Do you want to raise healthy children and treat your child’s sickness naturally but just aren’t sure what to do? I got to ask Naturopathic Pediatrician, Michelle Young, how to raise healthy children and treat them naturally. Here is our conversation. I hope you can find some help with this Q&A. Be sure to reach out to her if you are looking for a Naturopathic Pediatrician.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and why you decided to become a Naturopathic Pediatrician.
Hello! My name is Dr. Michelle Young, or Dr. M as most of my little patients call me! I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of California, with a focus in pediatrics. I am also a wife, dog mama, sister, daughter, and believer.
“Naturopathic medicine found me.” – Dr. Michell Young
Naturopathic medicine found me is what I like to say. I grew up going to doctors offices with my mom, who is an ultrasound technician and dreamed of helping others by doing something in the medical field. When I went off to college, I began dreaming of becoming a medical doctor. While I was studying and working in a pediatric surgery research lab at The University of Michigan, I began sharing my views on medicine, doubts with our current medical model, and the way I lived my life with some of the docs in the lab. Every single one of them told me to reconsider becoming an MD.
Her own health struggles.
At the same time, I began struggling with my own health. For years I had severe stomach pain, with no clear answers. I had been to so many Western medical doctors, so many lab tests and imaging, with no reason WHY. That was when one of my friends shared how he thought I should see his Naturopathic Doctor. At that time, I didn’t think she was a real Doctor and definitely didn’t think she would help me, but I was desperate. So I went. And leaving that first appointment I left feeling validated, hopeful, and had a sense of relief. I left with tears in my eyes and knew THIS was the type of medicine that sat well with my soul.
From that experience, I shifted my goals and moved to California to attend the top accredited Naturopathic Medical School, Bastyr University California. I truly believe that naturopathic medicine is the most effective healthcare philosophy for treating and preventing most childhood conditions. That is why I have dedicated my work towards serving health-conscious parents that want a different type of care for their children.
2. In what ways can a mom help support her child’s health naturally?
I believe the most important ways moms can support their child’s health is by focusing on the determinants of health: nutrition, movement, connection, time in nature, and sleep. When a child is eating whole foods from the earth, has community and friends, spends regular time outside, and is sleeping well — children thrive. This is how we boost our children’s vitality and set them up for preventing future disease. I encourage you mama, to assess how your child is doing in each of these areas. I find that most kids struggle in 1-2 of these categories. And from there, begin changing or adding one new tool to their daily routine to support that category!
3. Why should moms avoid giving their child Tylenol for a fever?
Tylenol (Acetaminophen, Panadol) is a common fever reducing agent and pain relieving over the counter medication. It is effective at its job, but has a major downfall. It depletes glutathione, which is our body’s super antioxidant and helps our body naturally detoxify. Meaning, when we give our children Tylenol, we are reducing their body’s ability to optimally detoxify, as well as increasing free radicals (which damage our cells). Tylenol also reduces the body’s ability to form appropriate antibodies. These are some of the reasons why I urge mamas to consider using natural medicine before giving their children Tylenol.
4. Is there ever a time to give Tylenol?
It is really important to understand when to intervene. Sometimes that means giving Tylenol, sometimes this means a call to your trusted provider. Read more on my thoughts below.
5. What are some signs a mom should look for to know her child needs medical attention?
There are a few things to look out for but first, let’s talk about the numbers:
Low grade fever: 100-102.2 F
Moderate grade fever: 102.2-104.5 F
High grade fever: >104.5 F
The numbers are a helpful guide. I tell all my patients this: treat your child — not a thermometer. It’s really important to watch your child closely for changes in mood, muscle tone, appetite, and thirst levels/urine output. Also watch for symptoms like stiff neck, vomiting or diarrhea, rashes, sore throat without a cough, and a fever lasting longer than 3-4 days.
If your child has a high-grade fever, or is experiencing any of these more serious symptoms, you should reach out to your trusted pediatrician. These are signs your child may have something more serious going on and is NOT the time to give Tylenol.
A low-moderate grade fever – 100-104.5 F – shouldn’t come with severe symptoms and can almost always be treated naturally at home.
6. What are your favorite go-to medicines for treating a child who is running a fever?
I see natural medicine work so well for children running a fever! The most important thing is to have these tools on hand prior to illness. That way you can start them at the first onset of symptoms!
Homeopathic remedies for fevers: ferrum phosphoricum, belladonna, pulsatilla
Herbals: lemon balm glycerite
*Each of these natural medicines comes in a liquid form or dissolvable pellets. You can purchase them on my online dispensary here for 15% off.
Other go-to natural remedies for fever: neutral baths and cool rags, wet sock treatment (my favorite!), hydration, and plenty of rest!
7. How can a mom connect with you and have their children as your patients?
I would love to connect with each of you on a deeper level. It really is an honor and privilege to work with such wonderful families that want to better their children’s lives using natural medicine. You can find me on instagram @dr.michelle_young as well as my website www.youngmedicine.com. Also, download my free guide on how to create your family’s natural medicine cabinet here. I see patients virtually all over the country and am currently accepting new patients!
8. What piece of advice would you like to give moms as they try to raise healthy children and treat sickness naturally?
Keep it simple and block out all of the noise. I believe that oftentimes we make “health and wellness” way more complicated than it needs to be! Start small and slowly make changes towards a more health-conscious lifestyle. Be gracious with yourself and your kids as you transition into the new changes. I promise it is worth it!
9. Are there any other things you would like to add?
I believe the next generation of empowered children can thrive and make a big impact. That’s why I have dedicated my life’s passion to serving health-conscious parents and families. I truly believe this starts at home and does not have to be difficult! I encourage you to join me in this mission.
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