http://navigatingwellnessprimarycare.com/

Navigating Wellness Primary Care, Dexter, Bangor and Reno, Bangor, ME (2026)

06/07/2026

💜 On National Cancer Survivors Day, we also honor the warriors who are still fighting.

Today, I want to recognize my mother-in-law, Tamara Field.

Cancer has a way of changing the road ahead, especially when it comes in the form of a rare cancer. Rare cancers often mean more questions, fewer answers, and a journey that can feel incredibly lonely. Yet through it all, Tamara continues to show a strength that inspires everyone around her.

She is still fighting.

Fighting through the uncertainty.
Fighting through the appointments, treatments, and challenges.
Fighting for more moments, more memories, and more time with the people she loves.

Cancer may be part of her story, but it is not the whole story.

Her story is one of courage.
Her story is one of resilience.
Her story is one of faith, hope, and determination in the face of unimaginable challenges.

Today, we celebrate her strength. We celebrate her fighting spirit. And we remind her that she does not walk this journey alone.

Tamara, we see you. We love you. We pray for you. We stand beside you.

And while the future may be uncertain, one thing is not: your courage has touched more lives than you will ever know.

💜 For the fighters.
💜 For the survivors.
💜 For the families who walk beside them.
💜 For hope.

06/07/2026

💜 Today, we honor those whose names are not written in this post, but who are never absent from our hearts, minds, and prayers. 💜

Today, we recognize the warriors who are still fighting.

The ones sitting in infusion chairs receiving chemotherapy.
The ones showing up for radiation treatments day after day.
The ones navigating surgeries, scans, lab results, and difficult conversations.
The ones embracing palliative care while focusing on comfort, dignity, and the moments that matter most.

Cancer is not only a battle fought by survivors. It is fought every day by those still walking the path, one appointment, one treatment, one breath at a time.

To those who are making core memories with loved ones, choosing quality over quantity, finding joy in ordinary moments, and creating lasting legacies—your courage is extraordinary.

Some days the victory is ringing the bell.
Some days the victory is simply getting out of bed.
Some days the victory is sharing a meal, watching a sunset, holding a hand, or saying “I love you.”

At Navigating Wellness, we see you.

We honor your strength.
We admire your resilience.
We hold space for your fears, your hopes, your victories, and your struggles.

While your names may not appear here today, please know that you are remembered. You are prayed for. You are loved. And you are never fighting alone.

Today, we celebrate survivors.
Today, we support fighters.
Today, we remember those we’ve lost.
And today, we choose hope.

💜

06/07/2026

💙 On National Cancer Survivors Day, I celebrate my dad, Ralph. 💙

Bladder cancer became part of his journey, but it is far from what defines him.

What defines him is his strength, his perseverance, his unwavering faith, and the way he has always shown up for the people he loves. He is my rock. He is my example. He is one of the biggest reasons I had the courage to build a business, chase my dreams, and keep moving forward when things felt impossible.

Growing up, he always told me, “You can do the hard things.”

Those words have carried me through some of life’s toughest moments, and watching him face cancer with boundless courage and quiet determination only reinforced that lesson.

His story is also an important reminder that small symptoms matter. What may seem insignificant can sometimes be your body’s way of asking for help. Because he paid attention, sought care, and acted quickly, intervention happened when it mattered most.

Today, I celebrate not only a cancer survivor, but a father who has inspired me every day of my life. Thank you for teaching me resilience, determination, and the importance of never giving up.

Dad, I am endlessly proud of you. Thank you for being my rock, my mentor, and my inspiration.

I love you.

💙 Here’s to survivors.
💙 Here’s to early detection.
💙 Here’s to the people who teach us we can do hard things.

06/07/2026

💛 On National Cancer Survivors Day, we celebrate an incredible young warrior—Benny. 💛

There are some battles no child should ever have to face, yet Benny has faced his with a strength, courage, and determination that inspires everyone around him.

His cancer journey has been filled with challenges, appointments, treatments, uncertainty, and moments that tested both him and those who love him most. Through it all, he has continued to show us what true bravery looks like—not the absence of fear, but the ability to keep moving forward despite it.

Today, we celebrate not only survival, but resilience. We celebrate every milestone, every victory, every smile, and every moment that reminds us how precious life truly is.

Benny, your story is one of hope. Your strength has inspired a community, and your journey reminds us all to cherish each day and never underestimate the power of a fighting spirit.

We are so proud of you, and we are honored to celebrate you today and every day.

💛 Stronger than cancer.
💛 Braver than fear.
💛 An inspiration to us all.

06/07/2026

💜 On this National Cancer Survivors Day, We celebrate you, Jess. 💜

Cancer may have been part of your story, but it will never define who you are.

What defines you is your courage, your resilience, your beautiful heart, and the way you refused to give up when life handed you one of its toughest battles. Through every challenge, you’ve shown incredible strength and grace, inspiring everyone around you.

We are so proud of the woman you are and the fighter you’ve proven yourself to be. Today, and every day, we celebrate the gift of having you in our lives.

Thank you for your strength, your love, your laughter, and for reminding us all what true perseverance looks like.🌹

(Thanks Jamie for the picture!)

06/06/2026

Time to sign up for your Maine Senior FarmShare!
Bangor Farmers Market every Sunday 11-1:30pm across from the Bangor Public Library

05/31/2026

🦠 Bloating? Gas? Food Sensitivities? Brain Fog? It Might Be SIBO.

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) occurs when bacteria that normally belong in the large intestine begin growing in the small intestine, where they don’t belong. This can interfere with digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.

🚩 Common Symptoms:
• Bloating (especially after meals)
• Excessive gas or belching
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both
• Food sensitivities
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Unexplained vitamin deficiencies (especially B12 and iron)
• Weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight

⚠️ Risk Factors:
• IBS
• Chronic acid reflux medication use
• Diabetes
• Prior abdominal surgery
• Autoimmune disorders
• Motility disorders
• Chronic stress

🔬 How is SIBO Tested?
The most common test is a non-invasive breath test that measures hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacteria after drinking a special sugar solution. Functional medicine evaluation may also include stool testing, nutrient assessment, and investigation of underlying root causes.

💊 How is SIBO Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of SIBO and the underlying cause but may include:
• Prescription antibiotics such as rifaximin
• Herbal antimicrobial protocols
• Dietary modifications (often low-FODMAP or targeted elimination diets)
• Prokinetic therapies to improve gut motility
• Nutritional support and correction of deficiencies
• Addressing root causes such as thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, mold exposure, or chronic inflammation

The key to successful treatment isn’t just eliminating the bacterial overgrowth—it’s understanding why it developed in the first place.

If you’ve been told you have IBS but continue to struggle with bloating, digestive issues, or unexplained symptoms, it may be worth exploring whether SIBO is contributing to your symptoms.

📞 Navigating Wellness Primary Care
Schedule an appointment today to discuss comprehensive gut health testing and personalized treatment options.

05/30/2026

🌸 Menopause Support: You Don’t Have to “Just Deal With It” 🌸

As Dr. Carrie Jones puts it:

“Being a woman in menopause is wild. You’re tired but wired, hot but cold, hungry but nothing sounds good, and deeply irritated by things you used to tolerate just fine.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and it’s not all in your head.

Menopause and perimenopause can affect nearly every system in the body. Hormonal shifts can contribute to:

🔥 Hot flashes and night sweats
😴 Poor sleep and insomnia
🧠 Brain fog and memory changes
😟 Anxiety, mood swings, and irritability
⚖️ Weight gain and increased abdominal fat
💔 Changes in libido and vaginal health
💪 Joint pain, muscle loss, and fatigue

At Navigating Wellness Primary Care, we take a comprehensive approach to menopause care. Hormone testing can help us evaluate estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, cortisol, thyroid function, and other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment options may include:

✨ Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – For appropriate candidates, HRT may improve hot flashes, sleep, mood, vaginal health, bone health, and overall quality of life.

✨ DHEA – DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that naturally declines with age. In women with low levels, supplementation may help support energy, mood, libido, muscle maintenance, and hormone balance.

✨ Ashwagandha – An adaptogenic herb that may help support the body’s stress response, improve sleep quality, reduce feelings of anxiety, and support cortisol regulation.

✨ Lifestyle and Nutrition Support – Optimizing protein intake, resistance training, sleep, stress management, and metabolic health can significantly improve symptoms and long-term health outcomes.

The good news? Menopause is not the end of feeling like yourself. With the right evaluation and individualized treatment plan, many women experience significant improvements in energy, sleep, mood, weight management, and overall well-being.

📞 Ready to talk about your symptoms?

Schedule a menopause consultation with Navigating Wellness Primary Care and let’s create a personalized plan to help you feel your best during this transition and beyond.

☎️ 407-850-8199
🌐 NavigatingWellnessPrimaryCare.com

05/30/2026

📢 Understanding Prior Authorizations: Why Your Medication Isn’t Always Approved Right Away

One of the most frustrating parts of healthcare for both patients and providers is the prior authorization (PA) process.

When we prescribe a medication, insurance companies often require additional documentation before they will agree to cover it. Unfortunately, many initial denials feel like a “spaghetti at the wall” approach—insurance companies deny first and see what sticks, regardless of medical necessity.

What happens next?

✅ Our team gathers records, lab results, treatment history, and supporting documentation.

✅ We submit appeals and often multiple rounds of appeals.

✅ We may participate in peer-to-peer reviews where a provider must justify the prescription to another clinician working for the insurance company.

The reality is that many medications that are initially denied are eventually approved after the appeals process is completed.

We know waiting is frustrating. We share that frustration. However, unless your medication is critical to life or limb, the best thing you can do is sit tight and allow our team time to work through the process. Calling repeatedly won’t speed up the insurance company’s review timeline, but it does take staff away from working on appeals for all patients.

Please know that we are advocating for you behind the scenes. Every day we fight insurance denials, submit appeals, and push back against decisions that don’t always align with what is medically best for our patients. Courtney spends nearly 30 hours of her work week doing NOTHING but PAs!!

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and trust as we navigate this complicated system together. 💙

05/30/2026

🍃 Rachel’s Functional Medicine Mold Recovery Course – Week 2: Reducing the Incoming Burden 🍃

Welcome to Week 2 of our mold recovery journey.

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is jumping straight into detox supplements, binders, and aggressive protocols before addressing the factors that continue to fuel symptoms. Before we focus on “pulling toxins out,” we need to reduce what is still coming in.

This week we focus on:

🏠 Environmental Clean-Up
• Prioritize the bedroom
• Check indoor humidity levels
• Improve air filtration
• Remove obvious moldy or musty items
• Wash bedding frequently
• Change HVAC filters and reduce dust accumulation

🥗 Food and Nutrition
• Increase protein intake to support detoxification pathways
• Reduce sugar and ultra-processed foods
• Consider temporarily reducing higher-risk mycotoxin foods such as coffee, peanuts, corn, dried fruit, alcohol, and certain grains if symptoms are significant
• Stay well hydrated with minerals and electrolytes

🚽 Support Elimination
• Daily bowel movements are non-negotiable
• Address constipation before considering binders or detox protocols
• Hydration, magnesium, fiber (if tolerated), movement, and nervous system regulation can all help support healthy elimination

😴 Recovery Foundations
• Prioritize sleep
• Assess ongoing exposures
• Monitor histamine-related symptoms
• Focus on stabilization rather than aggressive detoxification

My message to patients is simple:

“Your job right now is not to detox harder. Your job is to lower the incoming burden and make sure your body can eliminate safely.”

Creating a strong foundation now often leads to better tolerance and better outcomes when deeper recovery work begins later.

Follow along next week as we discuss when and how to begin gentle drainage support and preparation for advanced mold recovery protocols.

Navigating Wellness Primary Care

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