A Wholesome Approach to Chronic Illness with Dr. Kimberley T. King

The following article is based on an interview conducted with Dr. Kimberley T. King, founder of Soulfire Wellness Center in Barbados.

Through Soul Fire Wellness Center, Dr. King provides workshops, personalized programs, and advice to help her clients better understand lifestyle-related conditions like Cardiovascular disease and Diabetes. Having watched many loved ones and patients suffer from these preventable conditions, Dr. King pivoted her practice from the more conventional approach to one which focuses on empowering clients to make sustainable changes that support healthier lives. She is passionate about sharing knowledge in a relatable way to ensure you leave her motivated to make healthier life choices.

Lifestyle Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine

Lifestyle medicine is an arm of conventional medicine that emerged as a solution to the increasing prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Conventional medicine and conventional medical practitioners are slowly embracing the fact that our lifestyle is directly impacting the prevalence of these diseases. Traditionally, conventional medicine uses a  crisis-type approach to disease management. Lifestyle medicine employs a more holistic approach by partnering with other healthcare professionals and delving into all aspects of the person’s day-to-day life practices in order to develop sustainable health improvement.

What is a Chronic Disease? 

A chronic disease is a condition that persists beyond a year and requires ongoing medical attention. So having the flu does not qualify. There are multiple chronic diseases plaguing not only our nation, but communities worldwide. 

When an illness is ‘non-communicable’ it means that it cannot be passed on from person to person. Examples of non-communicable diseases would include:

• Diseases that affect the cardiovascular system. These can progress to strokes and heart attacks. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide. 
• Diseases that affect the endocrine system such as diabetes, particularly type two diabetes. 
• Diseases affecting the respiratory system, e.g. asthma.
• Certain types of cancer.

How do we develop these diseases?

Most chronic diseases are linked to everyday habits. It relates to what we consume, the thoughts we think, how well we manage stress, and how meaningful our relationships are. It includes getting enough sleep and whether we are engaged in risky behaviors, such as consuming large amounts of alcohol or smoking. Nutrition and lack of activity are also big contributors. All of these factors can work together to feed the development of these illnesses. 

Stress alone can weaken our ability to manage our diet and exercise. When we are unaware of the factors which contribute to starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we can fall into unhealthy practices until we begin to establish and sustain more positive lifestyle habits.

Top 6 factors affecting your health

No.1: Food Choices

Most adults can correctly identify junk food, fast food, and healthy food. We also know that breaking unhealthy eating habits is quite difficult. However, nutritional choices, even from childhood, impact our health. Presently, there is a major focus on childhood obesity within the Caribbean region. Various government ministries have recognized the value of better nutrition and exercise for children of all ages. 

Dr. King shared that in medical school, she was taught that the first signs of these blockages resembled fatty streaks along the arteries. Foods high in fats and nitrates, such as processed meats, contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries and that eventually causes blockages. A blockage in your brain is called a stroke. A blockage in your heart is called a heart attack. These build up over years and can start from as early as 10 years old. 

No.2: Consistent Exercise

Activity is very important not only for athletes. Consistent activity allows your body to be put under the necessary stresses we need to maintain our health and fitness. Everyone should pay attention to their cardiovascular health because it includes the ability of the heart to undergo strain. In terms of joint health, flexibility is important and helps the body to maneuver, especially as we age.

No.3: Adequate Sleep

Sleep is very important. In this day and age, there is a propensity towards increasing screen time spent watching scenes. People fall asleep in front of the television and engage on devices before bedtime. By doing this, sleep cycles are disrupted since there is a hormone (melatonin) produced at night that prepares your brain for sleep. 

We tend to forget that our body has its own natural rhythm. It still has its own natural needs in order to function properly, and the brain is expecting a certain type of light at nightfall. The hormone melatonin is produced in the brain and helps you prepare for sleep and is produced ideally in the dark. 

When melatonin is reduced, this has implications for the brain’s ability to remove waste products, and for memory retention. Research has shown that a lack of sleep can also impact diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It also has implications for how blood sugar is controlled. 

Good sleep habits are therefore very important for a healthy life. 

No.4: Healthy Relationships

Relationships also play a part in health. Unhealthy relationships can cause stress which activates the fight or flight response and can cause undesired effects on the body. Research shows that people who have healthy, supportive relationships have fewer chronic illnesses and tend to live longer. 

Work stress creates a cycle in which stress hormones are produced. These stress hormones, particularly cortisol, impact eating habits, and cravings and could lead to weight gain.

No. 5: Stress Management

The way we respond to various stresses in life is key. Dr. King believes that emotional responses are a choice and we should decide in the moment how we will allow these stresses to impact us. We must remember to be mindful of our feelings and our responses to others. She views the management of stress as a sign of maturity and people should be taught or guided to focus on developing in this area.

There are stress-relieving outlets available such as meditation, prayer, involvement in a social group, volunteering or even a weekend hike. These outlets can help to manage our stress levels and improve overall well-being. 

No. 6: Reduced Use of Risky Substances

Risky substances include but are not limited to alcohol, cigarettes, and other illicit drugs. There is also the misuse and overuse of prescription medications. 

Excessive use of alcohol and smoking is one of the biggest challenges in our region. Dr. King reminds us that you don’t necessarily have to be an alcoholic for alcohol to become a problem. Binge drinking is quite prevalent and dangerous because of the large consumption of alcohol which poses a problem to the liver since the organ can’t process the alcohol as quickly as needed to relieve the body. This heightened level of toxicity becomes damaging to the liver. 

Unfortunately, many of us believe that consuming alcohol once a week shouldn’t cause any lasting problems. However, liver damage is a process and problems can manifest later in life. 

IT’S NOT TOO LATE! 

It’s never too late to change. Our bodies are always trying to heal and correct the wrong. For example, if we cut our finger, the body is going to heal the wound. We simply need to create an environment that allows the body to do what it needs to do. So wherever you are in your lifestyle journey, there is always room to improve, refresh or even kick-start new habits. 

Why Was Soulfire Created?

Soulfire was created in response to the crisis of chronic non-communicable diseases in our community, and Dr. King’s awareness of the fact that these things are mostly preventable. Diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many types of cancers are directly related to everyday habits. Dr. King also realized that in conventional practice, she was not as involved as she would need to be to help address these critical issues. 

She realized that clients needed support and a different approach to wellness. The programs created at the SoulFire Wellness Center are focussed on guiding clients along their journey. There are a number of defined programs, and targeted health coaching visits where the approach to wellness begins with regular meetings to ensure that action plans and goals are being met. This program changes your approach to healthy living!  

Soulfire’s Services and Operations

• Holistic Approach

The Center uses a holistic approach based on a wealth of knowledge. They recommend nutritional supplements or herbal remedies that are helpful for each case presented. Some integrations include supermarket tours where assistance is provided to make the right food choices.

• In-Depth Conversations

The programs involve in-depth conversations, with discussions about all levels of your lifestyle. Dr. King provides her basic recommendations on areas of improvement and provides suggestions on herbal supplements as well.

• Specialty Tests

Laboratory tests are usually recommended so that all decisions can be made based on your current state of health. Most issues in the body will be identified through these tests so screening is very critical before entering the program. Soulfire has partnered with laboratories overseas where some samples may be sent for processing.

The Center also offers a number of specialty tests, such as allergy testing and food sensitivity testing. Recently genetic testing was also added which would assist in identifying conditions that clients may be predisposed to. Dr. King believes in being as informed as possible about her patients’ bodies in order to tailor a wellness program just for you!

• Accountability

Soulfire provides accountability to ensure that clients can attain their goals while enjoying the process. The Center uses the ‘Well World’ app which is easy to use and provides real time information to Dr. King. If blood pressure and blood sugar levels are being monitored during the program, the app is equipped to capture this data. 

• Maintenance Program

Soulfire’s maintenance program will check with clients regularly to monitor progress. Client testing and progress reports can be provided once a year. 

• Client Workbook

Dr. King has created a Client Workbook that can be used throughout the program. It is a useful journal to keep track of day-to-day activities, emotions and victories! The workbook is available to clients who are enrolled in the six-month program. 

Who Should Sign Up?

Dr. King encourages potential clients not to start until they’re ready. There needs to be definitive motivation to make lifestyle changes. Dr. King notes that unfortunately, some only sign up after they’ve experienced a heart attack or stroke. So when visiting Soulfire Wellness Center for the first time, enter with purpose. Be ready, willing and intentional. Know that it’s not necessarily going to be an easy process but it will be worth it!

CONTACT SOULFIRE WELLNESS CENTER:

CALL: (246) 847-4179, EMAIL: info@soulfirewellnesscenter.com

ADDRESS: KENDAL HILL, CHRIST CHURCH, BARBADOS

HOURS: MON – FRI: 10AM – 5PM | WEEKENDS: CLOSED

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