Thankful for My Teammates at NHC This Thanksgiving

As challenging as the pandemic was, Natural Healthcare Center never closed. We never stopped providing services to our patients and community. I spoke out against mandates and especially school closings.  That’s one of my proudest achievements in the history of this practice and serves as a principal CORE value – consistency in the way we do things.

Soon after the pandemic, however, the “serendipity” began and hit fast and hard. As people changed careers and life paths, we had to replace a large percentage of our staff in 2022 and 2023. Again, we never closed our doors or scaled back our services. In fact, most patients never knew about the adversity behind the scenes because our Operational Excellence (OPEX) model allows us to function at such a high level.

The team members who moved, had children, and changed careers all continue to text and I love their continued relationships. But make no mistake, those were rough years. 

2024 has been an exceptional year for Natural Healthcare Center. Re-staffing is now complete! We welcomed Jennifer Rae, APN to the team, which has allowed us to add an important medical component to our integrative model of care. Jennifer can prescribe medication when appropriate in collaboration with our team. Jen, along with our medical team, can also provide medical stem cells, bringing a level of integration never seen before at Natural Healthcare Center.

We introduced NHC Fitness, a new virtual training model I developed that makes it possible to receive personalized fitness programs through a mobile app. You have the flexibility to work out when and where you want while still benefiting from the support and accountability of working with Anthony Backlouk, our NHC Fitness certified personal trainer.

We also expanded our occupational therapy services to help more people regain or learn skills they need to get back to work or school, or simply return to everyday activities they enjoy. We now have four occupational therapists on the Natural Healthcare Center team available six days a week.

On a personal note, one of the joys of my life has been watching my daughter, Hannah, practice occupational therapy here and grow into a wonderful clinician.

Finally, the OPEX team has rounded out with Andrea, Lisa, Amanda, Nicole, Gerri, and Melanie under the guidance of Alex, our general manager. This team is absolutely excellent, serving two locations. 

I’d like to thank our team, my wife, Stacy, and our five children for showing such resilience after a rough stretch and making 2024 such a transformational year. From Alex, our general manager, to Dr. Hostnik, my long-time friend and colleague and current clinical director, to our entire team of more than a dozen clinicians, I could not be more grateful. I’m truly honored to work with the most incredible team in the industry

Of course, our work is made worthwhile by our patients, whose support I always treasure. Any change we make, any service we add or expand, and any new program we offer is driven by our patient-centered focus. Everything is about helping patients feel better, function better, and live longer. The real-world outcomes we see as a result of our team’s hard work and the commitment of our patients make even the toughest years rewarding.

Just take a look at some of these reviews to get a better sense of how lives are changed every day:

I was fragile after my ankle surgery both mentally and physically. I was isolated at home during much of my healing. When I was able to leave home I started my physical therapy with Paul at the Center. Going from isolation to very personal attention, Paul let me talk his ear off during therapy. I also receive lidocaine injections from Dr. Jenn. What an improvement in my healing. She is also a caring ray of Sunshine. This is a well rounded healthcare center. There is a nutritionist to consult with to offer plenty of vitamin therapies that are available there. Dr. Proodian and Dr. Kurt are both chiropractors. I have always been in good hands with them. 

Mary Miller

Natural Healthcare Center is my sanctuary and my peace of mind. I, together with my husband Paul, have been part of this amazing wellness program since this summer. Over the years I have worked with many professionals who tended to my severe spinal stenosis, back pain, stiffness of the neck and extreme fatigue – but no one has found the right approach until I met Dr. James Proodian. His knowledge and keen understanding of the way our bodies work as a whole, gave me hope and, in a few months, not only my spine health, but my entire life improved dramatically. I am entirely grateful to you, Dr. Proodian and your glorious team, who always goes an extra mile to put a smile on my face. I also work with Julianne Oliniski, L.Ac. Her acupuncture expertise is top of the line, and her talent is truly a rare gift – she found a way to keep all my energy channels intact and my body in balance – I haven’t slept this good in years! Her energy is palpable, and I call her “my generous J” :).

Suzana McMenamin

As soon as you walk in, the atmosphere in the building is so incredible! It starts with the extremely clean office space, to the complimentary tea and fruit, to the amazing decor. Then the smiles and warm greetings from the professional staff. Dr. Proodian and his staff always address me and/or my family members’ concerns and I’ve never felt rushed or overlooked. I highly recommend them for your chiropractic, acupuncture, or nutritional concerns!

Gregory Washington

At 63 I wanted to take my health to the next level, and Dr. Proodian came highly recommended by someone I trust who honors self-care. With 30 years personally in the healthcare field, I can honestly say Dr. Proodian is exceptional. From my first call to Natural Healthcare Center, to my check out I felt welcomed. Meeting Dr. Proodian in person, we discussed my intake, goals, and health concerns, including how to improve spiritually, mentally, and physically. His comprehensive approach is rare these days. I felt heard. I feel fortunate to be in good hands as I work on long-standing issues like neck pain and TMJ🙌

Mary Travostino

By the way, you’ll hear more about Mary’s story in next month’s article!

On behalf of the Natural Healthcare Center family, have a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving!

I invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States …to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. 

Abraham Lincoln, October 3,1863