For those who have already experienced and are knowledgeable about the many benefits that a Naturopathic Doctor can provide or for anyone seeking alternative options for treatment of a whole variety of ailments, you have a lot to be excited for.
Chestermere now has its very first registered Naturopathic Doctor. Originally from Alberta, Dr. Emma Stokes is incredibly excited to be here. She graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, one of only 2 colleges in Canada that offer the 4 year postgraduate program. Dr. Stokes will join the team of Medical Professionals with her general family practice at the Chestermere Lifepath Wellness Centre located in the Chestermere Station near Safeway. Currently, she will be available for appointments at Lifepath Wellness every Tuesday.
Dr. Jed Snatic, Owner and Dentist at Lifepath Wellness invited Dr. Stokes to join his team because he felt it was an important service to offer his patients and the residents of Chestermere. “I believe that Dr. Stokes brings alternative medical treatments to the Chestermere area residents not currently available” says Snatic. “The team and I feel that naturopathic medicine compliments the cutting edge treatments that we are providing at Lifepath Wellness – we are excited to have Dr. Stokes in our facility and look forward to the area residents utilizing her expertise.”
Naturopathic Doctors recognize the same signs and symptoms as traditional Medical Doctor but that is where the similarities end. Where they differ is on the philosophy of Care and Treatment methods although Naturopathic Doctors still work in conjunction with conventional medicine and Dr. Stokes is happy to partner with a patient’s family doctor to become an Integrated Health Care Team.
Naturopath’s seek the root cause of any illness and promote healing by using a broad range of natural therapies including acupuncture, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, diet and nutritional therapy and homeopathy.
Dr. Stokes lists some of the more common illness that she treats on a regular basis. “A lot of mom’s seek out Naturopathic treatments first to care for their children for things like earaches; colds and flu; skin conditions and mood development issues including ADD and ADHD.” She also often hears from patients of all ages who are in search of disease diagnosis, treatment or prevention of things like digestive issues, chronic pain, hormone imbalances, allergies and depression.
Although not covered by Alberta Health, many Extended Health Care Insurance Group Benefit Plans like Alberta Blue Cross or others your employer may offer do allow for Naturopathic Doctor visits so it is worth checking with your provider for details.
You can make an appointment to have a courtesy 15 minute ‘Meet the Doctor’ consultation with Dr. Stokes to speak with her about your health and discuss possible therapies or treatment options that she could offer you. Simply call Chestermere Lifepath Wellness centre to book your appointment at (403)235-6208.
