» ask dr. mike
MANY OF US Many of us will agree
that maintaining a balanced lifestyle has
become a challenge for the majority
with compromises to our health being
the most dangerous liability. With our
endless to-do lists and fast-paced lives, it
seems that illnesses have spiked over the
last several generations with studies indicating a strong correlation between stress
and disease. Although modern medicine
has lengthened our life expectancy, albeit
with medications and procedures that
could have serious side effects, there is a
movement taking hold throughout our
society - one which returns to a more holistic approach. This takes into consideration an individual’s unique body chemistry and searches for the root causes of
diseases and symptoms. This distinct
system of care utilizing Naturopathic
Medicine and therapies is finally gaining
recognition and is being accredited to
the reduction of prescription medication dependency, successful treatment of
disease and overall wellness. Responding
to this great demand with his innovative
techniques is Dr. Michael Carozza, Nutritional Scientist, Naturopathic Doctor
and Director of Vaughan Natural
Care Clinic (VNCC).
GETTING
HEALTHY
FROM
THE
INSIDE
- OUT
With Doctor Michael Carozza, ND
By Romina Monaco
“Before I ever became a Naturopathic Doctor I was a nutritional
scientist and prior to putting the
work in place of becoming a
physician I was looking at the
research and evidence pertaining
to nutrition,” says Dr. Carozza, explaining that this clinical research and
his scientific background acquired at the
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine laid the foundation for his profound expertise in human nutrition. Medically trained and
naturally focused, he uses these specific qualifications to provide exceptional standards in customized, holistic healthcare at his clinic. “We are like Sherlock Holmes,”
he smiles, further adding that it is his job as an ND to search for and
identify the uniqueness within each patient and implement treatments
that will be most advantageous. “I believe nutrition is the basis to any
preventative medical procedure or for any kind of integrative health
centre. We at VNCC treat the cause – not the symptom – and have
the medical training to diagnose, counsel, treat and monitor people
with illness. Our focus, in terms of treatment plans and wellness goals,
is to use natural therapies," he says.
However, this investigative approach to holistic healthcare is nothing out of the ordinary for naturopathic practitioners. So what sets
Dr. Carozza, also referred to as Dr. Mike by his patients, and VNCC
apart from other centres in the city? Very much – according to his credentials. In addition to a background in nutritional science, he is one
of few NDs in Vaughan who has met the prescribing standard of
practice and therapeutics examination which allows him to be able
to prescribe, dispense, compound, sell or administer by injection or
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inhalation specific drugs. Also, having
met the standards of practice for IVIT
(Intravenous Infusion Therapy) for vitamin administration. Self-regulated
at one time, Naturopathic Medicine is
now governed under the same umbrella
as the medical profession and with the
recent passing of a new Ontario legislation, NDs now have prescribing privileges which also include higher doses of
vitamins and hormones including access
to some restricted herbs. However, all of
this requires the ND to pass rigorous
board exams at the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, the profession’s
regulating body. As a primary healthcare physician offering the best quality
service, Dr. Carozza meets all the necessary requirements and will also work
in conjunction with a patient's medical
doctor to provide the best solutions.
A vastly popular centre in Vaughan,
those who enter the doors of VNCC
feel safe, respected and supported by
its qualified team. From the most common conditions such as allergies, food
sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, skin
disorders, digestion, cold and flu
prevention to depression, anxiety
and sleep deprivation, VNCC
also specializes in more acute
healthcare problems like chronic
stress and fatigue, immune dysfunction, cardiovascular disease,
diabetes and cancer support. Other areas of expertise include antiaging, detoxification, weight loss,
reproductive health and menopause.
As a one-stop-shop, VNCC also offers
in-house lab testing such as mineral and heavy
metal detection, food allergy and intolerance, saliva hormone, stool and urine as well as blood analysis.
These tests determine individual needs and are necessary
to create customized treatments. With so many taking health
matters into their own hands and purchasing dietary supplements
right off the shelves of their local pharmacy and health food store,
Dr. Carozza says preliminary testing is imperative to definitely confirm
whether supplements taken are working or even necessary. “I've had people come to see me who are tired and fatigued. They don't understand
why they are feeling this way since they are taking vitamins. We are very
unique and therefore not created equal. Certain patients lack genetic precursors to facilitate inactive vitamin conversion to the active forms which
will lead to a significant absorption. As a result, key testing for genetic mutations are necessary to evaluate the proper assessments of a patients requirements,” explains Dr. Carozza who says that one out of every five of
his patients may have a form of genetic defect. “A simple genetic test can
provide the answers.” This revolutionary test, also available at VNCC,
corresponds to preventative care by screening for illnesses that one may be
predisposed to such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. With
this valuable insight a patient can benefit through lifestyle modification,
gaining the vital tools in order to control their own health destiny.
HEALTH&FITNESS //