Empowering Wellness Through Personalized Functional Medicine Solutions
Meet Evalynne Basso a Functional Medicine FNP-C who has turned a personal life experience into a powerful mission. Evalynne was inspired by her father's cardiac health journey that led to chronic health conditions and a heart transplant. Ultimately, Evalynne’s father passed in 2016 from complications of his chronic health conditions. Evalynne’s father’s battle illuminated the critical role of holistic care in achieving true health.
Now at Pura Vida Health Evalynne channels that passion into a focus on women’s heart health and weight loss, drawing inspiration from the Blue Zone regions where people live healthier, longer lives. Like the vibrant Macaw bird, Evalynne brings color and life to her practice, helping her patients build resilient health habits that echo the longevity secrets of the world’s healthiest communities.
Blue Zones are regions worldwide where people tend to live significantly longer and healthier lives than the global average. The concept was popularized by Dan Buettner, who identified five such areas. Here’s a summary of these zones:
1. Okinawa, Japan: Known for its high number of centenarians, Okinawa’s diet is rich in vegetables, tofu, and sweet potatoes. The culture emphasizes strong family bonds, community involvement, and a sense of purpose.
2. Sardinia, Italy: This island has one of the highest concentrations of male centenarians. The Sardinian diet includes whole grains, vegetables, and lean meats, with a significant amount of physical activity and strong family and community ties.
3. Ikaria, Greece: Ikaria is noted for its low rates of chronic diseases and high life expectancy. The Ikarian diet is rich in vegetables, legumes, and olive oil, complemented by a relaxed lifestyle, social connections, and a positive outlook on life.
4. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: This area has a high number of centenarians and lower rates of middle-age mortality. The Nicoyan diet is high in beans, corn, and squash. A strong sense of family, frequent physical activity, and a sense of purpose contribute to their longevity.
5. Loma Linda, California, USA: This community is known for its high number of Seventh-day Adventists, who follow a vegetarian diet, engage in regular exercise, and maintain strong social and spiritual connections.
Functional medicine is a personalized, patient-centered approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of illness rather than just treating symptoms.
Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to health, looking at the interconnectedness of the body's systems and addressing underlying imbalances. Traditional medicine often focuses on treating symptoms with medication or surgery.
Functional medicine can be used to treat a wide range of chronic health issues, including autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.
At Pura Vida Health, we use a combination of advanced diagnostic testing, personalized treatment plans, and lifestyle modifications to address the root causes of our patients' health issues.
While some aspects of functional medicine may be covered by insurance, such as lab tests or consultations, many treatments and services may not be covered. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
The timeline for seeing results with functional medicine can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of their health issues. Some patients may see improvement in a matter of weeks, while others may require several months of treatment.
Yes, functional medicine can be used alongside traditional medical treatments. We work closely with our patient's primary care providers to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to their healthcare.
To get started with functional medicine at Pura Vida Health, you can schedule an initial consultation with one of our providers. During this consultation, we will review your health history, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.