In our quest for well-being, we often overlook an unsung hero within us—the vaginal microbiome. While we commonly associate the term “microbiome” with our gut, it extends its influence to various corners of our body, including our skin and, yes, our vagina. This remarkable microbial community, consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even parasites, plays a pivotal role in maintaining our health. A balanced vaginal microbiome contributes to seamless digestion, a robust immune system, neurotransmitter production, and even longevity. Yet, in our well-intentioned efforts to care for our bodies, we may inadvertently disrupt this delicate ecosystem. From douching and smoking to antibiotics and unwashed sex toys, several factors can upset the harmonious balance of the vaginal microbiome. In the pages ahead, we will explore the intricacies of this often-overlooked aspect of women’s health, shedding light on the care and feeding of your vaginal microbiome, and offering insights into maintaining its delicate equilibrium.
WholeHealth Chicago Villa Park
Home / WholeHealth Chicago Villa Park
We are thrilled to bring our services to the western suburbs!
We are a healthcare practice that strives to integrate the best of conventional and complementary medicine in a caring and healing environment. We believe that both health and disease are functions of physical, emotional, nutritional, and spiritual influences. Many health issues are rooted in a patient’s personal biography – the story of your life – and are most effectively treated by addressing root causes rather than symptoms alone.
Our Practitioners
Dr. Joshua Hover, DC
Dr. Joshua Hover was raised in Battle Creek, MI where he was an avid participant in all sports growing up. “Dr. J” started playing hockey at the age of 3 and used the athleticism he built from this sport to excel in many other athletic endeavors throughout grade school and high school including golf, tennis, baseball, basketball, and AAA hockey. He continued participating in competitive hockey at the University of Michigan where he played in the ACHA for the University of Michigan’s Men’s Club Hockey Team. He also earned his Bachelor of Science in Movement Science with an emphasis in Motor Control.
After graduation he moved to Chicago where he earned another Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences along with his Doctorate of Chiropractic at National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois.
Dr. J was a clinic director for 10 years at a successful sports chiropractic office in the Chicago land area before starting Hover Chiropractic and Sports Medicine. His formula of treating the underlying problem and not just the symptoms has produced much success in the treatment of high school athletes, professional athletes, weekend warriors, and soccer moms/dads alike. He can still be found year-round playing in numerous ice and roller hockey leagues around the Chicago-land area.
Dr. Valerie Hover, DC
Dr. Valerie Hover grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL where she attended Glenbard South High School. “Doc Val” started ice skating at the age of 3, which built up her love for sports. She participated in high school/travel volleyball and softball where she was captain of her team.
After graduating high school, Doc Val pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with minors in Spanish and Statistics at the University of Iowa. After graduation, Doc Val attended the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL and obtained her Doctorate of Chiropractic degree, along with another Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, graduating with honors.
Doc Val has worked at a few clinics over the past 10 years prior to starting her own successful durable medical equipment comp any. She specializes in fitness, diet and nutrition and uses her skills and knowledge to get to the root cause of symptoms, helping patients achieve their maximum overall health potential. She treats people of all ages, including pediatrics and expecting mothers.
Health Tips
Sometime in her eighties, my Aunt Hildy, who passed on at 94 or so, handed me a book, “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water”, by an Iranian physician with a totally unpronounceable name, Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, M.D. She told me it had changed her life. Dr. B. attributed virtually all chronic illnesses, premature death, and susceptibility to infections to the state of chronic dehydration we had allowed ourselves to endure by our insufficient intake of water.
Because Dr. B. also felt that water had curative properties, his work was literally shredded by conventional physicians here in the U.S., where he was regarded as a “crank” and a “quack”. The Wikipedia entry is especially brutal since it’s written by Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch, which (if you bother to read it) seems to have a special loathing for Dr. B. because of his claims that good hydration promotes longevity.
And so the years pass. Dr. B. dies at 74, although his books (he wrote seven more) all remain in print, apparently being read by the well-hydrated, healthy, and generally ignored by the desiccated conventional physicians.
If you make healthy choices, you can live longer than you think. Exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding excess salt are key. Consider anti-aging supplements, like curcumin and green tea extract. Don’t forget basics like vitamin D and vitamin C. Stay healthy and enjoy a longer, happier life.
In response to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, it’s imperative to remain vigilant and proactive. Recent events, including a busy Labor Day weekend with increased Paxlovid prescriptions and rising hospitalizations, signal the virus’s ongoing presence. Acting swiftly, even before a positive test result, is advised if you experience mild to moderate COVID symptoms within the first five days, especially if you’re at risk of severe complications. Regular self-testing and monitoring kit expiration dates are essential. Strengthening your immune system through supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc is crucial. For maximum potency, consider the Immune Boost IV, which delivers nutrients directly to your cells. Stay informed about COVID booster recommendations and mask precautions while remaining vigilant in these challenging times. Be well and prioritize the health of yourself and your loved ones.
Don’t breathe a sigh of relief because you don’t have whiskers and a tail. Our digestive systems, and their immune response to gluten, happen to be very similar. If you’re a new patient at any of the WholeHealth Chicago offices, arriving for help with a symptom or symptoms that may have been going on for […]
PLATELET RICH PLASMA INJECTIONS (PRP) HAS BEEN PROVEN TO HELP WITH CHRONIC JOINT PAIN, HAIR LOSS, AND TROUBLES WITH YOUR VAGINA