Blog Archive

Roughly 38 million women of reproductive age use some form of contraception. Deciding what birth control to use is an important conversation to have with your health care provider.  There are a range of options to choose from, and the right choice for you should align with your lifestyle, preferences,...

While the risk of certain diseases increases with age, developing them isn’t inevitable. There are things you can do starting right now to cut your risk.  By adopting a proactive approach toward your well-being, you can protect yourself against age-related diseases and enjoy a vibrant life into your golden years. ...

Missing out on deep, restorative sleep can diminish all aspects of your life, including your health. Learn how to create a good sleep routine that will help you get to bed sooner, doze off faster, and sleep longer.   The Monarque Health & Wellness Center team is dedicated to providing top-quality...

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition where the immune system overreacts to the presence of gluten in the diet. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, and because many foods are made from wheat, gluten is everywhere.  If you have digestive symptoms, it’s best to seek...

The ripple effect of what you put on your plate reaches far beyond the satisfaction of your taste buds. It touches every cell and organ of your body. If you've ever wondered why some days you feel like you're soaring and others you're barely getting by, the key might be...

The flu, or influenza, is a viral illness that affects millions of people every year, leading to missed days at work and school, and even hospitalization for severe cases.  Flu vaccines offer a strong first line of defense, but they can’t guarantee total protection. Once you contract the flu, you...

We all want to feel seen, understood, and cared for, especially when it comes to our health. Yet, navigating conventional health care can sometimes feel impersonal, and the root of the problem may seem elusive. At Monarque Health and Wellness, our family and functional medicine professionals offer a personalized, comprehensive...

A diagnosis of prediabetes can cause shock and alarm. The good news is that early intervention means you can make the right changes now to reduce the likelihood of ever developing Type 2 diabetes.  Prediabetes means your average blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough for a...

Birth control puts women in charge of their fertility. However, just thinking about the sheer number of birth control options can overwhelm you.  If you're looking for a contraceptive that requires minimal effort on your part but offers long-lasting protection, intrauterine devices (IUDs) could be the perfect solution.  At Monarque Health...

When your child gets an autism diagnosis, you can experience a mix of emotions and uncertainty about how to navigate this new terrain. The expert team at Monarque Health & Wellness understands that parents and caregivers need support, and we’re here for you every step of the way.  Our team...

High cholesterol is a health concern for 94 million adults in the United States. While our bodies need cholesterol to function properly, too much of it can lead to health problems, including heart disease and stroke.  The team at Monarque Health and Wellness Center is devoted to providing exceptional family...

A family history of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, and dementia heightens your risk of developing them, too. Parents who have a family history of certain chronic diseases need to put greater emphasis on keeping their child as healthy as possible.  As a functional and...

Even minor lifestyle adjustments, such as adopting a healthier way to cook — think baking instead of frying — can have a major impact on your overall health and wellness.  If you’re motivated to take advantage of practical and useful wellness hacks that can add up to feeling and functioning...

Functional medicine uses conventional medicine as a foundation, and adds a dimension of discovering, preventing, and managing the root cause of chronic disease.  The team at Monarque Health and Wellness Center in Ashland, Oregon, offers a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating illness. Our team uses an evidence-based, patient-centered approach to patient care.  You...

We usually think of going to the doctor only when illness or injury strikes. However, this neglects an extremely important aspect of staying well: preventive care. This branch of health care aims to keep you as healthy as possible by limiting your potential health risks. The team at Monarque Health...

Pediatric care focuses on the physical, emotional, and social health needs of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults up to the age of 21. Because of the physiological and emotional differences between adults and children, the pediatric health care providers at Monarque Health and Wellness Center are prepared to meet the health needs of young patients....

Women have various options to choose from when it comes to contraceptives. The type that works best for you will depend on your lifestyle, medical history, and personal preference. There are several things to consider when deciding which contraceptive is right for you, including effectiveness and ease of use. The team at Monarque...

Knowing and limiting your exposure to triggers is an integral part of managing rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Rosacea causes redness and pustules in the central part of the face. Rosacea can also impact extended areas of your cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It’s important to control flares because...

High-quality supplements have a beneficial role in disease prevention. Millions of people in the United States take some form of dietary supplement.  A physician-directed supplement program, along with a nutritious diet, and an overall healthy lifestyle can cut your risk of developing common chronic diseases and keep your body strong....

High blood pressure harms your health over time. That’s why managing your blood pressure, including understanding high vs. normal numbers and what they mean, is an important part of achieving better health.  The good news is that in the early stages, lifestyle and diet changes are often enough to control...

Contraceptives give you the control to choose when you want to have children. If you aren’t ready to have a child, contraceptives effectively prevent unwanted pregnancy. Among the many contraceptives on the market, they generally fall under two categories: hormonal and non-hormonal. To determine which contraceptive is right for you,...

Most people know that swapping out junk food for more nutritious meals and snacks can benefit your health, but did you know that adopting a healthy diet can help you live longer?  It’s true. You can potentially add years to your life by abandoning processed foods and replacing them with...

Functional medicine offers a patient-centered, holistic approach to treating chronic disease. The goal of functional medicine is to find and treat the core cause of chronic illness.  Instead of trying to identify which medication will treat your symptoms, functional medicine providers focus on finding the root cause of your issues...

With children returning to school and the world settling into a new normal, children are out socializing more, going to sleepovers, and playing with friends, which makes them more susceptible to infections like pink eye. The team at Monarque Health and Wellness Center in Ashland, Oregon, wants you to feel...

Inflammation is an underlying factor in various chronic diseases, and it’s also linked to premature aging. While inflammation is your body’s way of healing damage, it’s problematic when it goes from a temporary response to a lasting, low-grade state.  Even in situations such as arthritis, you can take steps to...

Stress affects every system in your body, including your cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Your body is designed to handle brief, short-term bouts of stress, and it does a good job of it. The problem we see today is long-term or chronic stress, which can have detrimental effects on your health....

When you’re feeling well, visiting your doctor might not be the first thing on your to-do list, but it’s important to see your doctor for routine physical exams even when you’re in excellent health. In fact, seeing a doctor when you aren’t having symptoms is the best way to stay...

Many aspects of aging are obviously outside of your control. While you can't stop the passage of time, and there’s no changing your genetic makeup, you can take steps that have a powerful deterrence on the aging process. Diet plays a major role in how you age at a cellular...

Your newborn’s health is closely monitored from the moment of birth through their first 24 months. In most cases, no medical problems are found. There might be minor issues or adjustments for both baby and parents, but despite the number of doctor visits you’ll have, most conclude with an “all...

Childhood is marked by tremendous growth and development from birth up to age 18. This makes regular pediatric care a vital part of not only keeping your child well, but also providing guidance throughout your child's development. Pediatric care means more than treating your child when they’re sick. That's why...

Women have many options when it comes to choosing a form of birth control. Learning about the available options and discussing them with a health care provider can help you come to the decision that’s right for you.  Our team at Monarque Health and Wellness Center is here to provide...

If you’re suffering from a chronic illness or simply want to understand the root cause of your health condition, consider visiting a functional doctor. Functional doctors provide a multi-disciplinary approach to treating and understanding your illness.  With specialized training and access to providers in a variety of disciplines, you receive...

At Monarque Health & Wellness in Ashland, Oregon, we care about your health. Brian Prestwich, MD; Elisabeth A. Sturm, DNP, FNP; Lisa S. Morris, FNP-BC, Kathryn Flynn, B.A B.Ed.; and Suzanne Sanderson, FNP, specialize in healthy weight loss treatments.  If you’ve been struggling to lose weight or want to talk...

Vitamins and minerals are the building blocks of your body’s health. With the proper nutrition, your body stays well and at a lower risk for certain health conditions. Many vitamins function to mineralize bone, assist in wound healing, metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and form red blood cells. At Monarque...

Springtime allergies are upon us. As the flowers bloom and the pollen circulates through the air, you may begin sneezing.  Pollen is the fertilizing agent found in plants. While it’s harmless to people, not everyone’s body gets the message, instead mistaking pollen for a dangerous invader. The immune system then...

In an era of ever-increasing threats to your health, it’s important to keep your immune system as strong as possible. The lifestyle choices you make are critically important to helping your immune system keep you healthy. Keep in mind, following a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact,...

Inflammation is the body’s defense system. When your body senses an unknown chemical or irritant, it can produce symptoms such as heat and redness. Prolonged inflammation can be harmful, however, making it important to recognize and treat inflammation before it becomes serious. At Monarque Health & Wellness in Ashland, Oregon,...

When people talk about signs of aging, they’re often referring to changes in your skin, hair, and other externally visible parts of your body. But you should also know that aging can lead to a number of external, internal, and mental changes.  With the United Nations declaring the next decade...

You’ve probably heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” Most of us know that eating well is fundamental to maintaining good health. However, many surprising problems can stem from, or be worsened by, bad nutrition. Here at Monarque Health & Wellness in Ashland, Oregon, we are big believers in...

Stress is a normal response to difficult life experiences. However, too much stress can cause anxiety, affect your physical health, and increase your risk of developing diseases.  It has been a stressful year for everyone, but our team at Monarque Health & Wellness in Ashland, Oregon, is here to help...

The holidays can be a wonderful time to relax, de-stress, and reconnect with family. However, the constant holiday meals and pressure to indulge can be hard to navigate for people trying to lose weight.  Here at Monarque Health & Wellness in Ashland, Oregon, we know how hard it can be...

While you might know that a pediatrician treats children and an obstetrician cares for pregnant women, you might be surprised to know there’s one type of specialist that can treat both: a family medicine doctor. At Monarque Health & Wellness, our family medicine practice in Ashland, Oregon, we get to...

Obesity is a serious and chronic condition, and it’s an understatement to say it’s pretty common in the United States. More than two-thirds of our population is either overweight or obese. This is problematic since obesity places you at a dramatically increased risk of developing preventable illnesses like Type 2...

While most of us are staying at home, for the time being, there’s still a possibility that your child may be able to participate in their favorite sports. You’ll want to make sure your child is healthy and ready before the season starts by bringing them in for a sports...

July is prime time for finishing off — or maintaining — that coveted summer tan. What people might not realize, however, is that unprotected exposure to the sun puts them at a much higher risk for developing skin cancer. At Monarque Health & Wellness, our expert providers emphasize preventive care...

For many people, the thought of getting a colonoscopy brings to mind an uncomfortable procedure that they would rather avoid. But, did you know that a colonoscopy can save your life? Colonoscopies are the standard screening method for colorectal (colon) cancer, the third-most common form of cancer among men and...

Your traditional doctor’s appointment goes something like this — you go into the waiting room, fill out paperwork, and wait until you’re called in for a 10-15 minute exam with your healthcare provider. They ask about symptoms you’ve noticed, perform a quick physical exam, and send you on your way...

Staying healthy through a pandemic isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone — our team at Monarque Health & Wellness is here to support your efforts to stay healthy and safe, every step of the way. That’s why we’re offering virtual medicine visits for both new and...

As you know, information regarding coronavirus is evolving and changing daily. We have a plan in place to address coronavirus and we will continue to stay up to date on current developments. Our primary goal is to continue to care for your health and wellness. We are offering a new...

An annual physical exam is a great way for you and your doctor to review your health history.  Do you have questions about your well-being? Are you concerned about a health issue? At Monarque Health & Wellness, a family and functional medicine practice in Ashland, Oregon, we understand the importance...

Family medicine is a branch of primary care medicine. As its name suggests, it focuses on the welfare of the entire family, from newborn to geriatric. The provider’s practice is not limited to any particular organ or disease. Instead, it integrates health care for the entire patient, acting as an...

Your skin is your largest organ and the one that everyone sees. No one wants to look older than they are, but sun damage and poor health habits can result in unhealthy, mottled, and wrinkled skin.  At Monarque Health & Wellness, we’re your partners in skincare. Our medical team works...

Whether you’ve been trying to lose weight for a few weeks or a few years, it’s easy to get frustrated and feel down if you’re not seeing any progress. The result is a constant battle with the scale.  The truth is, it’s easy to confuse dieting, or consuming less to...

Are you wondering why the skin you see in the mirror doesn’t reflect the age you feel on the inside? At Monarque Health & Wellness, located in Ashland, Oregon, we understand how your skin’s appearance can impact your confidence.  Our team of skilled and compassionate healthcare providers wants to keep your skin...

Getting the medical care you need isn’t often simple, especially when you’re dealing with symptoms that could be related to a range of conditions. If this sounds like you — or if you’d simply prefer a more integrative approach to health care — you could be a great candidate for...

Stress can seem like an inescapable part of everyday life, especially as the seasons change and fall gets underway. Still, stress puts your whole body through the ringer, not just your mind and emotions. It's important to do what you can to reduce stress in your life and protect your...

Did you know that heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for African American and white women in the United States? Only slightly more than half of women in the country are aware of that statistic.   At Monarque Health & Wellness, we use functional medicine that focuses on...

Summer is a time for lounging at the beach or by the pool, living in shorts or bathing suits, and spending long hours outdoors. Though being in the sun may feel good, the effects of the sun’s rays are not: Prolonged sun exposure can cause premature wrinkling, burns, and even...

Some 50 million people, or about 20% of adults, in the United States live with chronic pain. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can provide a powerful means of minimizing this pain, whether you pair it with medical treatment or use it on its own. Before making any significant changes to your...

Your skin is the largest organ you have — you should take steps to keep it healthy just like all the others. Paying attention to your skin can improve its appearance and reduce your risk of cancer. To keep your skin youthful and healthy, our providers share these five tips....

It can look like perpetual daydreaming, forgetfulness, or even laziness. But having inattentive ADHD, previously known as ADD, doesn’t mean your child is inherently disinterested or lazy. It means they have a brain-based disorder that can interfere with their daily life. ADHD is very treatable. If you suspect your child...

February is American Heart Month, and in celebration, those of us here at Monarque Health & Wellness see it as the perfect time to not only talk about why your heart health is important, but give you the seven steps you need to take to improve your heart health, whether...

If you’re like the vast majority of women, you aren’t exactly clear on why experts recommend a Pap smear, or how often you should have one. The recommendation guidelines changed recently, which has created even more confusion around the topic. It may be helpful to first consider what a Pap...

Concern over the impact of the holidays on your health is warranted. With a tendency to indulge more and exercise less, the average person gains 1-5 pounds and experiences a spike in cholesterol during the holiday season. However, with the right strategies and a little creative know-how, you can stay...