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Hello ,


Thanks to all who attended last week's Open Office Hours Group Visit!  We had a fun and lively conversation answering ISH Member questions.  Although the questions were personal it sparked questions and conversation for all!


Join us this week for In Person Group Visit with Natalie Youssef, certified Health & Wellness Coach, Topic: Environmental Wellness: How Your Space Shapes Your Energy.  Check out and learn more about Natalie in her bio below. 


My husband and 2 of our dogs decided to take to the road this week for a short trip to intersect with our daughter on her trek from Canada to Seattle.  We met in Billings MT for a short 20 hr visit with her, to send her on her way.  Sometimes life invites you to do seemingly silly things and I am here to say, lean in to silly, it sure is worth it! Road trips provide opportunity for a shift in perspective, routine and freedom!


This is what google has to say about road trips, and I have to say, I agree!


"The wonder of a road trip lies in its combination of freedom, spontaneous discovery, and a unique way to connect with people and places that are not accessible by air travel. Road trips offer the joy of unpredictable adventures, allowing for flexible detours to discover hidden gems and fostering a sense of peace and reflection away from daily life. It's a way to explore the world's beauty and share quality time with companions, making memories that last a lifetime"


Some pictures of the first half of our trek below.  


Easy travels, where ever your day may lead,


~ Lynn 🌈

UPDATES

Weekly MEMBER ONLY WEEKLY emails are a place to get ISH Member updates, most current happenings, a place to connect and tap in weekly to your health intentions.

Upcoming ISH Closures

September 18 and 19

October 27-31

When ISH is closed, I do not monitor Charm messages and will respond to messages when I return.  Please follow up with PCP, Urgent Care or ER for urgent matters.

MEMBER CORNER

Do you have something to share with your fellow ISH Members?

Add it HERE and we will share with members in our weekly member email.

What is working you want to share with others?


We want to hear from YOU!

LEARNING

In the News

A new meta-analysis found that probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics supported mood.


These gut-supporting tools may work by regulating the gut-brain axis, calming inflammation, and supporting neurotransmitter balance.


But this is important: 

Not all probiotic strains are created equal or have the same effects. 

And supplements aren’t a substitute for personalized care.


At ISH, we assess key markers of gut health so we can create targeted plans that support both digestion and emotional well-being.


It’s all about nurturing the mood from the inside out.

 

Pro Health Tip

Your vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system (aka your “rest and digest” mode).


But it does more than help you relax. It also:

  • Regulates pain signaling in the brain

  • Calms sympathetic overdrive (fight-or-flight)

  • Reduces the release of inflammatory cytokines

In other words, supporting the vagus nerve directly affects how your body responds to pain


You can do that every day with simple practices like:

  • Deep breathing

  • Listening to calming music

  • Gentle yoga or tai chi

  • Cold exposure (like a cool splash on the face)

  • Humming or chanting

None of these are quick fixes, but they do help train your nervous system to move out of high alert and into a more resilient state over time.

 

Did You Know?

Natural pain relief doesn’t just come in a bottle. 


Your body already has a built-in pain relief system powered by chemical messengers like endorphins, GABA, serotonin, and more.


You can support them naturally:

  • Laughter → endorphins

  • Omega-3s → endocannabinoids

  • Hugs → oxytocin

  • Yoga → GABA

  • Sunshine → serotonin

Plus, you can target the root causes of pain with:

  • Curcumin, ginger, or omega-3s (support the inflammatory response)

  • Magnesium or chamomile (support muscle relaxation)

  • Reishi and ashwagandha (support the stress response)

Natural tools aren’t a quick fix. 

They’re a long-term strategy for those tired of a band-aid approach.

 

COMMUNITY CORNER


This Week's Group Visit Guest


Hi, I’m Natalie Youssef—a Durango, Colorado native shaped by mountains, movement, and a lifelong pursuit of vitality.


I grew up as an athlete and competitor—freestyle skiing in the Junior Olympics, mountain biking, playing soccer, running, and volleyball. These experiences taught me early on that physical performance and mental well-being go hand in hand. That connection still drives me today. I prioritize mindfulness, nutrition, movement, and recovery—not for perfection, but to feel grounded, energized, and clear.


At Bowdoin College, I studied Environmental Studies and Anthropology and began to see how our environments, cultures, and policies deeply influence our health. Later, while working as a wilderness therapy guide, I saw firsthand the transformative power of nature—and the barriers that prevent many from accessing it.

That experience led me to pursue my Master’s in Public Health (MPH) at George Washington University, where I focused on environmental health, social determinants of health, and community-driven wellness. I’ve since worked across public health, policy, and environmental systems—shaping clean energy policy, and building partnerships to support sustainable health solutions.


Now, as a certified Health & Wellness Coach, I bring those insights into personalized, evidence-based coaching. I help individuals and leadership teams optimize energy, focus, and resilience through strategies that are data-informed, practical, and designed to fit real life.


Whether you're navigating burnout, seeking clarity, or redefining your relationship with health—I’m here to partner with you.


Let’s create something sustainable—so you can thrive with intention.

See All Group Visit Replays

EMPOWER     💚     LEARN      💚     CONNECT

UPCOMING GROUP VISITS

View the Group Visit Calendar

Sept 23

IN-PERSON GUEST

Natalie Youssef, Environmental Wellness: How Your Space Shapes Your Energy

Sept 30

NO GV


Oct 7

IN-PERSON

TOPIC TBD

Oct 14

IN-PERSON

topic TBD

Oct 21

ZOOM

Open Office Hours with Lynn - Pop on, share a win, challenge or bring a question! We would love to see you!

Oct 28

NO GV


A VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The contents of this email are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Integrated Spectrum of Health Functional Medicine, 1305 Escalante Dr, Suite 202 , Durango, CO 81303, United States | Remove me


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