Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Stacey Richards
"Take Time for Health Now... OR Make Time for Disease Later."
Dr. Richards integrates standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies to address all health issues. She has a special interest in general medicine, women’s health and anti-aging. To broaden her interest in anti-aging she has undertaken training in cosmetic acupuncture - a non surgical facelift used to reduce the signs of aging. These are just some of the health concerns Stacey will treat:
Anti-aging
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fine/deep lines, sagging skin, double chin, drooping eyelids
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dark circles, puffy eyes
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dull complexion, acne, large pores
Women’s health
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infertility, pregnancy health concerns
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endometriosis, uterine fibroids
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menopause, PMS and menstrual disorders
Acute and Chronic conditions
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colds and flus
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ear and throat infections
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headaches and migraines
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hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart disease
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digestion, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome
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eczema, acne and other skin problems
In addition, Dr. Richards is actively involved in community work. She has worked with numerous organizations including HIV/AIDS outreach; Street Haven - as an educator; Health Alliance - as a member of the research and education committee in health promotion; and the City of Vaughan adult literacy program.
In keeping with her strong emphasis on sharing knowledge to empower, Stacey has done several speaking engagements within her community and in corporate environments.
She is currently accepting new patients at Kleinburg Integrative Health and is offering free 15 minute ‘Meet the ND’ visits if you are interested in learning more about how her approach to treatment can benefit you.
What to Expect During Your Visits
Free 15 Minute "Meet-and-Greet":
This is optional for those who want to assess how Meghan can meet their needs, prior to booking a full appointment. Finding the right practitioner is key for your success with Naturopathy, and this is a good way to evaluate that.
Visit One:
The first Naturopathic visit consists of a complete and comprehensive assessment which will be about 85 minutes in length. During this visit your health concerns are thoroughly discussed along with a review of lifestyle variables such as diet and nutrition, stress management and exercise strategies. A complaint-specific physical exam may also be performed.
Visit Two:
The second visit is normally 45 minutes in length. At this time any remaining information that is relevant to the diagnosis will be obtained and you will be given the primary components of your treatment plan.
Follow Up:
Visits are later performed as needed to assess progress. These can last anywhere from 15 - 60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Naturopathic Medicine
Q: What is Naturopathic Medicine?
A: Naturopathic Medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach to improving health and treating illness. Focusing on prevention, and using natural substances and treatments, naturopathic doctors support and stimulate the body's ability to heal itself.
The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illness, rather than simply treat or suppress symptoms. The patient is seen as a whole person and the naturopathic doctor takes the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions into account when diagnosing and developing a treatment plan.
Q: How are Naturopathic Doctors (ND's) trained?
A: Naturopathic doctors take a minimum of three years pre-medical studies at university, followed by four years at one of four recognized colleges of naturopathic medicine. The only two in Canada are the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (North York, ON) and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic medicine (British Columbia).
The education encompasses basic medical sciences, naturopathic principles and therapeutics, and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
In regulated (or licensed) provinces and states across North America , graduates must also pass rigorous standardized exams to qualify to practice. In Canada, naturopathic doctors are regulated in British Columbia , Manitoba , Ontario and Saskatchewan . Legislation is pending in Alberta and Nova Scotia.
Q: What's the difference between naturopathy and homeopathy?
A: The difference is twofold: First of all homeopaths only use homeopathy as a treatment tool, whereas Naturopathic doctors use homeopathy as one of several treatment tools.
The second major difference is that homeopaths are not regulated and licensed in the province of Ontario . Therefore anyone can call themselves a homeopath regardless of training, whereas only those individuals following the steps outlined above can call themselves Naturopathic Doctors.
Q: What's the difference between a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and a Doctor of Natural Medicine?
A: A Doctor of Natural Medicine (DNM) is not regulated and licensed in Ontario.
Anyone, regardless of training and education, can call themselves a Doctor of Natural Medicine in this province. There is no independent regulatory body that ensures that these individuals have appropriate training, or that standards of practice are being maintained. If a patient/client has any concerns their only recourse is a court of law. Most insurance companies only cover practitioners that are licensed.
The regulatory board for Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario is the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy - Naturopathy (BDDT-N) see www.boardofnaturopathicmedicine.on.ca/. This board is a government-appointed board that is independent of any of the naturopathic associations and its job is to protect the rights of the public and to ensure a standard of patient care.
About Dr. Stacey, N.D.
Q: What treatments does Meghan do?
A:
- Clinical Nutrition
- Botanical Medicine
- Natural supplementation
- IV Injection Therapy
- Physical Medicine
- Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Homeopathy
- Lifestyle Counseling
- Facial Cosmetics / Mesotherapy
Q: What assessment methods does Meghan use?
A: Various tests can be utilized to investigate the cause behind your particular health concerns. These include:
- Blood lab tests
- Salivary hormone testing
- Hair mineral analysis
- Toxic urine analysis
- Neurotransmitter testing
- Food sensitivity testing
- Physical exam
Requests are often made for various ultrasound/x-ray images
Q: What types of health problems can be treated?
A: Virtually all chronic and most acute conditions may benefit from treatment by naturopathic doctors. People of all ages can be helped.
Concerns treated very effectively by Jilan include; chronic colds and flu's, digestive problems, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety, PMS, menopause, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, weight loss, arthritis, soft tissue/muscle injuries and acute/chronic pain.