Environmental Medicine

Environmental medicine is a relatively new discipline in medicine and focuses on understanding how environmental factors influence our health and behavior. The development of more complex and chronic illnesses has increased over the last several decades despite the advances made in modern medical technology. Those of us who practice environmental medicine recognize that the body is dynamic and is constantly changing to adapt to its surroundings. When the body fails to adapt or does not adapt properly, biological and chemical changes occur that affect both organ and immune systems, ultimately creating symptoms. The goal then becomes to assist the body in maintaining its ability to change with its environment and restore health.

We are exposed on a daily basis to any number of potential stressors which may ultimately affect our health. These stressors may be external, such as exposure to pollen, mold, chemicals, infectious agents, contaminants in food or even physical phenomena such as extreme cold or heat. Other stressors may be internal, such as psychological stresses, genetics or malnutrition. The concept of "total load" then describes how the total sum of these stressors affect each person's health. Environmental physicians work to help you identify these stressors and provide you with a comprehensive treatment program that effectively manages your illness and reduces your sensitivities.

Allergy identification and treatment is an important aspect of environmental medicine. Abnormal reactions to foods, chemicals or inhalants may be related to systemic or chronic disease. Your environmental physician will likely discuss many aspects of your health, lifestyle and environment that may have been overlooked by your healthcare provider.