Holistic Practitioner Spotlight with Jennifer Baer, Nurse Practitioner Specializing in Adult Health
We are speaking with Jennifer Baer, N.P., and the importance of proper testing and alternative treatments to reverse symptoms from chronic illnesses such as Chronic Lyme Disease and Epstein Barr Virus.
Tell Us a Story About How You Helped a Patient Who Suffered From Chronic Lyme Disease.
A patient of mine, who will go by the name of Lily, is a female in her mid-30s who for several years experienced symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath. These symptoms were overlooked by her primary care physician and, therefore, not treated. She also complained of pain and swelling and stiffness in her left knee joint which was addressed, although without resolution.
Lily had gone to an MD for her knee, wondering if it was torn. The doctor prescribed an MRI and said he could see the swelling but all of the ligaments were intact. Lily was sent home with a gel to help reduce the swelling. The gel worked as long as she applied it, but the knee would get swollen again and the pain and stiffness would return as soon as she stopped using it.
At this point, Lily had not been diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Neither Lily nor her doctors had considered Chronic Lyme Disease since she never had a known tick bite or bulls-eye rash. Not getting desired results for how she felt, Lily decided to visit me for an initial appointment.
How did you arrive at your diagnosis of Chronic Lyme Disease and your course of treatment?
After listening to the symptoms that Lily displayed, I had a strong feeling that she was suffering from Chronic Lyme Disease as those are symptoms I often see. Upon further investigation and testing she showed high markers for Lyme Disease and Epstein Barr Virus. EBV often goes hand in hand with Lyme Disease, so I was also not surprised that she came back positive for that as well.
What modalities or therapies did you implement for the symptoms of Chronic Lyme Disease?
I treated Lily aggressively with IV Ozone. Ozone treats the body as a whole and goes to where it is most needed, which in her case was clearly her knee. The pain and swelling were reduced, in fact, with a few treatments, it completely went away. The Ozone most likely also played a part in helping her shortness of breath as well.
We were able to specifically target Lyme Disease and EBV and quickly address the ongoing issues with homeopathics I prescribed. These helped her body start to fight the EBV on its own. Herbal supplements were taken to help with the fatigue and brain fog, which also cleared up. Since herbs and homeopathics do not harm the body the way antibiotics can, Lily was able to take these over long periods of time, keeping the Chronic Lyme Disease and EBV, (which tends to persist), in check.
What was the outcome of the services you provided for treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease and EBV?
Lily so appreciated that she finally found a provider that really paid attention to her symptoms. I was not only able to diagnose Chronic Lyme Disease with EBV, but I had knowledge of the tests that pointed to the underlying cause of her health issues. I was then able to provide credible and effective alternative treatments. The Ozone IV therapy, Supplements, Herbs and Homeopathics allowed Lily to experience great improvement, no side effects, and the ability to enjoy her life without the daily pain and discomfort of Chronic Lyme Disease.
Why and When Did You Choose the Holistic, Integrative or Natural Health Path?
I originally studied to become a nurse because I felt a true calling for helping people. After working in mainstream medicine and hospitals for a long time, I realized that people were not getting the best results from conventional medical treatment, especially patients with chronic illnesses.
Wanting to help people directly, I went back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner. I was one of the first providers to treat patients with Lyme Disease specifically in the Capital District. Since then have branched off into treating all chronic illnesses – among other things.
Having studied and worked in one of the largest integrative medicine clinics in all of the US, I have brought cutting edge techniques that I learned there to offer in New York where I now work.
What Lessons Have Your Work and Professional Experiences Taught You and What Has Been the Affect on Your Lifestyle?
Research is key. I am constantly reading and researching. My patients are also such good health advocates for themselves, many researching things on their own. They bring the information to me to consider which is such an important part of integrative medicine.
For myself, I have learned the importance of living a healthy lifestyle to help prevent certain diseases from manifesting. Eating healthy and exercising are two of the most important things you can do for your long-term health.
Biography
Jennifer Baer has been an Adult Nurse Practitioner for over 15 years. Soon after graduating with a master’s degree, she was drawn into Integrative Medicine and, over the years, has continued to acquire information in that area of study. She uses her knowledge of both mainstream medicine and integrative medicine when treating her patients and considers that there is not a “one treatment fits all” option. The innovative treatments offered by Jennifer have not previously been offered in the Capital District.
Her belief and vision are to restore the body to health by using therapies that detoxify the body and enhance the body, allowing it to heal and overcome illness. Jennifer’s commitment to helping is immense. She realizes that by helping one heal, she is creating a ripple effect, and in turn, helps the world heal.
Jennifer Baer, N.P.
Nurse Practitioner in Adult Health
Horizons of Health
Latham, NY. USA
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