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Enhance Your Social Health This Season

Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

September is a whirlwind of a month! Back to school shopping, new schedule changes with the kids, change in temperature and weather. It can be overwhelming, but it is also a beautiful time to lean into the newness and excitement of it all. 

As we start to turn inward, and prepare for more time indoors with family and friends, it is important to check in with your social wellness. Not social media or news, but tangible, in person, vulnerable conversation social interactions. 

I think we can all agree that this part of our wellness has taken a big hit in the past year, and here at 5 Journeys, we emphasize this pillar of wellness so much that it is one of the 5 Journeys we discuss with our patients! 

Why Social Connection Matters

High quality social health or hygiene, if you will, is associated with increased immunity, memory and brain function, and has even been shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease (1). Additionally, having social interactions with others face to face stimulates neurotransmitters to release oxytocin and dopamine which reduces stress and anxiety, and makes us more resilient to stress in the long run (2). 

How do we suggest you practice social wellness? Well, first, make sure that the relationships around you are healthy and enhance your quality of life! If a relationship is causing much more stress than comfort, it may be time to seek out what the foundation looks like, and how it can be mended. Finding a great psychologist or mental health therapist is a great first step to help you get there more efficiently. 

How To Enhance Social Wellness This Fall

Eat & Cook together!

Celebrate family meals month by having the kids or your spouse choose a special meal they would like to make and enjoy together. Eating together as a family on a regular is associated with lower rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and eating disorders, and higher rates of resilience and higher self-esteem (3).

Be intentional about having one-on-one time

This helps to deepen relationships and form more solid bonds of trust that make us feel safe and seen.  

Set aside time with no electronics or other distractions when with others.

Make an agreement to put away all distractions for a set amount of time to be with each other in the present moment. Maybe try a new board game, go for a hike, or take a walk around the block after dinner. 

Plan a trip!

Quality time is a great way to strengthen bonds, especially with children that are so impacted by positive experiences. Choose a place the whole family would like to visit, pack up the car, and take a drive to make more memories that will last a lifetime.

Join a group or club with a common interest

If you are new to the area, or in search of some new healthy relationships, search your local community or online for others who share similar interests. It could be a book club, gardening club, or even a spiritual group that you identify with. I can bet that there are plenty of other people just like you, looking to make new connections. 

Want to join our sugar detox community? Simply click here to join!

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150158/ 
  2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321019 
  3. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/20/04/harvard-edcast-benefit-family-mealtime
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Enhance Your Social Health This Season
Enhance Your Social Health This Season

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted