand, our Metabolic Weight Loss Program is back! This comprehensive program has helped hundreds of patients achieve and maintain their ideal weight through a blend of lifestyle changes, medications, and behavioral support.

Our dedicated weight loss team specializes in Metabolic Medicine, Health Coaching, and Lifestyle Medicine. This ensures that you benefit from the latest advancements in weight loss science. From personalized consultations to customized treatment plans, we are committed to addressing the root causes of weight challenges and supporting long-term success.

A Commitment to Your Health

At our clinic, we are passionate about offering programs that promote comprehensive health and wellness. Whether you’re seeking to improve your energy levels, manage chronic conditions, or enhance your overall well-being, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out today to learn more about these services or schedule your consultation. Together, let’s take the next step toward achieving your health goals!

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to get festive and prepare for all the joy and traditions that come with it. Soon, we’ll be gathering with loved ones, exchanging gifts, singing carols, and eating some delicious holiday food. Whether it’s honey-baked ham, latkes, sweet potato casserole, or pumpkin pie, the holiday table is often filled with foods that remind us of the warmth and joy of holidays past.

However, for those mindful of their health, these rich treats can present a challenge. No one wants to miss out on the pleasures of the season, but overindulgence can leave us feeling less than merry. Even those knowledgeable about nutrition, like myself, can find it tricky to balance festive eating with health goals during this time.

But don’t worry – navigating the holidays without depriving yourself is possible. Here’s how you can enjoy the season’s delights without compromising your well-being.

1. Leave Guilt at the Door

It’s easy to feel guilty after enjoying a slice of pie or a cookie. But carrying this guilt can often lead to more unhealthy choices. Instead, let go of negative self-talk. Enjoying special treats doesn’t erase your healthy habits and you can return to those habits at any time.

2. Practice the “Three-Bite Rule”

When it comes to dessert, moderation can be your best friend. The “three-bite rule” is a simple trick: the first bite is the most delicious, the third bite is the perfect finish, and every bite in between is more of the same. By savoring just 2-3 bites, you can enjoy the flavors of a dessert without feeling the need to indulge in a whole serving. This approach lets you enjoy holiday treats while still keeping your portions in check.

3. Don’t Forget to Drink Water

Sometimes we get so caught up in the holidays that we forget one of the most basic health behaviors ~ drinking water.  Women should get a minimum of 2.7 liters of water per day and men should get at least 3.7 liters a day.  Additionally, for those who opt for a holiday cocktail, try to drink an extra 16 ounces of water.

4. Prioritize Physical Activity

Maintaining your regular exercise or gym routine is ideal, but it’s not always feasible—especially during the holidays. However, staying physically active in some way each day can strengthen your immune system, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Mixing up your exercise routine with activities like family walks, bike rides with friends, or casual outdoor games can help you stay physically active. These not only keep you moving but also create meaningful holiday memories with loved ones or pets.

5. Get Enough Rest

With holiday gatherings, shopping, and travel, it can be hard to get enough sleep. However, getting a consistent 7-9 hours of sleep each night is essential for keeping your energy up, maintaining a balanced mood, and preventing overeating (by raising leptin and lowering ghrelin). Remember, the key to feeling your best isn’t catching up on sleep later, but prioritizing it throughout the season. Quality rest ensures you’ll be ready for every holiday celebration.

Embrace the Holiday Spirit, Healthfully

We hope that these tips will help you enjoy a festive, flavorful, and balanced holiday season. Remember, the goal isn’t to constantly restrict yourself but to be mindful and intentional about your choices. Savoring the season without overindulging allows you to start the new year feeling healthy and refreshed. So go ahead and let the festivities begin!

Can we find hope and inspiration amidst the physical changes that come with aging?

I recently read a few opinion pieces by doctors that left me unsettled. Their message? We should simply accept health issues as part of the “normal aging process” and that doctors must be candid about the inevitability of degeneration. Really? Are we just meant to give up? I can almost hear Jack LaLanne rolling in his grave—he dedicated his life to promoting health, wellness, and the benefits of a proactive lifestyle. He passed away at 97, having lived an active and vibrant life.

Contrary to these views, I strongly believe that it is possible to slow, halt, and even reverse some signs of aging. While we can’t stop the passage of time, we can take proactive steps to maintain our physical and mental health. I see this reality every day, both in my own life and in my patients.

Moreover, evidence from independent laboratories supports my observations. Studies measuring the impact of improving just three bio-factors—nutrition, exercise, and hormone balance—showed remarkable improvements in seniors: energy levels increased by 85%, memory by 59%, productivity by 65%, strength by 73%, libido by 80%, sexual performance by 60%, and fat reduction by 68%. We also observed enhancements in facial appearance, skin tone, athletic performance, sleep quality, overall well-being, and frequency of illness. These findings demonstrate that we can enhance both the quantity and quality of our lives without simply accepting the “normal aging process.”

These examples barely scratch the surface of the benefits of Integrative Medicine. By combining nutrition, exercise, and hormone balance with additional tools like detoxification, genomics, and psycho-spiritual therapies (such as ‘finding purpose in life’), the positive outcomes continue to grow.

On Integrative Medicine

A thorough evaluation of an individual’s symptoms, along with appropriate lab tests, can reveal many underlying issues. Each person is unique, shaped by their genetic makeup, life experiences, environment, and complex histories. Celebrating and addressing this individuality is crucial to the success of Integrative Medicine.
Regarding the costs associated with doctor visits, lab tests, nutrient supplements, or detox programs, these expenses pale in comparison to just a year or two of skilled nursing or memory care. Plus, the journey is far more enjoyable with Integrative Medicine.

Why Keep Going?

Just as our genetics are unique, so are our motivations for wanting to maintain our health and enjoy a high-quality life for as long as possible. What drives you to stay healthy?

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” is a famous quote from Hippocrates, the father of medicine, circa 440 BC.  But that famous citation must have been forgotten by the time I reached medical school in the 1970’s, for we had no formal training in nutrition at all.  I was told by my professors that it was just “old hat” and basically not that important.

That was the philosophy of medicine at that time, and I took it as the truth.  (It wasn’t until after medical school that I went back to school to earn my degree in Nutritional and Metabolic Medicine). For most of human history, we have thought of food as essentially fuel.  We knew we couldn’t survive without it and that our organs, tissues and muscles need sustenance on a regular basis to continue to function. But that was about the sum total of it.

Now, even as I write, that “old hat” philosophy is changing.  As scientists have begun to study our bodies down to the molecular level, we are rediscovering the profound effect of food…which foods make us stronger, healthier and more long-lived.  We have learned vast amounts, in just the past few decades, about what constitutes “health foods and which foods might be damaging to our bodies.  For example, that a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables may help protect against heart disease and cancer or that eating too many carbs and sweets can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Amid all this knowledge, scientists are playing catch-up, especially when it comes to food’s effect on the function of it’s ‘hungriest” organ of all, the brain. While the brain only comprises 2% of the body’s weight, it gobbles up about 20% of the calories.  And, it doesn’t thrive on just any old calories, according to Lisa Mosconi, PhD, associate director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical College and author of Brain Food: The Surprising Science of Eating For Cognitive Power, it is a spectacularly “picky eater”.

Mosconi says: Certain nutrients have been key to humans becoming the high-functioning mammals we are today. Our brain health is highly dependent on the food choices we make. And increasing, as our food supply has become more industrialized and further from what nature intended, we’ve been making some bad choices, brain-wise.

If you’ve been dealing with forgetfulness, brain fog, sluggishness, or anything else, we encourage you to reach out to us ~ you can give us a call at 941-586-7358 or contact us through our website: TheRenewalPoint.com.  We use an Integrative, test/correct approach ~ first, we determine the exact deficiencies; then, we correct the deficiencies with specific foods, supplements, or bio-identical hormones.  In the case of toxins, we eliminate them. This allows us to correct the root cause of the problem in order to help you maintain a longer, healthier, and happier quality of life. 

Reference: The Science of Brain Food. Centennial Health. “The Brain Food Revolution”

When I was in medical school and throughout my Residency I was taught how to diagnose and treat medical problems, mostly using medicines and surgery.  This concept worked quite well with my earlier practice in ER medicine, and also in my OB-GYN career. In the ER, my patients were in acute crises, while OB-GYN patients were usually younger or pregnant.

However, as I got older and my patients got older, I found that this style of medicine was clearly not enough. The diseases of older patients did not respond to healing like younger patients and at best were dealt with a steady decline.  Most of the conditions I began to treat at the time were then called the chronic medical conditions of aging, i.e. Heart Disease, Cancer, Arthritis, Diabetes, Cognitive Disorders, Hormone Disruptions, etc.., and the generally accepted perspective was for people to just accept their fate, get old, and decline until they finally die. But my own experience had taught me that, while there are many things in terms of health that we can’t control, there are also many things that we can. So my quest became a question:  How can we age gracefully and maintain our health for as long as possible?

Maintaining Health Instead of Treating Disease

The “diagnose and treat” style of medicine was simply not getting me to the root cause of the problem.  This led me on an educational journey to discover modalities outside of what I was taught in medical school.  I sought out 3 different programs: the first was in Regenerative and Anti-Aging Medicine, the next was in Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, and the most recent was in Functional Medicine.  Through these 3 programs, I learned (and continue to learn) eye-opening techniques taught by PhDs and MDs from around the world.  I discovered that Integrative Medicine is a healing-oriented approach based on finding the root cause of the disease and, in many cases, finding it before it causes disease.

Today

Through world knowledge and the quest of many more doctors and other academics, the Integrative method of treating diseases has swung doors wide open to new discoveries. Presently, there are Integrative Centers popping up in many of the world’s Centers of Excellence.  Here in the U.S., for instance: The Osher Center for Integrative Health (at Miami and Vanderbilt University Schools of Medicine); Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine; Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine (with Director Dr. Mark Hyman).

If you or a loved one has been experiencing signs and symptoms that are bothering you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation.  We do a careful assessment of each patient’s symptoms, health history, lab/blood work, and current health state to determine a course of action that’s not only going to treat the symptoms but also get to the root cause of the problem.

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Really Necessary After Menopause?

Having practiced clinical medicine and OB-GYN for 52 years, specializing in Bio-identical Hormone Replacement for over 25 years, in my opinion, the answer is No (but please read on for my full answer and explanation).  However, if you are approaching menopause, in menopause, or after menopause, there are a few things you should consider…

Firstly, the era of menopause brings about the acceleration of the aging process, affecting sex, skin, bones, mood, sleep, cognition, heart and many more aspects of getting older. Secondly, hormone replacement can slow down, stop and reverse many of these changes. Thirdly, natural, Bio-Identical Hormones have been found to be much safer than the pharmaceutical, or otherwise chemical versions, of replacement hormones.  So, while hormone replacement is not necessary after menopause, research has shown that it can improve the quality and length of your life. 

Results from Research on Bio-identical Hormones

From the Early vs Late Intervention Trial, Sept. 3, 2019- “Molecular biochemical, preclinical and clinical studies have furnished a wealth of evidence supporting estrogen’s cardioprotection in post-menopausal women without adverse effects.”  

From Neurotherapeutics July 16, 2019- “The decline of Estradiol has been associated with several changes in the brain, including cognitive changes, effects on sleep and mood. Treatment with Estradiol (in post-menopausal women) has been shown to improve behavior and morphological changes seen in menopause…including a number of neuropsychiatric disorders such as: Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia and depression.”

In a recent publication, Testosterone reduces neuronal secretion of Alzheimer’s b-amyloid, Gouras, XuH and Gross found that testosterone therapy decreased the signs and morphologies of Alzheimer’s.  Dr. Dale Bredeson, Professor of Neurology and author of best seller, The End of Alzheimer’s, has shown that the combination of Estradiol and testosterone (when replaced in their bio-identical forms) reduced cognitive loss and Alzheimer’s up to 40%.

How about safety? Fornier has been following 85,000 women in France for almost 20 years. In a peer-reviewed study, he found that the incidence of breast cancer in post-menopausal women was the same as a woman not on any hormones.  In other words, the relative risk of breast cancer for women on bio-identical hormones is zero. Whereas Fornier also found that the relative increase for women replacing with pharmaceutical or otherwise chemical hormones increased their risk up to 60%!  Holtorf, in another recently published article found the same thing, “the bio-identical hormones are much safer than their pharmaceutical/chemical counterparts”.

For those wanting to learn more about the research behind Bio-identical Hormones, you can find thousands of articles on the NIH or US Library of Medicine websites concerning the efficacy and safety of bio-identical hormones.  Additionally, What Every Woman Should Know about Hormones by Dr. Pam Smith, is a best-selling book with a thousand science evidence-based references regarding Bio-identical Hormones. 

At The Renewal Point, we use a combination of testing methods to ensure that we are targeting the root of the problem.  By utilizing lab values, patient symptoms, and patient history, we are able to design a Bio-identical Hormone Balancing program that is unique to each patient’s specific needs.  And, since hormone levels inevitably change as we age, we closely monitor each patient over time, to determine when changes are needed. If you are experiencing bothersome symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, and/or aging, we encourage you to give us a call ~ we are here to help!

Fatigue as a presenting symptom with my patients is on the rise. We have seen more and more adults and adolescents with complaints of exhaustion and fatigue not relieved by sleep. This can lead to further issues such as: the inability to perform otherwise routine tasks, exercise intolerance, and a lowered immune system, causing an increase in cases of flu, colds, and viral episodes such as herpes and EBV. Fatigue has always been a regular complaint since beginning my practice, but why on the rise? 

To better understand it, let’s look at where the problem could be coming from:

1. Hormones:  Deficiencies in hormones such as Thyroid, Progesterone, Testosterone (in women as well as men), Cortisol, etc. contribute to fatigue in a large manner as we grow older.  Progesterone deficiency can interfere with a good night’s sleep. Undue or continuous stress can cause cortisol levels to plummet leaving a person feeling burnt-out with no reserve.  Testosterone in both males and females produces energy in your ‘tank’, as well as increased libido.  Thyroid is the ‘battery’ of the body; without it, your body can grow cold and weak.  Detecting and correcting hormone imbalances can be critical to overcoming fatigue!
2. Mitochondria: Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell that produce ATP, which is a form of chemical energy (the ‘ever-ready’ batteries of life).  When these little batteries get sick, the body runs out of energy and cannot efficiently perform their metabolic functions. Recent decades have seen a rapid increase in reported toxic effects of drugs and pollutants on mitochondria. A great first step in this area is to limit highly-processed foods and increase legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
3. Sleep: Without adequate, restful sleep, your body will run out of steam, and you will not be able to think straight.  Coping with life then becomes a difficult task and your immune system can easily falter. Lack of restful sleep even contributes to heart disease and to neurological diseases, like Alzheimer’s. 
4. Exercise:  Research shows that lack of proper exercise sends the message to your body that you are no longer useful.  On the other hand, adequate exercise sends a message to your muscles, bones, brain, immune system, and heart that you are healthy and willing and able to contribute.  Although it can be tiring to start a new exercise routine, after about 2-3 weeks most people start to see a shift in their fatigue symptoms.  We suggest starting with a routine that’s manageable and attainable and then building up from there to reach your goals. 
5. Toxins:  Toxins take on many forms and are ubiquitous in our modern environment.  There are increasing amounts of household chemicals, heavy metals, plastics, VOCs, agricultural chemicals in our food and in our water, as well as biological toxicants, such as mold and bacteria. Testing for things such as heavy metals, molds, and other toxins can detect what toxins are causing problems, in order to target the therapies.

We’re here to help

At The Renewal Point, we’ve been studying fatigue and helping patients get to the root cause of their symptoms for decades.  By listening to our patients and carefully reviewing test results, we can get an accurate picture of what’s going on and move forward with a personalized plan of care.  If you are dealing with symptoms of fatigue and exhaustion, we are here to help!