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Natural Awakenings South Central Pennsylvania

A Functional Medicine Approach to Health and Vitality

Dec 25, 2017 03:56PM ● By Gisele M. Siebold

Turnpaugh Health & Wellness Center Doctors

At Turnpaugh Health and Wellness Center, the approach to guiding patients to a healthier life rests upon the foundational principles of functional medicine, which focuses on the optimal functioning of the body and organs. It addresses the underlying causes of disease, as opposed to the traditional medical approach of treating symptoms. Practitioners spend time with patients listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease.  

Treatments are grounded in nutrition and improved lifestyle. The strong functional medicine foundation is complemented by chiropractic care, massage therapy, behavioral health therapy and hyperbaric oxygenation therapy, in addition to acupuncture, family medicine, holistic pediatrics, CranioSacral Therapy, phlebotomy and more.

Chris Turnpaugh, DC, who is board-certified in chiropractic neurology, has been helping patients achieve their optimal health utilizing the functional medicine approach for more than 20 years. “There are a thousand people chopping at the tree of disease, but only a few are chopping at the roots,” notes Turnpaugh, whose primary focus is on finding and addressing the root cause of disease. His vast knowledge of functional medicine and functional neurology, coupled with years in practice, provide extensive experience in supporting patients dealing with chronic, autoimmune and neurological health conditions.

Seven other doctors, with overlapping areas of expertise, join Turnpaugh on the team: John Brow, DC; Jessica Herzog, M.D.; John Neely, M.D.; Lynn M. Panattoni, Ph.D.; Shannon David Smith, DC; Regina W. Smith, DO; and Cindy West, M.D.

Brow is a board-certified chiropractic neurologist who recently completed his fellowship in functional neurology, specializing in childhood developmental disorders. He is also extensively trained in functional rehabilitation. Brow continues to pursue studies in functional endocrinology, functional blood chemistry analysis and science-based nutrition.

Herzog is dual board certified in both integrative holistic medicine and pediatrics and has completed the Institute for Functional Medicine training program. When treating adults and children that exhibit mystery symptoms, Herzog searches for the root cause of disease and works to identify difficult diagnoses such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Crohn’s disease, hormone dysfunction, ADHD, autism spectrum, and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychotic disorder associated with streptococcal bacteria and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, which occur when an infectious trigger, environmental factors, or other possible triggers create a misdirected immune response that results in inflammation on a child’s brain.

Neely, a medical doctor, pediatric hematologist and oncologist, is also certified by the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine, and was in their inaugural class of graduates certified in functional medicine. He now practices as a functional medicine consultant. Neely has a focus on women’s health, immune and gastrointestinal issues, with research interests in models of whole person care and the effects of changes in the gut microbiome on health during illness treatments such as chemotherapy or antibiotics.

Panattoni holds her doctorate in marriage and family therapy. Other areas of expertise include trauma, anxiety, depression and women’s psychological health, with additional training in sexual assault and domestic violence therapy. She focuses on the psychological barriers that hinder mental and physical health and assists patients dealing with physical disease to recognize and utilize the mind-body connection in order to achieve wellness.

Shannon Smith is a doctor of chiropractic, board certified in clinical nutrition, who specializes in functional medicine autoimmune support. He is one of only a few doctors of chiropractic to be invited to certification by the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs specializing in autism spectrum support and evaluation. Trained to find and fix the cause of the problem, he helps patients regain their health through conservative and holistic approaches utilizing functional medicine, chiropractic, diet modifications and nutritional support. 

Regina Smith is board certified in internal medicine, which involves comprehensive adult medicine, and has completed additional training in functional medicine; Lyme disease; low-dose naltrexone therapy; low-dose allergy; and hormone replacement therapy. She sees patients that are 14 and older for consultations, and will partner with patients to determine underlying causes of chronic illness and optimize wellness.

West is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology. Experience in treating a variety of medical conditions combined with functional medicine techniques provides her with a unique perspective from which to approach a variety of conditions.

“We incorporate psychological, emotional and social well-being within the functional medical model to help patients achieve a healthier life,” explains Turnpaugh. “We are passionate about the care of people’s health, and we work together to support and guide patients on their journey to genuine wellness.”

Turnpaugh Health and Wellness Center is located at 310 Lambs Gap Rd., in Mechanicsburg. For appointments, call 717-795-9566. For more information, email [email protected] or visit TurnpaughHWC.com.