About Me

Hello,

I am a Health Coach certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), where I studied a variety of dietary theories and practical health / wellness coaching methods. Through my coaching practice, Amend Wellness, I am dedicated to helping others improve and balance their health and lives via mindful empowerment and techniques that foster lifelong lifestyle enhancement.

As a coach, I put the power back into YOUR hands:

- Learn more about my training and my unique approach to health coaching.

- Are you curious how health coaching can help you? Let’s talk. Schedule an initial consultation with me today.

Background, Motivation & Mission

My background is in computer science, nuclear power, U.S. Naval submarine service, high-tech semiconductors and other technologies.  I graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and served in the Navy until I transitioned to tech in 1995.

As a youngster, through my 20s and 30s I took my health for granted.  No doubt like many, I ate pretty much whatever I wanted whether at home prepared by my parents, in high school / college from the cafeteria, out with friends or from my own kitchen early on.  I just figured since I was active in sports and athletic in recreation, I would never have any health issues to worry about.

Then, some fifteen years ago (summer 2005), out of seemingly nowhere I was clobbered with profound fatigue and a plethora of aggravating physical and mental symptoms.  I researched intently, though inconclusively, online for days that eventually turned into months for a root cause.  I also consulted with multiple doctors, had numerous medical tests as well as mental and neurological evaluations.  All resulted in essentially the same conclusion and misdiagnosis at the time: work-related stress.

Ultimately, I did finally figure out that all my health issues were caused by an adverse drug reaction (ADR) to fluoroquinolone antibiotics (i.e. Cipro & Levaquin).  Further, I learned ADRs are all too common!  In my efforts to recover I employed clean living (diet/nutrition, exercise, sleep, etc.), prayer, faith, hope, determination and patience.  It took nearly two years to clear most of my symptoms.

Despite my fluoroquinolone antibiotic ADR and minor lingering ailments, I consider myself fortunate.  Now in my 50s I am grateful for the health, fitness and quality of life I was able to recover and maintain.  Unfortunately, others have been less fortunate.  Serious health issues seem all too commonplace nowadays!

Within just the past few years I have been impacted by many others’ health issues.  We learned a dear family friend was suffering with Alzheimer’s.  He passed last summer at 79.  One of my uncles suddenly experienced abdominal issues which led to a stroke.  He passed soon thereafter at 70.  A friend of mine learned she had stomach cancer and is recovering.  Coworkers are seemingly all-of-sudden dealing with colon, thyroid and other cancers and conditions.  I learned multiple friends I recently reconnected with are struggling with severe autoimmune conditions like Lupus and celiac disease.  And multiple others are managing issues ranging from diabetes to obesity and beyond.  What’s up with all this?

When I learned about our family friend struggling with Alzheimer’s, I searched, found and read a book that profoundly changed me and the course of my life.  That book was, The End of Alzheimer’s by Dale Bredesen, MD.  It was not so much his detailed explanation of Alzheimer’s disease but his recommended ReCODE (Reversal of Cognitive Decline) protocol and specifically where he describes the importance of warding off insulin resistance by DESS (Diet, Exercise, Sleep & Stress reduction) that really struck me.

According to Bredesen, insulin resistance is “arguably the single most important metabolic contributor to Alzheimer’s disease development and progression”.  This literally shook me to my core knowing that my most recent fasting glucose test result was 95, which is a tad higher than the 93 where Bredesen explains, indicates potential insulin resistance.  He actually recommends maintaining fasting glucose under 90 and I have read where other concerned doctors recommend under 85 mg/dl.  Note fasting insulin and hemoglobin A1c are other important tests as well in this regard.  Net-net, I highly recommend reading doctor Bredesen’s books!

I have since read three more books: Grain Brain by David Perlmutter, MD; The Wahls Protocol by Terry Wahls, MD and Cindy & Erica’s Obsession to Solve Today’s Health Care Crisis: Autism, Alzheimer’s, Cardiovascular Disease, ALS and More by Stephanie Seneff, PhD.

Like the doctors whose books I read and mounting numbers of others, I have embarked on a mission to address preventable chronic diseases however I can.  So I endeavor through personal example, social media and health coaching to help solve the U.S health care crisis and the now global epidemic spread of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, dementia, obesity and suicide.

From much reading and studying I have learned nearly all these chronic diseases and potentially many autoimmune conditions are preventable via proactive lifestyle factors like Doctor Bredesen’s recommended DESS as part of his ReCODE protocol for the reversal and/or prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

I certified as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach to serve and help others through evidence-based, holistic and functional modalities in order to make a positive difference.  Amend Wellness!

In Health & Happiness..