Essentials of Healthy Living

Dana Laake and her special guest Erin Stokes, ND, will discuss common nutrient deficiencies. Dr. Erin Stokes, ND, received her naturopathic degree from Bastyr University in 2001. In her current position as Medical Director for MegaFood, she combines her experience as a naturopathic doctor with an extensive background in the natural retail products industry. Erin believes education is a key to making positive changes, and her personal mission is to empower people with the inspiration and tools to change their lives. The focus of Erin’s naturopathic practice in Boulder, Colorado, is on healthy moms. She believes, “When moms are healthy, the world can be healthy.”

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Elizabeth Baer will discuss Functional Medicine and the future of healthcare. Elizabeth Baer, LAc, MAc, is a healthcare advocate, acupuncturist, and co-founder of Capital Integrative Health in the DC Metro area. She received her Masters from the Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2006. While pursuing her certificate in Functional Medicine, she met Dr. Andrew Wong, an internist and Functional Medicine doctor, who shared her deep desire to provide integrated, comprehensive care to patients while breaking down barriers between traditional medical and allied health providers. They co-founded and opened Capital Integrative Health in 2015, a progressive medical clinic that offers a wide range of services for body, mind and spirit.

Dana Laake will discuss "news you can use," including controversies in health and nutrition, the need for sufficient vitamin D and magnesium when taking calcium, talcum powder and cancer risk, the US government's reversal of dietary and cardiovascular recommendations, fluoride recommendations, autism, and the autoimmune solution. Dana Laake is a licensed nutritionist in the Washington, DC area, who has provided preventive and therapeutic medical nutrition services for over 25 years. Her practice includes the nutritional evaluation and treatment of the full spectrum of health issues affecting children and adults. Dana holds a Master's degree in nutrition from the University of Maryland.

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Dr. Weiss will discuss genomics and inflammation. Dr. Decker Weiss, NMD, FASA, is the first naturopathic physician to complete a conventional internship, residency, and fellowship in a conventional medical system. He trained in the Columbia Hospital system, the Arizona Heart Hospital, and the prestigious Arizona Heart Institute. Dr. Weiss has a holistic approach to cardiovascular disease management and is a pioneer in the application of effective natural alternatives to heart bypass and angioplasty. He is also knowledgeable about natural treatments for autoimmune disease, gastrointestinal issues, weight loss, and most forms of chronic disease. Dr. Weiss has traveled worldwide training physicians and pharmacists on safer ways to use fewer prescriptions and provide improved outcomes to their patients, and is currently is a consultant for Solgar.

Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Chris Oswald will discuss omega-3 basics, cognition, pain and inflammation. Dr. Chris Oswald, DC, CNS, has extensive post-graduate training in functional medicine. With the use of functional diagnostics, he has developed a highly effective approach to support those struggling with weight gain, fatigue, depression and digestive problems. In addition to seeing patients, Dr. Oswald works with other healthcare practitioners teaching them how to provide the highest quality and most effective care, so their patients can also realize the power of integrative physical medicine. Dr. Oswald is a Member of the Scientific Advisory Board at Nordic Naturals.

Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Erin Stokes will discuss supporting kids with optimal nutrition including MegaFood Kid’s Nutrient Booster Powders. Dr. Erin Stokes, ND, received her naturopathic degree from Bastyr University in 2001. In her current position as Medical Director for MegaFood, she combines her experience as a naturopathic doctor with an extensive background in the natural retail products industry. Erin enjoys educating the public on health and wellness topics via webinars, radio shows, articles and blogs; her personal mission is to empower people with the inspiration and tools to change their lives. She practices naturopathic medicine and lives with her family in Boulder, CO.

Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Janine Blackman will discuss ThermiVa – a new FDA approved feminine rejuvenation treatment. Dr. Janine Blackman, MD, PhD, is a uniquely trained expert in the fields of natural medicine, nutrition, and hormones for disease prevention, optimal health, and longevity. Dr. Blackman founded the Living Wellness Medical Center with the mission to provide personalized expertise and support for people at every age. Dr. Blackman’s practice offers effective and safe approaches to customized and natural hormone therapies, based on the latest evidence-based medicine. Her focus is on the root cause of symptoms and the essential elements of health to assist the body in restoring itself to optimal function, and thereby, naturally reverse imbalances and illness.

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Ross Pelton will discuss drug-induced nutrient depletions. Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN, began his career in the health sciences after graduating from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy in 1966. He is the author of several books, including two on the topic of drug-induced nutrient depletions. He also has extensive experience in alternative cancer therapies and was the administrator of an alternative cancer treatment hospital in Baja, Mexico. In 1994, Ross became a certified clinical nutritionist. A significant part of his career has been devoted to speaking, writing, and conducting seminars on a variety of health-related topics.

Dana Laake and her special guest Sara LeBrun-Blashka will discuss natural approaches for severe GI malabsorption including celiac, Crohn’s, UC, IBS. Sara LeBrun-Blashka is the Director of Medical Nutrition and Practitioner Engagement at Metagenics. Sara led the teams that launched Ultra Glucose Control, UltraMeal Advanced Protein, New and Improved UltraInflamX Plus 360, and SPM Active. Sara is a nutritionist with a Bachelor of Science in dietetics and food science from Iowa State University.

Dana Laake and her special guest Rex Jones will discuss the benefits of magnesium including support for relaxation, stress, sleep, mood and fatigue. Rex Jones has been an educator with Garden of Life for more than seven years and brings with him a lifelong passion for the Natural Foods Industry and a strong knowledge of herbals. For more than 10 years he worked in a natural foods retail setting as a nutrition manager and herbalist. Rex also led classes, co-hosted a radio show, managed web content and gave a variety of in-store and off-site health lectures. He is excited to share the Garden of Life mission: Empowering Extraordinary Health®.

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Hannah Bradford will discuss preconception care and good health before pregnancy. Hannah Bradford is an acupuncturist and researcher with training in nutrition, herbal medicine and homeopathy. She is certified in Biological Medicine through the Paracelsus Klinik in Switzerland and has completed further training at the Klinghardt Academy in the United States. Her training with Deitrich Klinghardt includes Autonomic Response Testing, neural therapy, light therapy, and detoxification and immune system regeneration strategies. She is also an Adjunct Faculty member for Alternative and Complementary Medicine in the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University and an Instructor in Nursing at Marymount University.

Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Mary Babcock will discuss the full spectrum of pain management and the diversity of therapies including nutritional, IV therapies, injections, prolotherapy, PRP, stem cell therapy and more. Dr. Mary S. Babcock, DO, is a practicing physician at the National Spine & Pain Centers in the Washington, DC metro area. She specializes in treating traumatic muscular and neuromuscular injuries and other chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, back, neck and pelvic pain, degenerated or herniated discs, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy. She is equally accomplished in alternative treatments, including osteopathic manual medicine, medical and auricular acupuncture, and Botox injections for pain. Holistic in her approach, Dr. Babcock believes listening to the patient is paramount to developing an effective treatment plan.

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Dr. Alan Miller will discuss important herbs and nutrients to aid injury and recovery. Dr. Alan Miller, ND, is a 1989 graduate of Bastyr University and a well-known clinician and educator who has lectured at medical conferences nationally and internationally. He has been a member of Thorne Research’s Medical Affairs team since 1994. As an author and researcher, Alan has published over 20 articles in the peer-reviewed journal Alternative Medicine Review. He is Chief Medical Editor of the book Alternative Medicine Review Monogrophs, Volume One and is a contributing author to the Textbook of Natural Medicine.

Dana Laake and her special guest Anthony Thomas will discuss synergistic roles for bioactive B vitamins – methyl-B12, 5-MTHF, and P5P. Anthony Thomas, Ph.D., serves on Jarrow Formulas’ Scientific Panel. His primary research interests have focused on the influence of dietary and lifestyle factors on the pathogenesis of chronic cardiovascular/metabolic diseases including obesity, insulin resistance syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. He has authored/co-authored multiple peer reviewed scientific manuscripts and contributed his expertise in the fields of nutrition, obesity, and diabetes for a number of scientific journals.

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Dr. Michael Greger will discuss his new book How Not to Die, and how diet and lifestyle changes can make a big difference in helping to prevent the 15 leading causes of death, including heart disease and cancer. Michael Greger, MD, FACLM, is a physician, New York Times bestselling author, and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition, food safety, and public health issues. A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, he has lectured at the Conference on World Affairs, testified before Congress, and was invited as an expert witness in the defense of Oprah Winfrey in the infamous "meat defamation" trial. Currently Dr. Greger serves as the Director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture at The Humane Society of the United States. His latest book How Not to Die became an instant New York Times best seller.