Spero News & Events

Bone Turnover Tests, Peptides, and Smarter Ways to Track Bone Health

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:52:13 GMT

Bone Turnover Tests, Peptides, and Smarter Ways to Track Bone Health

Most people think of bone health in terms of a single test: the DEXA scan . While DEXA is important, it only tells part of the story ; how much bone you have at one moment in time. It doesn’t explain why bone is being lost , whether bone is actively rebuilding, or whether a treatment plan is working.

At Spero Wellness Clinic, we take a more complete and proactive approach by combining bone turnover blood tests , advanced imaging , and in selected cases peptide therapy to better understand and support bone health.

Your Bones Are Living Tissue

Bone is not static. Every day, your body is constantly remodeling bone through two simultaneous processes:

Breaking down old bone
Building new bone

Healthy bones depend on balance between these processes. Bone thinning occurs when breakdown outpaces rebuilding even if calcium and vitamin D levels look “normal.”

Bone Turnover Markers: CTX and P1NP

To understand what your bones are doing right now, we often use two blood tests called bone turnover markers :

CTX – Bone Breakdown Marker

CTX measures how quickly bone is being broken down.

High CTX → bone is being broken down too fast
Normal or low CTX → breakdown is under control

When CTX is elevated, bone loss can occur even with adequate calcium and vitamin D. Contributors may include inflammation, oxidative stress, toxins, hormone changes, or medication effects.

P1NP – Bone Building Marker

P1NP measures how actively your body is building new bone.

High P1NP → strong bone formation
Low P1NP → sluggish bone building

Low P1NP is common with aging, menopause, oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, or mitochondrial stress.

Why We Often Check Both

Looking at CTX and P1NP together helps us understand why bone density is changing; and whether treatment should focus more on slowing breakdown, improving bone formation, or both. These markers can also be repeated every 2–4 months , allowing us to monitor progress far sooner than a repeat DEXA scan

How Often Should Bone Tests Be Rechecked?

CTX and P1NP
Osteoporosis: every 3–4 months
Osteopenia: about every 6 months
Lower-risk patients: every 12 months
DEXA scan
Bone density images change slowly
A meaningful repeat usually requires 12 months minimum , and more realistically 18–24 months

This is why blood markers are so valuable, they show whether your plan is working long before a DEXA scan would change.

Peptide Therapy: A Supportive Tool (Not a Magic Bullet)

In selected patients, we may discuss peptide therapy as part of a broader bone-health plan. Peptides are naturally occurring signaling molecules in the body. They are not FDA-approved osteoporosis medications , but they can be used off-label in appropriate integrative settings. Three peptides sometimes considered for bone support include:

Osteogenic Growth Peptide (OGP)

OGP supports bone building by helping bone-forming cells work more effectively. It may be considered when bone formation is low, fracture healing is delayed, or bone loss is related to aging or steroid use.

AOD-9604

AOD-9604 is a fragment of growth hormone that does not raise growth hormone or IGF-1 levels. It may support metabolic balance, reduce oxidative stress, and help create a healthier environment for bone repair.

Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin gently stimulates your body’s own growth hormone pulses , similar to what happens during deep sleep. This may support bone formation, muscle strength, recovery, and balance in carefully selected patients.

It’s important to understand:

Peptides are supportive tools , not cures
Results are not guaranteed or predictable
Side effects can occur in certain situations
Careful selection, dosing, and monitoring matter

Peptides Work Best When the Foundation Is Strong

Bone health is multi-factorial. Peptides when used work best when combined with:

Adequate protein intake
Proper vitamin and mineral repletion (calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, K2)
Gut health optimization
Reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation
Identification and removal of toxic exposures
Mechanical loading (weights, resistance training, vibration platforms)
Hormone optimization when appropriate

Without these foundations, even advanced therapies are unlikely to succeed.

Imaging Beyond DEXA: Considering REMS

In addition to DEXA, some patients choose to obtain a REMS scan (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry) . REMS is a radiation-free ultrasound-based technology that evaluates bone density, bone quality, and structure , not just calcium content.

Because REMS does not use radiation, it can often be repeated every 3–6 months , making it a useful option for monitoring trends earlier in care. Several regional OsteoStrong and imaging centers now offer REMS testing, which may help identify bone changes sooner and guide earlier intervention.

Who Should Pay Extra Attention to Bone Health?

You may be at higher risk for bone thinning if you have:

Menopause or low estrogen/testosterone
Aging
Nutrient deficiencies
Inactivity or low body weight
Digestive or autoimmune conditions
Thyroid, kidney, or parathyroid disorders
Long-term steroid use (including inhalers)
Certain cancer treatments
A personal or family history of fractures

Early evaluation matters, bone loss is often silent until a fracture occurs.

The Bottom Line

Bone health is not a one-size-fits-all problem. By combining:

Bone turnover markers
Thoughtful imaging
Lifestyle and nutritional foundations
Carefully selected supportive therapies

we can better understand what your bones need now, rather than waiting years for problems to show up on a scan.

If you’re concerned about bone loss, fractures, or whether your current plan is truly working, we’re happy to help you take a closer look.

Why "Thick Blood" Isn't the Whole Story

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:20:07 GMT

Many people with chronic symptoms are told their labs are “normal,” yet they still feel unwell. One overlooked reason is excess fibrin , a sticky structural protein your body naturally makes to heal injuries.

It’s what happens when too much fibrin builds up over time and/or when your body can't break it down fast enough.

Think of fibrin like scaffolding

In small amounts, fibrin helps healing
In excess, it can:
Form protective shells (biofilms) around bacteria or viruses
Hide infections from antibiotics and the immune system
Stiffen blood vessels
Interfere with circulation and healing

This can help explain why some infections or symptoms never fully go away .

Why does fibrin build up?

There are two main reasons:

1. Some people make too much fibrin

This can be genetic or driven by chronic inflammation (infections, mold exposure, autoimmune conditions).

2. Some people don’t break fibrin down well

Their bodies don’t activate the enzymes needed to dissolve excess fibrin.

Many people have both problems at once.

How this can affect health

Excess fibrin has been linked to:

Chronic or recurrent infections
Long COVID symptoms
Brain inflammation (PANS/PANDAS)
Fatigue and pain syndromes
Pregnancy loss
Heart and blood vessel disease

Importantly, standard clotting tests often don’t detect this because they’re designed for emergencies, not slow buildup over years.

Why treatment must be gentle and personalized

Breaking down fibrin too quickly can:

Release trapped toxins or microbes
Increase inflammation temporarily
Make symptoms flare

That’s why the goal is balance , not “thinning the blood.”

When done correctly, fibrin support:

Helps the immune system see hidden infections
Improves response to other treatments
Supports long-term healing rather than short-term suppression

Key Takeaway

If you’ve tried “everything” and still feel stuck, the issue may not be what you’re treating - rather w hat’s been blocking your body from clearing it.

Excess fibrin may be that missing piece.

Action Plan

If you think this may apply to you:

Request the Hypercoag Reflexive3 Panel (Labcorp Test Code: 505443)
Set up an appointment with your provider to discuss the results.

Resources for Further Information:

https://www.betterhealthguy.com/episode207

https://canadarna.com/products/boluoke-lumbrokinase

Episode #207: Hypercoagulation with Ruth Kriz, MSN, APRN - BetterHealthGuy.com

After nearly thirty years since the start of a serious chronic illness, BetterHealthGuy.com chronicles my journey through and recovery from Lyme Disease, mold illness, and the myriad of issues chro...

Feeling tired? Try an NAD Infusion

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:37:52 GMT

Want help to get ready for the holidays? Having difficulty adjusting to the time change? Consider an NAD Infusion.

What are the benefits?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that powers metabolic processes and impacts a wide variety of systems including digestion, cognition, mental clarity, aging, and overall energy levels.

NAD+ increases our body’s levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, and can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. NAD+ plays a role in cell health and in hundreds of cell functions such as DNA repair, circadian rhythm, metabolism, muscle function, tissue repair and cognitive function. Basically, our cells require NAD+ to quickly shuttle around electrons - keeping the cells buzzing with the electricity of life!

Who is it for?

NAD+ is the premier IV drip for clients who want to see major improvements in brain function, energy level, overcome anxiety and depression, handle acute and chronic stress more effectively, and cope better with PTSD.

What's inside?

We administer 250mg or 500 mg of NAD+ in an IV drip. (We always start with 250mg the very first time you try it.)

How often?

For best results, NAD+ may need several sessions depending on personal needs. The number of sessions will be discussed during an initial encounter.

The NAD+ IV drip does take longer to receive than any other IV drip. Each session may last from 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the tolerance. During the infusion, an individual might feel a bit of discomfort compared to standard vitamin drips - described as a bit of a rush through the body, but this is completely normal and can be controlled by how fast the IV is set to drip and stops within a minute or two after the drip ends.

Our NAD+ drip can be followed by Glutathione -"Master Antioxidant " - for best results.

Fall 2023 Special - 250mg is $250 and 500mg is $350.

Glutathione 1g added on after the infusion is $35.00.

BRCA Gene & DIM Supplementation

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 17:27:00 GMT

Unfortunately, most of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. As of January 2022, here are some key facts about the prevalence of breast cancer in the United States:

Common Cancer in Women: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, aside from skin cancer.
Incidence: In 2021, it was estimated that there would be over 281,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer in the United States. Additionally, there would be around 49,290 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.
Lifetime Risk: The American Cancer Society estimates that the lifetime risk of a woman developing breast cancer is about 13%, or 1 in 8.
Mortality: In 2021, it was projected that approximately 43,600 women in the United States would die from breast cancer.
Age and Breast Cancer: The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women aged 55 and older.
Race and Ethnicity: Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates vary by race and ethnicity. White and African American women have the highest incidence rates, while African American women have a higher mortality rate.
Screening and Early Detection: Mammography, thermography and regular breast self-exams are important tools for early detection. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available, and the better the chances of survival.
Survival Rates: Survival rates for breast cancer have been improving over the years, in part due to early detection and advances in treatment. The 5-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer is close to 100%.
Genetic Factors: Some individuals, particularly those with a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2), have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Preventive Measures: Lifestyle factors such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, limited alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking are associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.

As mentioned above, the BRCA gene mutation is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. For those who carry this genetic mutation, the need for effective preventive measures and early detection strategies is of paramount importance.

Recent research has shed light on the potential role of DIM, a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables, in this context.

Diindolylmethane is a bioactive compound that has garnered attention for its health-promoting properties, particularly in cancer prevention. Our growing understanding of DIM's mechanisms and its impact on individuals with the BRCA gene mutation has opened new avenues of exploration.

Here are some key aspects of how DIM could potentially benefit healthy BRCA gene carriers:

Modulation of Estrogen Metabolism: DIM has been shown to influence the metabolism of estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in breast cancer development. By favoring the production of a less potent and potentially less harmful form of estrogen, DIM may help reduce the cancer-promoting effects of this hormone.
Regulation of BRCA Gene Expression: Emerging research suggests that DIM might influence the expression of the BRCA genes themselves. This could have a significant impact on the way these genes function and interact with cancer development pathways.
Reduction of Breast Density: High breast density is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and can also make it more challenging to detect tumors via traditional screening methods. Preliminary studies indicate that DIM may contribute to a decrease in breast density, potentially improving the effectiveness of breast cancer screening for BRCA gene carriers.

There's a study that utilized DFH's DIM-Evail formula at the time. It has since been reformulated to be even more bioavailable! Pretty cool information and definitely a step in the right direction!

This study investigated the effect of DIM supplementation on breast density, a recognized predictive factor of breast cancer risk. Participants were 23 healthy female BRCA carriers, with the majority being post-menopausal. They were treated with oral DIM 100 mg × 1/day for 1 year. The amount of fibroglandular tissue (FGT) and background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed before and after the intervention was scored by two independent expert radiologists using the Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System. The results showed a decrease in the average score for FGT with no significant change in BPE. A group of DIM-untreated (age and menopausal status matched women) from the BRCA clinic did not show a significant change in FGT amount in a parallel year. . In conclusion, 1 year’s supplementation with DIM 100 mg × 1/day in BRCA carriers was associated with a significant decline in FGT amount on MRI.

Interestingly, besides certain gene mutations, there are many other variables that have been shown to increase the risk for breast cancer. These include:

· Mold Toxicity/Exposure

· Radiation Exposure

· Breast Implants

· Heavy Metals (Including Amalgam Fillings)

· Dental Infections

· Toxins such as BPA, PFAS/PFOAs

· Phthalates

The Surprising Connection Between Uric Acid and Cardiovascular Health

dr.kristie@sperowellness.com (Dr. Kristie Gering) — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 14:55:14 GMT

Dr. Kristie, dietitian Chelsi, and health coach Cheryl recently attended a thought-provoking conference on cardiometabolic disease where they encountered a captivating discussion on the role of uric acid in cardiovascular health. Spearheaded by renowned author and physician, Dr. David Perlmutter, the conversation shed light on the importance of maintaining optimal uric acid levels and its impact on our overall well-being.

Traditionally, uric acid has been primarily associated with gout, a painful form of arthritis. However, emerging research suggests this compound may have far-reaching implications beyond its well-known role in joint inflammation. Uric acid, a byproduct of purine metabolism, is typically filtered by the kidneys and excreted through urine. When levels of uric acid in the blood become elevated, it can lead to a condition called hyperuricemia.

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Often dubbed the "silent killer," it encompasses a wide range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Examples include coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Identifying novel markers for cardiovascular risk assessment has been a crucial area of research, and recent findings have highlighted uric acid as a potential candidate.

During the cardiometabolic disease conference, Dr. David Perlmutter captivated the audience with his enlightening presentation on the significance of uric acid levels in relation to cardiovascular health. Dr. Perlmutter's book, Dropping Acid , delves into the topic, offering valuable insights into the management of uric acid levels.

Research suggests elevated uric acid levels may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown a correlation between hyperuricemia and conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. While the exact mechanisms behind this association are still being explored, several theories have emerged.

One theory proposes that elevated uric acid levels contribute to endothelial dysfunction, impairing the delicate lining of blood vessels. This dysfunction can lead to the formation of plaques, restricted blood flow, and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, uric acid may promote inflammation and oxidative stress, further exacerbating cardiovascular damage.

Given the potential role of uric acid in cardiovascular disease, maintaining optimal levels may have significant implications for our heart health. Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a diet lower in purines (found in certain foods like red meat and seafood), sugar (especially high fructose corn syrup), and alcohol, may help decrease uric acid levels. Regular exercise, weight management, increasing fiber, and adequate hydration also play essential roles in mitigating hyperuricemia.

Furthermore, certain supplements such as tart cherry extract may help lower uric acid. A number of medications, including aspirin, diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors can result in higher uric acid loads. However, certain medications such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors, can lower uric acid levels by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for its production. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for guidance on supplement/medication usage and potential side effects.

The relationship between uric acid and cardiovascular disease represents an intriguing area of research within the healthcare community. As healthcare professionals delve deeper into understanding this connection, it is becoming increasingly evident that uric acid levels serve as an important marker for cardiovascular risk assessment. Dr. David Perlmutter's insightful discussion and his book Dropping Acid serve as valuable resources for professionals and individuals seeking to optimize cardiovascular health.

If you are interested in checking your uric acid level, it can be done with a simple blood test. The goal for cardiovascular health is to achieve a level <7.0. If your level is higher, you are invited to make an appointment with health coach Julie Petranovitch or registered dietitian Chelsi Webster to explore ways to lower uric acid naturally. If still not at goal, we can explore ways to decrease your need for diuretics and antihypertensives (if applicable) and add supplements and/or possibly medication to help. You are welcome to call us at 715-861-2300 to schedule a lab visit and/or learn more about our coaching/nutrition services.

Dr. Kristie discusses gut health in local podcast

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 18:16:33 GMT

Hippocrates said a long time ago, “all disease begin in the gut.” In this episode, Dr. Kristie Gering of Spero Wellness Clinic in Chippewa Fall s talks with Lisa Wells of the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire about gut health and its connection to the brain and healthy aging.

Gut bacteria and other microbes play a significant role in the body, from making vitamins to maintaining our immune system. Dr. Gering sits down with Wells to discuss maintaining optimal gut health and its connection to preventing cognitive decline and regaining optimal brain health.

New Year Announcements

dr.kristie@sperowellness.com (Dr. Kristie Gering) — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 03:40:53 GMT

New Year’s Greetings!

Dear Spero Patients,

Looking back on 2022 fills me with amazement and joy for what the Lord has done for Spero Wellness Clinic. As you know, this past year we were given the opportunity to extend our reach with additional providers and with more space on the first floor. We would like to take the opportunity to thank you for encouraging us to take another leap of faith with the expansion, and for being patient with us in the transition. We still have kinks to work out, but believe that 2023 will be a great year of opportunity to be of service to you and to our community.

Gratefully yours,

Kristie Gering MD

and the Spero Wellness Team

Prices

We’ll get the tough part over with first. As you can imagine, expansion aside, like with everyone else, the cost of doing business has gone up. While it pains us to do so, we will need to make the following amendments to our fee schedule:

Hourly Provider Fee:

$390/hour (previously it was $345/hr)

Cancellations and No Shows

We understand that things come up and emergencies happen. However, as you are aware, our visit slots are limited. If at all possible, please let us know if you need to cancel your appointment 3 business days in advance so we can offer your time slot to someone on the wait list. If it is a repeat problem, or if you fail to show up for your visit without reasonable explanation, we reserve the right to charge for the unused time slot.

Paperwork, Portal and Phone Call Fee:

Great News - as of January 2023, we have over 3900 patients on our books!
The Challenge - as you can imagine, phone calls, portal questions, and form/paperwork have become a challenge for our small clinic to handle. Our dilemma is how to provide you with the best care possible and answer questions when they arise, yet pay for the time and resources it that takes to do so.
Our Request - please try your best to keep questions organized and to the point
Our Commitment - will attempt to provide that service in as efficiently as possible
Fee for Service - we are happy to address your questions, concerns, paperwork needs without charge for the first 5 minutes, after which we will begin to bill for time at a rate of $10 for each additional 5 minute increment
If questions are just too complicated to answer in a brief portal message or phone call, our staff will help you set up an in-person or virtual visit with a provider to discuss them

Lab Reviews:

Specialty labs - examples include GI MAP, NutrEval, Labrix Hormone Panel, Dutch Test, Heavy Metals Test, LPP, Food Sensitivity Tests, Methylation Panel, etc
As a rule, these still require a visit to go through the results, as they are complex and require detailed explanation and creation of in-depth plans to address the findings
Standard labs - examples are complete blood count (CBC), complete metabolic panel (CMP), HgA1c, lipid panel, CRP, thyroid panel etc.
Standard labs drawn at our clinic are offered to you at a direct-pay discount price (generally 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of regular clinics)
If you prefer to have labs drawn elsewhere for convenience or so they can be run through insurance, we are happy to send order to the facility of your choice. However, it is your responsibility to make sure we get those lab results.
We will attempt to review those labs without added fee, but if they are voluminous or complex, please understand that we may request payment for additional time spent managing the results, or may need to set up an in-person, zoom or phone visit to discuss the results in more detail.

Lab Scheduling

All labs need to be scheduled with the front desk with specifics on which labs are needed. If you add to the lab list when you arrive, we do our best to accommodate your requests. However, please understand that we may need to have you schedule an additional time slot on a different day depending on processing requirements.

Our Staff

We have been blessed with the addition of many new staff in 2022. We’d like to introduce you to them, as well as acknowledge our foundational staff who have been with us for years.

Reception and Support Staff:

Tracy B - If you have been with Spero for any length of time, you are likely to recognize Tracy’s familiar face and voice. She has been with us since 2018 and is our trusted anchor at the reception desk. Tracy is a huge patient advocate and we are so grateful to have her expertise and skills.
Tracy J - This Tracy also works at the reception desk at times, however more often she is working behind the scene, to help ensure that your paperwork and medical record get into our electronic medical records. She does a beautiful job with this and it is critical to our ability to deliver care.
Denise - After retiring as optometrist at Northwoods Optical, Denise was looking for something to keep her mind and body busy. Lucky for us, she has a passion for biohacking and tremendous knowledge of supplements! We are so blessed to have her working with us as receptionist and supplement manager.
Alyssa - She is a fresh new face at our reception desk, and has already proven herself to be helpful and resourceful. Before moving here, Alyssa worked as a massage therapist and practiced visceral manipulation, which is a skillset that may come in handy!
Christine - Christine, who joined us in 2022, has stepped back a bit to explore another passion of hers, working with Operation Christmas Child. However, we are very grateful that she plans to return to fill in the gaps as needed when others are ill or on vacation.
Cheryl - There are days or hours where you may find Cheryl working at the reception desk, but her great gift to us is her management skills, and love for functional medicine. She will be working to help improve organizational efficiency. In addition, she is nearing the 1/2-way point of her certification at the Functional Medicine Health Coaching Academy and will be adding health coaching to her role in 2023!

Medical Assistants and Nursing:

Brooke - Brooke joined our team spring 2022 as a talented medical assistant, but will be moving on to another opportunity in February 2023. We want to take this opportunity to wish her much success and many blessings in this next endeavor!
Cacee - Cacee is a rockstar as a medical assistant and in the lab. She started with us spring 2022, but you’d think it’s been years. Her genuine smile and upbeat, helpful attitude has made her a resource that both patients and staff seek out.
Deb - Deb is an LPN working with us part-time as medical assistant. She comes to us with lots of experience and has a genuine heart for helping. Little know fact is that Deb also has a green thumb, designed our greenery in the “cafe” space and continues to help keep them alive and healthy.
Valerie - As our 2nd longest employee, Valerie RN is the anchor for our clinical team since 2018. She can draw blood, order supplies, room patients, triage questions. And she has taken the lead role for our IV services. Valerie’s enthusiasm is contagious and genuine care for patients is obvious. Bonus - after working together so long, she often knows what Dr. Kristie will say before it’s said!
Kayla - Kayla RN joined our team in 2022 and has become indispensable in the IV room. She has great organizational skills and we are grateful to have her help keeping things neat & tidy. She is also an amazing asset in helping to keep lab results flowing to the providers.
Melissa - Melissa RN joined our team part-time just when we needed some help running IVs, answer phone calls and doing dozens of things that our nurses do. She is a joy to have around and helps to fill in the gaps when needed. In addition to helping us out, she also plays an important leadership role for Mary Kay and also the Red House of Hope.

Providers:

Dr. Kristie - She is a board-certified medical doctor who began her career in family medicine in 1999 and loved practicing the full complement of medicine from babies to geriatrics. She was led to functional medicine after realizing that many patients suffered from chronic conditions that traditional medicine was not able to help. She founded Spero Wellness Clinic in January 2017 so she could provide more holistic care. Dr. Kristie is also certified by the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM).
Dr. Robyn - Robyn is a board-certified medical doctor with years of experience in the full range of family medicine. She was called to study functional medicine in 2021. Dr. Robyn joined Spero in January 2022 and has been a blessing to our clinic. She completed the courses required by IFM and is now just trying to find time to finish the certification test while working at Spero 2 days a week and home-schooling her kids the other three.
Kylee NP - Kylee is a talented nurse practitioner trained in all things family medicine. She sees patients of all ages from infancy to geriatrics. She primarily does “regular family medicine” with a holistic flare, but is learning more and more about functional approach to healthcare. She joined us part-time spring 2022 and we are blessed that she had been able to increase to full time
Ben NP - Ben is a nurse practitioner with broad experience in oncology, endocrinology and internal medicine. He has a passion for diet, exercise and lifestyle medicine, and has been working on completing his IFM courses, with a goal of becoming certified in 2023. He currently works with us at Spero just one day a week, but hopes to expand that in the near future.

Upcoming Services

Group Education Series: We are excited to announce that we will be offering an educational series created by the Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center (LMRC). This series will primarily be run by Ben NP and health coach Cheryl, and will start with a GI Module, and the next one in the series will be the Cardiometabolic Module. This education series will be open to existing patients and new patients alike. More information to come in the very near future.
Respiratory Illness Preparedness Workshop: we are also working on a hands-on workshop that discusses how to treat respiratory illness, and will include a live demonstration on how to use nasal saline irrigation bottles and home nebulizer machines. We hope to have this workshop open to our patients and the public in the near future.

Grand Opening Celebration!

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 01:46:15 GMT

We're thrilled to announce that we've completed our move to the first floor of our building, which will give us all the space we need to keep growing as we meet the health needs of our community.

Spero's Grand Opening Celebration will be held on Friday, September 16 from 1 to 4 pm.

Please join us to learn about everything new at Spero. Plus you'll get to meet the newest members of our growing team.

This is a great opportunity to bring a friend and introduce them to Spero and maybe even win some fun prizes!

Grand Opening Celebration

Friday September 16, 1 pm to 4 pm

2829 Co Hwy I, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Snacks and treats
Coffee from Whirlybird Café
First 100 people will get a notebook and Spero pen.
We'll be doing a giveaway with baskets for adults and children stuffed with some of our best-selling supplements and maybe even a couple red light and sauna sessions, plus possibly a few goodies from the businesses in our allied health wing. You'll have to attend to find out for sure!
Our staff will be giving tours of our new space.

Now available: Recall by Salus Labs

Sat, 11 Jun 2022 00:26:58 GMT

We now offer a supplement -- available only through health providers like us -- that we believe will make a big impact for our clients.

Why take it?

Recall is marketed for brain health (e.g. helps with memory, brain and body function) but may help the body overall by stimulating stem cells. It contains OligoForte 200mg, Galanthus nivalis (equalling 3mg of Galantamine), and Brand Chain Amino Acids 400mg; retail price $99/bottle of 60 capsules, but for a limited time we have permission to sell it at $85/bottle.

What's in it?

Recall by Salus Labs contains OligoForte, Galanthus nivalis extract and Branch Chain Amino Acids.

What are those?

Branch Chain Amino Acids, or BCAAs, are the body's building blocks. BCAAs are a group of three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine. BCAA supplements are commonly taken in order to boost muscle growth and enhance exercise performance. They may also help with weight loss and reduce fatigue after exercise. This product contains 400mg of BCAAs along with a total of 18 amino acids from OligoForte.
Galanthus nivalis extract is an herb that is a natural source of galantamine. Galantamine can help slow the destruction of acetylcholine (ACH), which is a vital neurotransmitter crucial to memory. The destruction of ACH contributes to many neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons, Lewy body dementia and Huntinton's disease. Thus is ACH can be kept around longer, the symptoms of those diseases may improve.
OligoForte is extracted from fertilized hen eggs. It contains various growth factors, peptides and amino acids. In particular, OligoForte is comprised of 15 natural growth factors and peptides including BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor), Fibroblast Growth Factor and Connective Tissue Growth Factor. Research also shows that these components of RECALL may help stimulate your own pluripotential stem cells to help reconnect neurons, and help your body repair damaged tissue in the brain and/or elsewhere in the body. OligoForte seems to help cell receptors work better, helping the body respond better to signals from nutrients, supplements and meds. OligoForte also acts as an adaptogen (similar to ashwagandha) in that it helps bringing the body back into better hormonal balance.

What can I expect from taking Recall?

Some people note improvement in just a few weeks, while it takes a little longer for others (and remember, you may have improvement in other areas than the one your are focused on...your body will pick the priority). Like any natural product, give it a good 2-3 month try before making a judgement. Ideally do a symptom questionnaire before starting Relevium and then after a few months to help monitor how you are doing.

Availability

The scientist who developed & patented this product, is selling it in the US as a “dietary supplement”. It is sold directly to health care providers, and in compliance with the FDA, they do not make any specific health claims. Salus Labs does not have a website in the US, and their products are NOT sold in the US via internet. You can only purchase Salus Labs products via a health care provider. However, they do have a European distributor who has a website at https://www.recallmemorysupport.co.uk where you can read more about of the features of OligoForte and Recall, and https://www.oxylorem.co.uk where you can read more about OxyLorem.

Things to be aware of

This product appears to increase cell receptor sensitivity, therefore you may find that the dose of medications and/or supplements may need to be reduced (and/or eventually discontinued) as they may work better (and/or your body may no longer need them). For example:
With regard to ADHD, mood and psychiatric meds, if feeling better, but then suddenly started to feel more irritable or agitated again, it is a sign to start weaning down on those medications (please contact us for recommendations on how to do this).
The same is true with blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and thyroid medications.
If on anti-hypertensive meds or supplements, please monitor your BP and if it goes low (<100/60) then call us for instructions on weaning down on your meds.
If on cholesterol meds or supplements, you may want to check cholesterol in a few months to see if you can cut back on the dose.
If on diabetes meds or supplements, please keep track of your blood sugar carefully and lets us know if the sugars seem too low, in which case we can help you wean down on meds/supplements. Consider rechecking a HgA1c ~3 months after starting RECALL.
If on thyroid medications, it is recommended that you check a thyroid panel every couple of months when first starting this product as the dose of thyroid medication may need to be decreased.

We carry a few other Salus Labs Products

Restore - this is RECALL for kids (or for folks who are on Galantamine for Alzheimers) - it contains OligoForte 100mg, but no Galanthus nivalis extract or BCAAs); retail price $85/bottle of 60 capsules, but for a limited time we have permission to sell it at $70/bottle
OxyLorem - this is for bone marrow boosting, and has shown to be very helpful for sickle cell anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenia and other bone marrow issues. It contains Branch Chain Amino Acids 200mg, OvaForte 200mg (amino acid peptide extract from fertilized hen eggs, similar to OligoForte, but with slightly different composition), and Folic acid 250mcg; retail price $82/bottle of 60 capsules, but for a limited time we have permission to sell it at $68/bottle. It is marketed in Europe at https://www.oxylorem.co.uk
Relevium - this is helpful for chronic constipation and it may also aid in detoxification from glyphosate. This contains fermented wheat germ, humic & fulvic acid, and OligoForte. retail price is $84/bottle of 60 capsules, but for a limited time we have permission to sell it at $75/bottle
Combinations - certain conditions may benefit from taking a combination of Salus Labs products, as they may act synergistically and may be taken together at the same time. For example, people with leaky gut and brain-fog may do even better with a combo of RECALL and Relevium - one capsule of each twice daily. Another example is for people suffering from Lyme, who may benefit from Relevium 1 cap 3x/day, plus Restore 1 cap 2x/day if symptoms are primarily musculoskeletal or Reca;; 1 cap 2x/day if symptoms are primarily neurologic. OxyLorem may be combined with Restore or Recall for patients with ITP or post-COVID fatigue. All three products can be used together for multi-system illness.

Instructions

Beginning with 1 capsule 3x/day (or 2 caps in AM and 1 in PM) ideally on an empty stomach × 7-10 days, then 1 capsule 2x/day (first thing in the morning and before bed).
However if you are really struggling, take one capsule 3x/day (or 2 caps in AM and 1 in PM) x 1 bottle, then go down to one capsule 2x/day.

How to order

Call Spero at 715-861-2300 to order.

Recall is marketed for brain health (e.g. helps with memory, brain and body function) but may help the body overall by stimulating stem cells. Call us at 715-861-2300 to order.

12 Takeaways from the Cancer Prevention and Aftercare Conference

Mon, 02 May 2022 19:26:48 GMT

In early April 2022 Dr. Kristie Gering attended a the Cancer Prevention and Aftercare Conference by the International College of Integrative Medicine. It was a great conference! Here is a summary gleaned from Dr. Ellie Campbell and her nurse Heather, with a few additional details thrown in by Dr. Gering.

12 Takeaways from the Cancer Prevention and Aftercare Conference by the International College of Integrative Medicine - April 8th & 9th, 2022

In almost all cases, a cancer diagnosis is NOT an emergency (there are some exceptions, but even then a few days are not likely to be life or death). In reality, the cancer cells have been there for years. It's ok to stop, take a minute to breathe, pray, and assemble your team - oncologist (it's ok to get several opinions), integrative/functional medicine provider, physical/massage therapist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, counselor and/or spiritual advisor, etc, etc
There is no ONE approach to treat cancer, so if you consult 3 different oncologists, you are likely to get 3 different care plans…and that's ok. Choose the one who resonates with you the most.
Emotional stress is a huge risk factor for cancer, so it's very important mitigate our stressors to prevent cancer, as well as during cancer treatment and after cancer. Create a positive warrior attitude and strive for an attitude of gratitude.
Live a life of detoxification. We live in a VERY toxic world. Some of us have genetic quirks (like MTHFR) that make it difficult to get rid of toxins, but we can overcome that. Eat clean (mostly organic/grass-fed/free-range) food, drink lots of purified water, move and exercise most days of the week, find your support group, spend time daily in prayer & meditation, focus on gratitude, spend time in nature, identify and remove toxins & heavy metals (esp. mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium).
Nutrition is VERY important to prevent and address cancer. Nutrients can help kill or promote cancer cells. There are many foods and supplements that can be beneficial to boost your immune system and help inhibit rogue cancer cell growth.
We KNOW that cancer risk will increase if you have an insufficiency in vitamin D, vitamin A, magnesium, iodine, iron, and oxygen. Vitamin D (which is actually a hormone) is critical for your immune system, especially the part that detects and destroys malfunctioning cells. Vitamin A is also important for that. Magnesium is used in over 300 enzyme functions that help keep cells healthy, and it acts like a bouncer to keep bad things out of the cell. Iodine is very important for not only thyroid but also breast health. Iron is required for the red blood cells to carry oxygen.
Oxygen in particular has a number of considerations: Micro-blood clots can prevent oxygen from getting in to tissue. Nutrients like fish oil, vitamin K, and enzymes can help decrease these tiny clots. Also it is important to check for sleep apnea and treat it if present. Oxidative therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and ozone can be very beneficial.
These following things help your body kill circulating cancer cells: green tea (EGCG), berberine (and/or the medicine metformin), vitamin C (esp. high dose via IV), curcumin, sulforaphane, trans-resveratrol, genistein from organic non-GMO soy (esp fermented soy).
There are non-food/non-supplement things can help the body kill cancer too: hyperthermia (high body temp) from high quality sauna, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field), sonotherapy (special sound frequencies) & phototherapy (specific light frequencies).
It's great to know that we have tools in addition to chemotherapy and radiation to help the body kill cancer!
Connect with God. Over and over again, studies show that as a whole, people who have spiritual connection and growth do better during treatment, they have lower rate of complications, and in general they have longer survival times. Even if they do not do better than average statistically, their QOL (quality of life) scores are higher.
Oral health is critical. If you do not have a healthy mouth, you will have high body inflammation. Dental plaque and gingivitis are associated with an overgrowth of gram negative bacteria that secrete toxins into your bloodstream, such as LPS (lipopolysaccharide…aka "little pieces of sh*t"). Another factor of oral health that people often forget to consider is that sleep apnea often originates in the oropharynx (back of mouth and upper throat), which can often be addressed by a holistic dentist/orthodontist.
Toxins cause cancer. It is VERY important to minimize exposure to toxins. Eating organic food reduces the body burden of herbicides and pesticides. Drinking clean filtered water also helps to decrease heavy metals and chemicals. Atrazine and glyphosate (the main ingredient in RoundUp) are chelating agents, which bind up good minerals like magnesium and manganese. So if you eat or drink too much Roundup, the magnesium goes down and now the cells can't keep garbage out.
Cancer LOVES sugar. To prevent cancer, eat a low glycemic diet. If you have cancer, eliminate sugar/carbs so you can starve it.
Hormones help. Surprise! Contrary to popular belief, natural hormones are NOT the bad guy. Dr. Lindsey Berkson ( https://drlindseyberkson.com/ ) showed us that there is AMPLE evidence that hormones are NOT a cause of cancer (we are happy to share her slides if interested). Fake synthetic hormones and hormone-like chemicals (like BPA and phthalates) can lead to cancer...but human bio-identical hormones do NOT appear cause cancer. In fact they are necessary for tissue health and repair.
Testosterone in appropriate doses is cancer protective in both men and women. (Interestingly, maleness is protective of femaleness.). Contrary to long-held assumptions, testosterone is NOT the cause of prostate cancer, and it is ok to support levels during and after treatment.
Estrogen is actually cancer protective for women. That's a bold statement that goes against cancer-care dogma, however Dr. Berson provided 20+ studies that resoundingly agree that estrogen is not harmful. In fact, women diagnosed with cancer who were taking hormones in peri-menopausal stage, in general have cancer that is less aggressive & smaller in size and those women tend to have an increased lifespan, compared to a woman not on hormones. Across all those studies the findings showed that hormone therapy was either neutral (a few studies) or there were improved outcomes (the vast majority) with cancer. So there is no need to be afraid of appropriately dosed bio-identical hormone replacement therapy!
Melatonin (which is a hormone) is cancer protective. It blocks uptake of sugar into cells and acts as an antioxidant in the mitochondria (the cell's energy factories). Reduce blue light exposure in the evening, make sure you sleep in a DARK room, and consider supplementing with melatonin (2-10mg for prevention, and higher levels for treatment with dose depending on the stage).
Pre-procedure treatment helps. As you go into a procedure to take a biopsy to identify or to treat cancer (for example an excisions biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy or prostate biopsy), or if you are treating with chemotherapy and/or radiation, we can exploit the cancer in the preoperative/pre-treatment stage.
First - Fasting. Starve the cancer. For 24-48 hours before surgery, drink lots of water, green tea (which helps to kill circulating tumor cells), herbal teas, sparkling water…but take in NO calories. This decreases the chance that cells will be able to float away and regrow elsewhere. This technique applies to chemotherapy & radiation as well - do not eat for 24-48 hours before and 12-24 hours after the treatment - this makes the chemo/radiation work better and side-effects are generally reduced.
Second - Medication/Supplement cocktail. Consider taking 4-6 of these meds/supplements right around surgery because it dramatically reduces the presence of circulating cancer cells and also decreases the risk of the cut pieces from growing "sprouts" from the "stumps". Items in the "cocktail" include dipryidamole (a specific blood thinner), certain NSAIDS, lovastatin, omega 3 fatty acids, IV vitamin C, propranolol, metformin (or berberine).
Last but not least - have HOPE! Please know that EVERY SINGLE risk factor for cancer (even genetics) is modifiable. You are NOT helpless. We can help you identify risks and help you to mitigate them, so you can become more than just a cancer survivor!

Vitamin D: Are you deficient?

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 13:28:25 GMT

Over 42% of Americans lack the vitamin D they need, and the risk is even higher for folks living in the Midwest. People living at latitudes higher than the 37th parallel cannot get adequate amounts of UVB from the sun during winter months, which for us in Wisconsin is technically between September and March. This is because during that time, the angle of the sun is too low to help our skin make vitamin D.

Thus starting in September vitamin D levels naturally begin to fall. This has many consequences, especially if stores of vitamin D from the summer were suboptimal. Normal range of vitamin D is 30-100, but optimal ranges are likely 60-80).

As the days get shorter, some people may start to experience Seasonal Effective Disorder, or SAD, which is at least partly due to Vitamin D deficiency. Being affected by a darker mood or even depression in the winter months doesn't mean you're weak, it just means you body may not have the nutrients it needs. If you or someone you know struggle with low mood over the winter months, please consider checking a Vitamin D level and supplementing to get to the optimal range..

But beyond mood changes, did you know that you can improve your body's ability to fight off sickness when you have optimal amounts of Vitamin D? Or that if you do happen to get sick that having optimal levels of Vitamin D can help you lessen the symptoms? In fact, a recent study has shown that 80% of people who have had to go to the hospital with COVID were deficient in Vitamin D . For an excellent review article on this subject, read Evidence Regarding Vitamin D and Risk of COVID-19 and Its Severity .

Beyond helping with seasonal affective disorder and boosting immunity, having the right levels of Vitamin D also correlates with:

Lowering inflammation;
Decreasing risk for type 2 diabetes by 55%;
Regulating auto-immune disease;
Healthier bones (vitamin D and vitamin K2 help the bones absorb calcium).

The roll of Vitamin D in our body is critical for many processes. Yet too many Americans don't realize their health concerns or mental health issues could be simply the result of a lack of this incredibly important vitamin. Vitamin D is assisted by vitamin K2 (which directs the calcium-vitamin D complexes to the bones, rather than to soft tissue, kidney stones, arteries, etc). That is why we always recommend supplementing with a D3/K2 combination product.

We believe that testing and supplementing vitamin D, especially going into the winter, is a very important step to improving health on many levels. Therefore, to make this more accessible, we are running a OPTIMAL D special. Until October 31 2021 you can get your Vitamin D levels tested for just $47 which will cover the cost of both the test and the draw fee (regular total price is $72). That's ~33% off! Plus you'll get 20% off Vitamin D3/K2 when ordered before January 2022.

Book your lab test appointment with our staff by October 31, 2021 to get this offer. Please mention OPTIMAL D to redeem the sale price for the lab test, and also your choice of Vitamin D3/K2 supplements (limited to 3 bottles/containers per customer; ok to mix and match if preferred).

Cookie-Cutter Medicine?

sperowellnessclinic@gmail.com (Kristie Gering MD) — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 17:38:00 GMT

NO! Every individual is unique!

It is my personal and professional belief that good healthcare is NOT and NEVER should be cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all. We need to be thoughtful about how we treat each and every individual, because we are all unique. There are others who agree. If interested, I encourage you to go to the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons at aapsonline.org to see their courageous statement on individual rights to bodily integrity and self-determination, or click here: AAPS Online and/or here Support AAPS Statement .

Listen to us on Northwestern's Bank "Banker with a Beer"

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 19:11:26 GMT

Listen to Dr. Kristie's interview with Northwestern Bank about Spero Wellness Clinic. In this interview you'll learn a little history about Dr. Kristie, learn about functional medicine, and tips on how to stay healthy in the pandemic.

Look for Episode 53 at https://www.northwesternbank.com/bankerwithabeer/episodes/ or listen below.

Immune System Boosting in the Season of Colds, Influenza and SARS-CoV2

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:23:57 GMT

You may be wondering what you can do to better protect yourself during cold, flu and COVID season. The uncomfortable truth is that we are continually exposed to bacteria, viruses and fungi that are inhaled, swallowed, or live on our skin or in our body. Whether these organisms lead to disease depends partly on how “mean” the bug is and how many of them there are. However, it depends just as much, if not even more, on how well your immune system is working to defend your body.

The good news is that there is a lot that you can do to help your immune system work better! We will explore a few of these things, but first we need to talk a little bit about what our immune system is.

Our Amazing Immune System

Our immune system is an amazing interactive network of organs, white blood cells, and proteins that protect the body from foreign substances and organisms (as well as our own damaged cells, such as cancer cells). This system is constantly adapting and learning so that the body can fight against bacteria and viruses as they change over time. There are 2 arms to our immune system, the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. (A)

The innate immune system is more of a general defense against bad bugs and chemicals (think of it as the “Army and/or Navy” that offer broad protection from invasion). It prevents infection with certain mechanical barriers (such as oil on skin and stomach acid), and has the ability in general to tell friend from foe, and to start the attack using antimicrobial proteins and certain white blood cells such as macrophages. Macrophages see things that look “shady”, surround them to “hem them in”, engulf and literally “digest” the invader. Fever is another one of the many tactics that the innate immune system uses to slow the spread of infection. This is why for most people, as long as the fever is not too high and you are not too miserable, you should NOT reach for ibuprofen or acetaminophen at the first sign of a fever. Let the fever do it’s job in slowing the down the invasion! It’s there to help your white blood cells gain the advantage over the enemy.

The adaptive immune system targets very specific pathogens that the body has been in contact with and has learned from (think of this as the Army Green Berets or Navy Seals who, after collecting intel, perform very targeted special operations to take the enemy out). This system has 2 components. Certain white blood cells, called B cells, take “pictures” of the invaders and then create antibodies. This is called humoral immunity. Antibodies can sometimes disable the bad guys on their own, but most of the time they “tag & flag” them for destruction by other special ops teams (killer T cells). Antibodies will float around in the blood stream for some time after the attack (weeks to months, and occasionally years). Then if the threat remains neutralized, they will fade away.

Antibodies are the part of the immune system that vaccines are designed to stimulate. (B) In a basic sense, a vaccine is made from a dead pathogen (or piece of the dead pathogen) that tricks the body into thinking it’s been invaded. So the adaptive immune system starts to generate antibodies. Modern day vaccines also contain adjuvants, which are things that are designed to irritate and stimulate the immune system even further to help amplify the body’s response. You can test antibody levels for a certain pathogen (for example, the measles virus) to see if you have an immune response from the actual virus, or if you’ve had the MMR shot, to see if the vaccine generated antibodies. The presence of antibodies theoretically means you are protected (which may or may not be the case, but that’s for another conversation).

The other component of the adaptive immune system trains certain white blood cells to become specialized cells such as killer T cells. This is called cellular immunity. These guys are trained to take out very specific targets. The body also makes memory T cells. Like like a good professor, memory T cells teach the next generation of cells what to look for and how to fight a second invasion if it ever happens. These memory cells can last years to decades. These memory T cells are one of the reasons that people who have had a “cold” from one of the common coronaviruses in recent years seem to do better if they get SARS-CoV2. These memory cells recall what the coronavirus looked like and how to neutralize it. That may be why many who get SARS-CoV2 have only minor symptoms.

So, you may ask…What can I do to help my immune system?

Give it the Right Fuel and Building Blocks

As you can imagine, it takes a lot of resources to nourish your immune system military and special forces. Those guys need good fuel to fight. You can’t build good weapons using bad materials. Similarly, it’s difficult for your body to have a strong immune system if all you’re fueling up with is bad building blocks from junk food (such as salty snacks like chips, crackers & fried food and sugary foods like soda, cookies & candy). Sadly, these convenience foods are mostly “empty calories” that do not provide much in the way of components to use to build up your immune system. Instead it stores it as fat.

Not only is junk food not particularly helpful, it contains inflammatory oils, artificial dyes, chemicals and preservatives that harm the body. Now your body has to defend against those things, as well as fight off invaders. It’s like the army trying to fight with only pellet guns while sounded by toxic tear gas…not nearly as effective. This is why it is SO important to limit the junk and work on getting in healthy whole foods, such as organic berries, brightly colored veggies, beans/lentils, free range chickens and their eggs, and grass fed beef, etc. (C)

Antioxidants Limit Collateral Damage

Even the most well trained army and special forces will have some casualties (some white blood cells die). There will also be collateral damage. While attacking the bad guys, some of the innocent bystanders die (for example the cells lining the lung may get harmed). In our body, this generates cellular debris and something called free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals are like “sparks” that can damage cells. Antioxidants and certain minerals can help “put out the sparks” and decrease collateral damage.

Vitamins and Supplements to Help Your Immune System*

Ideally we would get all the necessary ingredients to nourish and equip a tip-top immune system, and to be able to put out free radicals and eliminate toxins. Unfortunately, that is becoming increasingly difficult in our modern world full of chemicals, depleted soils and increasingly aggressive pathogens. Here are a few evidence-based supplements that may help (D):

Vitamin D – Many people think of Vitamin D as something to help strengthen bones. While this is true, research has shown that Vitamin D is critical for a healthy immune system, especially for T-cell response. Multiple studies clearly show that lower levels of vitamin D are associated with increased rates of infection. One study published in October 2020 showed that over 80% of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Spain had a vitamin D deficiency. Normal values are typically 30-100, but most people should aim for a level above 40, and some say optimally 50-80. People living in the northern latitudes (i.e. WI) often have a suboptimal or deficient levels of vitamin D. Don’t just assume your level is ok. Ask your doctor to check a 25-OH-Vitamin D3 level.* If your level is low, supplement with a high quality Vitamin D3/K2 blend, taking enough to get a level at least above 40.

Vitamin C – Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of the immune system, including putting out the free radicals that are generated. Vitamin C has been used in hospital ICUs to treat COVID-19 infection. A good starting point is taking 1000-3000 mg daily.

Zinc – A large body of research shows that zinc has strong anti-viral properties against many viruses. It works especially well in conjunction with quercetin. Take 30mg once or twice daily. Note that high doses of zinc for many months may decrease copper levels. It’s thought that 30mg daily is unlikely to cause that problem.

Quercetin – Quercetin is found in fruits and vegetables and has a wide range of benefits, including decreasing viral growth. Consider taking 500-1000mg of quercetin daily.

Melatonin – In addition to promoting restful sleep, melatonin has been shown to reduce inflammation, and thus may decrease the risk of developing a “cytokine storm”.

There are many more supplements that may be helpful, including Curcumin, NAC, Vitamin A, Elderberry, Green tea or EGCG, Resveratrol, Beta glucans, Medicinal mushrooms, Licorice root etc.

For a more complete list of supplements that may help, please see:

COVID-19: Nutraceutical and Botanical Recommendations for Patients

https://p.widencdn.net/8fajn1/COVID-19_Nutraceutical-and-Botanical-Recommendations-for-Patients_v4

I-MASK+ Prophylaxis & Early Outpatient Treatment Protocol for COVID-19

https://covid19criticalcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/FLCCC_Alliance-I-MASKplus-Protocol-v8-2021-01-12-ENGLISH.pdf

Supplements to help you stay healthy during COVID-19

https://www.sperowellness.com/tips-to-stay-healthy-during-covid-19

Lifestyle Makes a Difference

In addition to healthy diet and targeted supplements, there are many lifestyle factors that can help your immune system win the battle. These things include regular exercise, reducing stress, prioritizing sleep, reducing EMF exposure (ie. turn off your WiFi router at bedtime, or put it on a Christmas lights timer to do it automatically), limit alcohol consumption, and quit using tobacco. Also, use the protective measures you’ve heard all along – frequent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds, minimize touching your face, stay home when sick, cough or sneeze into elbow, and seek medical attention and treatment when needed. (E)

You Have the Power to Promote a Healthy Immune System!

In summary, to help your immune system work better, do two things: 1) Take out the garbage (bad foods, toxic chemicals in personal care and cleaning products, tobacco, excess alcohol, unnecessary over-the-counter medications etc). These things are a distraction (or outright impediment) to the immune system. 2) Give the body good building blocks (good food, adequate sleep, relaxation, regular exercise, laughter, attitude of gratitude, connection with loved ones, targeted vitamins and supplements). Do this to improve your chances of defending an attack from a pathogen, as well as thrive in day to day life!

* PLEASE NOTE: You should always ask your personal doctor if these supplements are right for you.

References:

(A) For those interested in learning more about the immune system, check out these resources:

Types of Immune Responses: Innate and adaptive, humoral vs cell-mediated on Khan Academy types-of-immune-responses-innate-and-adaptive-humoral-vs-cell-mediated
A Primer On How The Immune System Works (Videos+Images) https://selfhack.com/blog/primer-immune-system-works-videosimages/
The innate and adaptive immune systems https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279396/
Overview of the Immune Response by David Chaplin MD, PhD https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(09)02837-1/pdf
Covid-19: Do many people have pre-existing immunity? https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3563

Lifestyle factors for a healthy immune system:

3 Types of Exercise to Boost Your Immune System https://medshadow.org/3-types-of-exercise-to-boost-your-immune-system/
Major features of immunesenescence, including reduced thymic output, are ameliorated by high levels of physical activity in adulthood https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29517845/
The Power of Movement: Living an Active Lifestyle https://p.widencdn.net/riht6s/The-Power-of-Movement—Living-an-Active-Lifestyle
Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24798553/
Behaviorally Assessed Sleep and Susceptibility to the Common Cold https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26118561/
How to Boost Your Immune System — Top 19 Boosters https://draxe.com/health/how-to-boost-your-immune-system/

New Detox Treatment Available - Photonx Therapy!

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:40:38 GMT

Do you suffer from fatigue, even after addressing diet and lifestyle? You may have low ATP.

The result of low ATP is that you may feel exhausted, achy, and/or brain-foggy, no matter how much sleep you get. Low ATP can also result in a buildup of toxins in the body, because the cells simply do not have enough spare energy to "take out the trash.” Toxic load worsens mitochondrial dysfunction even more, resulting in a downward spiral. When this occurs, even improvements in lifestyle and nutrition may not reverse the fatigue (or it could take a lot longer to get a positive effect).

If you're ready to help detox your body, we have a brand-new photobiomodulation treatment available. We have 2 machines made by Photonix that use low-level laser light to deliver energy to the blood stream.

What is Photo-Bio-Modulation? (photo = light, bio = living, modulation = change or modify)

Photobiomodulation (aka low-level laser therapy) is being studied and effectively used to treat number medical problems, such as helping to reduce pain and inflammation, and to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration. Different effects occur depending on the wavelength (“color”) of light used & energy dose given. We have 2 different Photonx machines. The RRnR Console emits red light and near infrared light (at 630, 660 and 810 nm), which are used primarily to improve energy and to sharpen mental acuity. The RGB console shines red, green and blue light (at 630, 530 and 405 nm), which may help manage stress and/or improve mobility.

How does it work to detox the body?

This works in may ways. One of the most studied wavelengths is the red color spectrum, which can help improve energy and reduce inflammation. When cells are stressed, their mitochondria (the powerhouses of the cell) begin to malfunction. One reason is due to a build up of nitric oxide (NO), which blocks oxygen use by mitochondrial "machines" called cytochrome c oxidase. Think of a fire being smothered by a blanket, or a motor with the air intake plugged. When oxygen can't get in, the fire can't burn and the motor can't run. The more NO that builds up, the less ATP a mitochondria can make. ATP (short for adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell. High NO and low ATP levels result in something called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress leads to increased inflammation, which will further decrease production of ATP. This results in “tired cells” that cannot run like they should. Thus you become tired, achy, foggy, and may eventually get to the point where actual disease becomes a reality. Heart disease, diabetes and cancer are all a consequence of chronic inflammation. While Photonx has not been studied for, nor do they claim that it will reverse disease, it is a new and exciting tool (along with healthy diet/lifestyle and targeted supplements) to help get your body into better balance.

What's the treatment like?

The Photonx Sublingual Applicator (SLA) sits gently under the tongue while the treatment is given. Most people feel nothing at all, but rarely some may experience mild transient jaw aching, headache and/or nausea. Theoretically “die-off” reactions (temporary flu-like symptoms) are also possible. However to date, there have been no known serious side effects of photobiomodulation.

How long does it last?

Sessions last from 20 to 40 minutes depending on the patient and their particular situation. Sessions can be given as often as once a day, or they can be spread out into one or two sessions a week. Frequency of treatment is individualized based on patient needs and their response to each treatment.

Is this treatment right for me?

References

Supplements to help you stay healthy during COVID-19

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 17:10:07 GMT

Looking to boost your body's immunity?

Start with the basics -- healthy whole foods diet, lots of filtered water, regular physical activity, plenty of sleep, stress reduction, social connection, attitude of gratitude… sprinkled with plenty of laughter and fun! This can be a challenge in these unusual times, but it is very important to actively work on.

In addition to the basics, here's a list of supplements that Dr. Kristie recommends to boost your immunity. It's not necessary to take ALL of the supplements every day. Instead you can layer them on as needed for increased support.

General immune support:

High quality multivitamin per the product’s recommendation (one example DFH Complete Muti by Designs for Health 2 caps 1-2x/day)
Vitamin D3/K2 - 5000iu taking 1-2 in the morning
Fish oil – 1 capsule 2x/day
Vitamin C 500-1000 mg 2-3x/day with meals (back off if having loose stools)

For added protection during CoVID/cold/flu season, also consider taking one or more of the following:

Quercetin - 500mg in the morning
Zinc - (in a chelated from, NOT zinc sulfate) 30mg 1x/day with food
(caution - prolonged use can cause a zinc/copper imbalance; if taking for more than a few months, have levels checked and/or use a zinc/copper blend with a ratio of ~1mg copper for every 15mg zinc - Jarrow makes a Zinc Balance capsule or Dr’s Advantage makes a liquid)
+/- Monolaurin - 2 caps 1x/day
+/- Annatto E - 1 at bedtime
+/- Melatonin - 3mg at bedtime

Increased Immune support if exposed to someone sick or illness occurs:

Still take all the above supplements, but increase +/- add a few things:

Increase Vitamin D3/K2 - to 10,000 or even 20,000 IU for a week or two
Increase Annatto E – to 1 capsule 2x/day
Increase Fish oil – to 2 capsules 2x/day
Increase Zinc - to 30mg 2x/day
Increase Vitamin C - double or triple the dose if bowels allow it (again back off if having loose stools; interestingly, the body generally tolerates vitamin C better when you are ill - it seems to absorb it better when it needs more)
Add Vitamin A 10,000iu (3000mcg) - 1-2/day
(caution - do NOT take large dose vitamin A if pregnant or trying to become pregnant)
Add NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine) - 1 capsule at bedtime

If exposed, or early phase of the illness (and if NOT pregnant), also consider adding:

Immunotone Plus (elderberry, echinacea, astragalus, andrographis, green tea extract, arabinogalactan, auric acid, 4 mushroom extract, and beta-glucan)

—OR—

Immunoberry Liquid (elderberry, astragalus, shiitake and maitake mushrooms, while cherry, beta-glucan)

PLEASE NOTE

The vast, vast majority will get better with the above regimen; however on the rare occasion that breathing becomes more difficult, then STOP Immunotone Plus and START high dose Inflammatone 2 caps twice daily (if not already on Inflammatone). If not improving with that change, or if worsening call your doctor, go to the emergency room, or call 911).

To address inflammation (pre-existing inflammation, worsening aches/pains and/or breathing issues), take:

Curcumin (such as Curcum-Evail) 1gram 2x/day with or without food
Enzymes - taken on an empty stomach - such as
Wobenzyme 3 capsules 2x/day between meals —OR—
Natto-Serrazyme 1 capsule 2-3x/day between meals
Or if more intense anti-inflammatory support, instead of plain curcumin and enzymes, use Inflammatone by Designs for Health using 2 caps 1-2x/day between meals (this contains enzymes similar to Wobenzyme, Curcumin, Boswellia, Ginger, Quercetin, Rutin, Rosemary and TransResveratrol)

NOTE on Purchasing Supplements

Designs For Health (DFH) products can be safely purchased on Amazon because they come directly from the DFH warehouse, not a 3rd party vendor. If you want to get 10% off and help support Spero Wellness Clinic with a small referral credit, use the code DFH27571. This is a perpetual 10% off discount code that can be reused.

If you like the Designs For Health products and want to stock up a bit on supplements for yourself and your family, you can go to the Designs For Health e-Store at sperowellness.ehealthpro.com . You will receive 25% off your first order using the promo code: FIRST25 , and thereafter receive 10% off retail price. The e-store’s retail price is generally a little lower than Amazon’s price.

Lastly, PLEASE be thoughtful regarding the amount that you purchase… Get what you need, but do not horde. There are many many families who need these products too. Also, if you purchase more than you personally use with the intent to sell them to others, this is both unethical and unlawful. Thank you for your consideration.

We wish you health, safety and peace in these uncertain times!

--Dr. Kristie

Click here for a PDF version of this article.

COVID-19: Botanical and Nutraceuticial Recommendations for Patients

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 20:31:42 GMT

At this time, there are no specific vaccines or uniformly successful treatments for COVID-19. However, emerging research on several specific botanical and nutraceutical agents is promising, as such agents can improve the body’s ability to fight off and recover from the illness. Beneficial botanical and nutraceutical agents are listed below, along with dosing recommendations from your Functional Medicine practitioner. For more information on these recommendations, please consult your practitioner directly.

Decrease your risk of COVID-19: Exercise!

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 17:47:21 GMT

Looking for a safe, inexpensive, proven way to decrease your risk of getting a viral illness (including coronavirus)? One simple answer is EXERCISE!

The key is to stay active… but don’t overdo it. Moderate aerobic exercise such as brisk walking for 30 minutes a day 3-5 days a week has been shown in studies to decrease risk of catching a virus (possibly by up to 50%) ^1, and to decrease the illness if you do catch a virus ^2. This is because moderate exercise nudges the immune system into a pattern that is more effective to fight viruses, whereas prolonged intense exercise can suppress the immune system^3.

So, while we are practicing social distancing, let’s not be tempted to become couch potatoes chained to our TV, computer or gaming device. Remember the importance of getting up and moving! Schedule breaks to get up, stretch and walk, even if it’s just for 10 minutes 3 times a day. In addition to the immune benefits, a nice brisk walk (esp outdoors) can help relieve stress and be just good for the soul!

^1 Meditation or Exercise for Preventing Acute Respiratory Infection: A Randomized Controlled Trial by Barrett et all (from the Dept of Family Medicine at U or WI Madison) in 2012 - this showed both moderate exercise and meditation significantly decrease risk of viral infection (by ~30-60%). http://www.annfammed.org/content/10/4/337.short

^2 Is Exercise Protective Against Influenza-Associated Mortality? by Wong et al in 2008 - this showed that mortality (death rate) for those who got influenza A and/or B was less for those who participated in low/moderate exercise. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0002108

^3 Exercise and Respiratory Tract Viral Infections by Martin et al in 2009 - this showed how physical activity affects the immune system and thus impacts our body’s response to viruses; prolonged intense exercise (such as marathon running) suppresses the immune system too much allowing viruses to take hold, whereas moderate exercise gently shifts the immune system to a pattern that can recognize the virus and contain it with less collateral damage to uninfected cells. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2803113/

Coronavirus update

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 16:03:26 GMT

As of this date, 3/17/2020, we are unable to see patients that are experiencing fever, body aches or cough type symptoms. With the pandemic of Coronavirus, we are taking all precautions to protect as many as we can and slow the spread. The testing for the coronavirus is limited and we are not equipped for testing. Therefore, anyone experiencing symptoms of coronavirus will need to call the nurse triage line with their clinic to get further direction or present to the emergency room. They have protocols set up that will keep patients and healthcare workers safe. This is a quickly evolving situation so if any changes occur, we will keep you updated.

If you are scheduled for a visit and have any symptoms that include fever, cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, body aches, abdominal pain or diarrhea we can’t see you in the clinic. However, please call and we can change your visit to a telephone visit. This is an option also for anyone who does not wish to leave their house.

There are supplements which are useful in helping with your immune system and we do have recommendations. For the next couple of months, we recommend for adults Zinc 15-30 mg daily, Vitamin D3/K2 10,000 IU daily, and Vitamin C 1500 mg 1-2 times daily. If you are ill and need any supplements, please call us and we can meet you in the parking lot with your supplements. We truly apologize for any inconvenience this causes. Take care, God bless, and remember to wash your hands ��

CoVID19 and Natural Treatment

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 15:31:15 GMT

Slides taken from Dr. Kristie's March 10 Words of Wellness talk.

Spero Wellness Clinic has supplements that can help protect yourself and your loved ones from viruses like influenza and coronavirus

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 15:07:17 GMT

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Natural Anti-Virals & Immune Boosters Talk

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 17:47:11 GMT

How to help fight Influenza and CoVID-19 (Coronavirus): Join us Tuesday March 10th at 5:30pm to learn about natural anti-viral treatment from Dr. Kristie! No registration needed.

Join us to learn about natural treatment for inflammation

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:56:41 GMT

Tuesday, February 11 at 5:30 pm at Spero Wellness Clinic

Are mold toxins messing with your health?

jrvajko@gmail.com (Justin Vajko) — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 19:06:19 GMT

Join us for a free talk about CIRS mold toxins on Tuesday, November 12.

"WOW" Free Health Talk Coming Soon!

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 17:15:25 GMT

Please join us Tuesday, September 10th at 5:30pm for our "WOW" free health talk. Unfortunately, Kris Greener is no longer with Spero Wellness so she will not be attending this talk with Dr. Gering. Call our office at 715-861-2300 to save your spot!

"WOW" Free Health Talks!

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 16:44:23 GMT

Join us at Spero Wellness

Closed on Good Friday

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:22:13 GMT

Spero Wellness Clinic will be CLOSED on Friday April 19th.

We will be open again on Monday April 22nd.

Spero Wellness Clinic is Closed today April 11, due to Inclement weather.

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 17:58:20 GMT

Sorry for any inconvenience, your safety is our concern. Please stay safe today!

We will open again tomorrow, Friday, April 12th from 8:00 am to 12:00 p.m (noon)

"WOW" Tuesdays

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 16:29:40 GMT

Join us for Free monthly health talks called Words of Wellness!

We are so excited to announce our FREE monthly health talks called "WOW" Tuesdays - Words of Wellness!

WOW is held the second Tuesday of the month at Spero Wellness Clinic in Chippewa Falls from 5:30 - 6:30 pm

Bring your family and friends and join us for interesting health topics. Call Spero at 715-861-2300 to register.

Also, watch for more information coming soon on IV Therapy!

The Vaccine Debate - Let your Voice be Heard!

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 16:03:13 GMT

Mandatory Vaccines - Call Washington DC at 1-202- 224-3121 to voice your opinion today! Time is running out, don't delay!

Let your voice be heard! Now is the time to speak up or your choice will be taken away!

*Call Washington DC at 1-202-224-3121 and voice your opinion on the issue of Mandating Vaccines

Below is an excerpt from ProCon.org, which looks at the pros and cons of current issues. The current topic being addressed is the mandatory vaccines debate.

Medical decisions for children should be left to the parents or caregivers. Barbara Low Fisher, Co-founder of National Vaccine Information Center, stated, "If the State can tag, track down and force citizens against their will to be injected with biological products of known and unknown toxicity today, there will be no limit on which individual freedoms the State can take away in the name of the greater good tomorrow." [89] Ron Paul, MD, former US Representative (R-TX), in an Oct. 19, 2011 article, "Government Vaccines – Bad Policy, Bad Medicine," stated, "intimately personal medical decisions should not be made by government… Freedom over one’s physical person is the most basic freedom of all, and people in a free society should be sovereign over their own bodies. When we give government the power to make medical decisions for us, we in essence accept that the state owns our bodies." [90]

Source: https://vaccines.procon.org/

Now Offering Fast & Easy DNA Testing!

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 19:28:13 GMT

Stop in or Call Spero Wellness at 715-861-2300 to learn more.

Choose from a variety of panels to fit your specific needs. Each panel lists what DNA profile they are looking for:

Immune

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriasis
Hashimotos
Multiple Sclerosis
Lupus

Fructose Intolerance
Bacterial Diversity - FUT2
UC
IBS
Crohn's
Celiac Disease

Cardiometabolic

Diabetes
Insulin resistance
Blood sugar
Metabolic syndrome
Hypertension
Lipid Impairement
LP(a)
Coronary Artery Disease

Nutrient Deficiencies

Folate (expanded)
Vitamin A (expanded)
Vitamin B6 (expanded)
Vitamin B12 (expanded)
Vitamin C
Vitamin D (expanded)
Vitamin K (new)
Vitamin E* alpha/gamma (new)
Calcium (expanded)
Magnesium
Choline
Phosphorus (new)
Potassium (new)
Zinc
Iron
CoQ10
Omega-3 (expanded)
Selenium

Cognitive

Alzheimer's disease
Anxiety
Parkinson's disease
Mild cognitive impairment
Dementia
Concussion with TBI
Depression

Hormone 1

Estrogen
Progesterone
Testosterone in Men
Testosterone in Women
Cortisol
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
DHEA

Hormone Add-ons

PMS
PCOS
Erectile dysfunction
Fibroids
Endometriosis
Perimenopause
Precocius puberty
Postpartum depression
Infertility

Plus you can add specific traits and SNPs that interest you to your panel!

Take a look at what else is in the Product and Trait Overview:

Metabolic Factors

Obesity Predisposition
Lower Metabolic Rate
Exercise Metabolic Rate
Yo-yo Dieting

Sleep

Blue Light Sensitivity
Deep Sleep
Shorter sleep duration

Eating Behaviors

Mindful Eating (Eating Disinhibition)
Snacking
Sweet tooth
Hunger
Dieting Success

Stress

Cortisol Response

Dietary Factors

Obesity & Saturated Fat
Weight loss & low fat diets
Carbohydrates & Obesity
Weight Loss & Protein Diets
Obesity and Artificially Sweetened Beverages

Optimize

Nutrient Deficiencies

EN: Folate
EN: Vitamin A
EN: Vitamin B6
EN: Vitamin B12
EN: Vitamin C
EN: Omega 3
EN: Selenium
EN: Coq10
EN: Iron
EN: Zinc
EN: Calcium
EN: Magnesium
EN: Choline

Taste Preference

Sweet taste
Salty taste
Bitter taste
Creamy taste
Carbonation taste
Cilantro taste
Artifical sweetener taste

Metabolism

Saturated Fat & Obesity
Lactose Intolerance
Gluten Sensitivity
Caffeine Metabolism
Alcohol Metabolism

Peak

Nutrients

Iron
Calcium
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Magnesium
Vitamin C

Caffeine Metabolism

Caffeine Metabolism

Motivation

Motivation
Novelty seeking
Personality Type (warrior/worrier)

Injury Susceptibility

Ligament and tendon injury
Disc degeneration
Muscle Damage

Muscle Fiber Type

Muscle Fiber Type

Endurance Potential

Training response
Improved Performance
VO2Max
Lactate

Best Time to Train

Optimal Training Time

Recovery

Sleep
Oxidative Stress

Metabolic Factors

Metabolic Rate
Obesity Predisposition
Exercise & Fat Loss

Power Up

Nourish

Folate
Iron
Calcium
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Obesity & Saturated Fat
Lactose Intolerance
Caffeine Metabolism

Thrive

Obesity
Exercise & Fat Loss
Yo-Yo Dieting
Blue Light Sensitivity
Deep Sleep
Cortisol response

RunDNA

Fiber Type
Disc degeneration
Endurance training response
Motivation to Exercise

Misc

Heart Health
Aging

Get your Colorado Hemp Oil at Spero Wellness!

Sun, 03 Feb 2019 21:06:14 GMT

Call Spero at 715-861-2300 to pre-order yours today!

You can pre-order and pay for your Colorado hemp oil by calling Spero Wellness Clinic at 715-861-2300. It usually takes 10 days to receive from the time we place an order. Orders will be placed 1-2x a week as needed.

Information copied from Quicksilver Scientific website. (quicksilverscientific.com)

This product uses non-THC (<0.3%) cannabidiol from all-natural Colorado Hemp Oil. Cannabidiol is the non-psychoactive part of the industrial hemp plant. Quicksilver Scientific’s liposomal delivery of Nanoemulsified Colorado Hemp Oil far outpaces tinctures and is faster, stronger, and more effective. Cannabidiol interacts with our body’s naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors to aid with pain relief and enhanced feelings of well being. The advanced technology behind this groundbreaking liquid delivery method makes for precise dosing and immediate effect.

Because of the known interaction of cannabidiol with these cannabidiol receptors, much new research has focused on cannabidiol's receptor-mediated neuroprotective, antiemetic, and analgesic properties, and of its effect on mood and other aspects of mental health. New research on gene transcription modulation offers an even deeper look into the biochemical mechanisms at work when ingesting cannabidiol. Research shows more than 1,000 genes that are differentially upregulated by cannabidiol (a more than ten-fold increase than those affected by THC). In general, the effects turn up cell stress responses—including antioxidant defense and detoxification genes (mainly via EhRE/ARE-Nrf2 induction)—and downregulate many inflammation-mediating genes. These effects combined with cannabidiol’s NMDA-receptor-stabilizing effects, show great promise for its use in calming the neuro-inflammatory responses accompanying neurotoxic and chronic illness states.

Quicksilver Delivery Systems™ phospholipid encapsulation system bring the power of intravenous delivery into convenient oral ingestion. This delivery system improves upon liposomal technology with smaller, more stable, single-layer spheres made from the highest-grade ingredients available. In addition to exceptional absorption rates, nanospheres like the ones produced by Quicksilver Scientific have demonstrated the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, deposit their cargo intracellularly, and enhance lymphatic circulation of nutrients. Also, the phospholipids that compose the liposome shell feed the cell membranes helping ensure the proper function for the absorption of the nutrient and excretion of the cellular waste products and toxins.

Suggested Use: Take 1–4 pumps by mouth, holding for 30 seconds before swallowing. Repeat if needed. Four (4) pumps contain 30 mg of Hemp Extract (aerial parts) and 12 mg of Phytocannabinoid Diols. There are 25 four-pump servings per container. Best taken on an empty stomach 10 minutes before meals. May be stirred into a small amount of water. Once opened, use within 60 days. Store at room temperature and away from light.

Other Ingredients: Water, glycerine, ethanol, vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate and as natural mixed tocopherols), natural citrus oils (flavoring).

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Join us for a FREE Detox Educational Event!

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 19:28:44 GMT

Tuesday, January 22 at 6:00pm at Spero Wellness clinic

Join Dr Kristie Gering, guest speaker Amanda Kuhn from Orthomolecular, and Health Coach Kris Greener as they discuss our toxic burden and the benefits and importance of detoxing for optimal health!

They will also share information on optional detox/cleansing protocols and programs that can help you take your health to the next level and promote weight loss, optimal health and vitality.

Bring your family members and friends and learn about the importance of Detox!

Contact us at 715-861-2300 if you have any questions.

Renew - Medically Supervised Weight Loss & Health Enhancement Program 2019

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 17:02:41 GMT

Join us on January 8th, at 6:00pm at Spero Wellness, for an in-depth information night to learn more about this comprehensive program.

Spero Wellness Clinic Presents

Renew

A Medically Supervised Weight Loss & Health Enhancement Program

Beginning on January 22, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

Developed & led by Kristie Gering, MD and Kris Greener, Certified Health Educator/Health Coach

“We believe that all health begins in the gut and that’s why our program is different from the rest. Our program guides you on a gut cleansing, detoxing and healing program that brings you renewal of optimal and sustainable health.”

Our 12-week program includes:

· 6 - Weekly group education sessions covering lifestyle foundations of sustainable health, weekly vitals and weigh-in

· 2 - One-on-one appointments with Dr. Kristie and Health Coach Kris

· Cleansing food plans that are scientifically based and allow you to use your own food (no packaged food sales)

· Detox/cleansing protocols that include:

o A two-month G.I. Cleanse/Microbiome balance package (11 items)

o A one-month detox kit (two items)

o Two- month supply of a Protein shake (flavor of your choice) and 4- month supply of basic vitamins.

o Initial Lab includes: CBC, CMP, extended thyroid panel, cardio-metabolic panel (FLP with particle size, insulin, HgA1C, leptin, omega fatty acid profile).

o Two- Follow-up labs include: CMP & CBC

· Three- BIA – Body Composition Analysis to monitor progress

· Plus bonus : samples, recipes, handouts, Pilates intro. & more !

Call Spero Wellness at 715-861-2300 to register or for more information.

$100 off for the first 10 people to register for the Renew 12-week program

We invite you to attend our “introduction to the Renew program” on January 8th at 6:00pm at Spero Wellness Clinic. Please come and learn all the details about Renew and the value that is being offered to you. We ask that you RSVP to the Introduction night by calling Spero Wellness at 715-861-2300.

3-month inclusive program Price: $2,520

We are offering an Introductory $200 discount!

This brings price to: $2,320 ( You can do 3 monthly payments of 773.33)

If you pay in full , we will give you another $100 off bringing your price to $2,220

Bonus: If you are one of the first 10 people to register for the Renew Program you will receive an additional $100 off!

Closed For The Holidays

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 14:41:56 GMT

Spero Wellness will be closed for Christmas on December 24th & 25th and New Year's day January 1st. We will be open a half-day on December 31st.

Spero Wellness clinic will be closed on December 24th & 25th and January 1st. We will be open from 8:00am to Noon on December 31st. The clinic will be open from 8:00am to 5:00pm on Wednesday December 26th and Thursday December 27th. We will be open 8:00am to Noon on Friday December 28th. Dr. Gering will Not be in the office during this time. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season enjoying time with family and friends.

Spero Wellness will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 21:06:43 GMT

The clinic will be closed Thursday & Friday - -November 28th & 29th

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. We will re-open on Monday December 2nd at 8:00am

Spero Clinic will close at 2:00pm on Monday, September 10th, 2018

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 13:35:51 GMT

Dr. Gering & staff will be attending the Functional Medicine - Knew Tour in MN!

You are Invited to a Special Event!

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 01:48:22 GMT

Join the Spero Wellness team at the Knew Vision Tour- Functional Medicine Event in MN. Get your free tickets now!

Hello from Spero Wellness Clinic!

We have an exciting educational opportunity for those of you interested in promoting Functional Medicine as standard medicine!

*** 50 FREE Tickets to the KNEW Vision Tour ***

in Minneapolis MN

on Monday September 10, 2018

(First come, first serve.)

We at Spero decided to invest in the KNEW Vision Tour by James Maskell from the Functional Forum and Evolution of Medicine. James and his team are working to develop KNEW Health, a medical cost sharing platform that focuses on figuring out and treating the root cause of chronic disease by utilizing (and paying for) functional medicine assessments, health coaching and other complementary treatments such as chiropractic care and acupuncture.

The KNEW Vision Tour 22-city, grass-roots effort dedicated to massively raising national awareness about functional medicine as the solution to our nation’s health crisis.

James says “The tour will be part rock-concert, part community rally and part integrative health symposium, featuring your area’s top doctors, experts and activists on stage covering a variety of exciting health creation topics. With your help, we want to make enough noise, gain enough exposure and generate a big enough impact to get noticed as a major player in the healthcare debate.”

The tour will be in Minneapolis, MN on Monday 09/10/2018 at the Schulze Hall Audotorium at the University of St. Thomas. It will be held in conjunction with a live Functional Forum educational event – the topic is on a functional approach to endocrinology. See below for more detailed information on the exciting event.

Agenda

5:00 - 6:00 pm: VIP Reception (Dry Farm Wine + hors d'oeuvres)
6:00 - 7:00pm: Doors Open, (Networking, share your story, book signing, sponsor swag, and much more)
7:00 - 8:30 pm: Featured Presentations on a Functional Endocrinology (see below)
8:30 - 9:30 pm: Networking

Featured Speakers Include:

Mark Menolascino, MD
Kara Parker, MD
Mark Newman, Founder of Precision Analytical
Cassie Bjork, RD

Location:

University of St. Thomas

Schulze Hall Auditorium

46 S 11th St.

Minneapolis, MN 55403

Again, as a (small) sponsor, Spero Wellness Clinic has received 50 FREE tickets for the event! (They are currently on sale for $25 each). We want to give them to you! �� However, if you can’t come, feel free to pass this invitation along to a friend, family member or community member who may have interest in functional medicine and/or have the ability to make an impact on the healthcare scene in the Chippewa Valley.

We want all 50 tickets to be used, so spread the word!

To reserve your ticket, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cv-meetup-KNEW-nationwide-tour-comes-to-minneapolis-tickets-49480791379 and click “Register” then click the “Enter Promotional Code” line at the upper R corner. Enter “Gering” and the event will be free.

We are considering carpooling, or perhaps renting a van or bus (cost would depend on the number of participants). If interested, please send us an email at info@sperowellness.com by September 4th or 5th so we can make arrangements.

Thanks for taking the time to read this! We hope to have you join us for the event!

Dr. Kristie

Kristie Gering MD and the Spero Wellness Team

Spero Wellness Clinic

2829 County Highway I, Suite 2C

Chippewa Falls WI, 54729

Phone: 715-861-2300

Fax: 715-861-2302

www.sperowellness.com

info@sperowellness.com

The Evolution of Medicine is thrilled to announce its 56th Functional Forum: Evolution of Endocrinology.

This Forum will be streamed LIVE from the

KNEW Vision Tour event in Minneapolis, MN.

Endocrinology is a specialty which encompasses many of today’s complex chronic diseases--- from type 2 diabetes and blood sugar issues through hormonal imbalances to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

This episode will showcase the timely evolution of this traditionally-conservative branch of medicine, with a show-stopping line-up expert speakers including:

· Dr. Kara Parker---a Minneapolis-based functional medicine physician, sharing her work on the cross-section between root cause functional medicine and community access using group visits

· Dr. Mark Menolascino---whom you may remember from our first Evolution of Medicine Summit “The Evolution of Endocrinology”, will be presenting on the link between toxicity and endocrine disruption, and how to address its’ root cause

· Mark Newman, MS founder of Precision Analytical (makers of the DUTCH Test)---will offer his clinical tips on finding the root cause of chronic hormone imbalances which often masquerade as other “unrelated” conditions

· Cassie Bjork, RD--- registered dietician and international best-selling author will share her story inspiring story of how she gave up her dietetics license to offer real nutritional guidance on her terms

Earth Day - Wellness Day 2018!

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 00:14:13 GMT

Saturday, April 21st, Doors open at 12:30, event starts at 1:00pm

Hope you can join us for this informative and fun event!
Please call to register as seats are limited. Any questions please call Spero Clinic and ask for Kris.

Wellness Event Coming Soon!

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 18:23:22 GMT

Seating is limited, Call now to Register & Reserve your seat.

Earth Day - Wellness Day Event 2018!

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 02:49:33 GMT

Save the Date and join Dr. Kristie & Health Coach Kris for an engaging, informational and fun filled event!

Watch for more information to be posted soon!

Spero Clinic closed Monday, Sept. 10th, 2018

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 15:41:58 GMT

Dr. Gering and staff will be attending a Functional medicine Event!.

The staff at Spero will be attending an educational event to learn about the latest news in functional medicine to better serve our patients. Our doors will open again on Tuesday the 11th at 8:00am.

Spero Clinic Closed at 2:30- February 20,2018

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 15:36:59 GMT

Doors will re-open on Wednesday February 21 at 8:00am. Thank you!

Spero Wellness Clinic CLOSED Monday, January 29th.

Sun, 28 Jan 2018 15:35:00 GMT

Office will be closed Monday, January 29th, for all day staff in-sesrvice and training

To better serve our customers, Spero Clinic will be closed all day on 01/29/18, for staff in-service and training. Clinic doors open again on Tuesday January 30 at 8:00 am. We thank you for your business!

Digestive Issues? We can help! Join us on January 18th!

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 20:17:59 GMT

Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and intestinal/stomach pain are very common symptoms signaling problems within the digestive system.

Did you know that other symptoms of faulty digestion include fatigue, headaches/migraines, eczema, psoriasis, hives, anxiety and sleep disorders?

Join us
Thursday, January 18th, 2018 from 4:30pm - 6:00pm
as we take a functional tour of the digestive system where we highlight why healing digestion can heal so many other common, chronic conditions.

Spero Wellness Clinic and Anew Wellness are hosting a group session focused on the Pillars of GI Health.
Learn to improve your health starting with better digestion!

The session will begin with check-in at 4:00pm. You will have basic vitals taken by our nurse and Dr. Gering will do a brief 3-5 minute assessment while you fill out a short medical questionnaire.
Beginning at 4:30pm we will show a 30 minute educational video by Dr. Shilpa Saxena followed by an hour of Q & A with Dr. Gering and health coach Kris Greener to talk through what you learned in the presentation and address any questions you may have.
This is such a valuable time to get to talk directly with your healthcare providers while also learning from the experiences of the other participants.

You will leave with the Pillars of GI Patient Handbook that is full of useful information and has practical recommendations to apply what you've learned into your daily life.

The cost is $75 per person for a 90 minute session.
This is considered a medical visit so receipts and HCFA forms will be provided if you would like to submit to your insurance provider.
Class size is limited to 15 participants so sign up today!

Please contact Spero Wellness Clinic with any questions or to register at
715-861-2300.

We hope you'll join us and look forward to helping you achieve your health goals in 2018!

Elimination Diet 7-week Class Begins January 8th, 2018

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 18:06:34 GMT

Begins January 8th, 2018 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Join us for our upcoming Elimination Food Plan 7-week Group Sessions!

This is a 7 week class facilitated by Certified Health Education Specialist Kris Greener.

During the class you will have all of your questions answered, receive samples and recipes plus lots of encouragement and accountability to help you be successful on your journey to a Healthy Body, Peaceful Mind & Joyful Heart!

We will meet once a week for 60 minutes beginning January 8th, 2018 at 6:00pm .

Schedule:

Week 1 : Introductions, review of the 21-day elimination food plan and handouts. Start week one prep activities. (goody bag with samples)

Week 2 : Review the comprehensive guide & weekly planner/recipes and healthy oils handout. Start week 2 prep activates. (sample nut milks)

Week 3: Begin 21 days of elimination. We meet at Woodman’s grocery store in Altoona for a “Shopping Safari.”

Week 4: Continue 21 days of elimination. Continued sharing, sampling, health education and encouragement!

Week 5: Continue 21 days of elimination. Review the re-introduction phase. How to bring eliminated foods back into your diet one at a time and the signs & symptoms to watch for.

Weeks 6 & 7: Continue food re-introduction phase.

Bonus: You will have 8 weeks of email contact with Health Coach Kris during this entire process for any questions you may have.

Fee Per Individual: $80
To register and pay the registration fee, please call Spero Wellness Clinic at 715-861-2300.
*We need a minimum of 6 participants to run the class so please call early to secure your spot!

Please contact Kris Greener at 715-598-5699 or anewwellnessllc@gmail.co m with any questions!

Why the Elimination (Diet) Food Plan?

“Symptoms and conditions that have failed to respond to conventional medical therapy may resolve when a person follows the IFM Elimination Diet. Specific foods or foods eaten frequently may be related to a long list of health conditions, including digestive problems, headaches, chronic sinus drainage, low energy, depression, mood swings, eczema, skin irritations, joint aches, asthma, weight gain, and others. People may suffer from these symptoms for long periods of time without realizing that they can be connected to the foods they are eating. Often it isn’t until a food is removed that the connection between symptoms and foods can be made. The Elimination Diet removes common foods that may be causing symptoms and, with reintroduction, helps patients identify the foods that may be triggering their symptoms. Often, symptoms that have failed to respond to conventional medical therapy will resolve by following the Elimination Diet. After the initial period of eliminating foods, many chronic symptoms should improve or disappear.

When the burden on the immune system is decreased, the body has an opportunity to heal. During the elimination period, it is important to make sure that the diet is still enjoyable and nutrient-dense. The road to optimum health starts with decreasing the burden on the immune system while ensuring adequate nutrition.

After completion of the three-week Elimination Diet, patients will undergo a food reintroduction process. The goal is to expand the variety of healthy foods available to an individual for daily intake. Reintroduction involves adding back one food at a time and observing whether that food is associated with negative symptoms. Foods that continue to provoke symptoms (physical, mental, and emotional) are avoided for an additional three to six months, at which time reintroduction is attempted again. Once the gut is healed, many foods that initially caused sensitivities may be reintroduced into a meal plan without symptoms. Healing the gut, and being able to successfully reintroduce foods is important, as eating the same few foods day after day does not provide the body with the full array of phytonutrients necessary for overall health. A diet with a large diversity of foods helps ensure that the body gets essential nutrients and is especially important for those who have digestive issues.”

(Institute of functional Medicine, 2016)

Features:

Reduces Inflammation

Supports healthy Microbiome

Dairy-Free & Gluten Free

Phytonutrients to Heal the Gut

Reduces Toxic Burden

No Calorie restrictions

Promotes Body Awareness to Food

Identifies Food Triggers

Reduces Inflammation

Kris Greener, founder of Anew Wellness, LLC in Chippewa Falls, is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, with a B.S. in Health & Wellness Management. She is currently collaborating with Spero Wellness as their clinic health coach. She is also a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and a STOTT Pilates Instructor. Kris loves to share her passion for health & wellness with others.

Check Out Our Low Price Lab Options!

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 20:29:09 GMT

Happy Holidays from Spero Wellness Clinic!

As the end of the year approaches, we at Spero Wellness Clinic want to remind you about our low cost, direct to public lab test options. As a direct pay clinic, we are able to offer labs at lower prices than other labs around town, making us a great option for people with high deductible insurances or with FSA dollars that need to be used by the end of the year. Below you’ll find a list of some of our most common labs and pricing.

You do not need to be patients at Spero Wellness Clinic to access our lab, as long as you sign a waiver stating you are aware we are providing lab services only and not interpretation. We will send results directly to you or your provider (or both, if requested).

This is a cash based service, meaning people pay for lab tests at the time of service with either cash, check, credit card or FSA/HSA card. There are tests that, if positive, will reflex to further testing (for example, if an anti-nuclear antibody, a.k.a. ANA is positive, then there is an automatic reflex to add the pattern type). In this case, there will be an additional fee for the pattern type which will be billed after the reflex test results come back. We will try to make every effort to warn patients when this is a possibility, and to give them an idea of what that extra expense may be. To facilitate ease in billing, we will ask patients who are having tests with a possible “reflux” component to give us a credit card to have on file.

If you receive your results and would like a phone or portal interpretation of those results, Dr. Gering is willing to provide this service at a special discounted rate of $40 per 15 min block. Unless very complex, most lab interpretation should take 15 minutes or less. Her typical rate is $75/15 min so this is a great deal!

We feel that there is a huge unmet need for affordable patient directed labs in the community, and feel privileged to be able to provide these services often at 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of most labs in this region.

Please feel free to compare our prices to other local lab fees, including direct patient lab services in our area or near the Twin Cities. We think you will be very pleased!

Please call our offices at 715-861-2300 to schedule! We are grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and we appreciate your continued support!

Thank you,
Kristie Gering, MD and the Spero Wellness Team

CLOSED for Thanksgiving!

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 17:11:00 GMT

Spero Wellness Clinic with be closed Thursday, November 23rd and Friday, November 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Dr. Gering and her nurse will also be out of the office on Wednesday, November 22nd. If you have any questions or need prescription refills, please call us by noon on Tuesday, November 21st to ensure time to accommodate your request. We will still have reception staff available on Wednesday so please don't hesitate to ca ll for appointments or stop in for supplements!

From all of us here at Spero Wellness Clinic, we hope you have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

UPDATE: NEW DATE AND TIME Elimination Diet Class Reunion!

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 18:57:39 GMT

January 9th | 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Please join us for an Elimination Diet Class Reunion!

January 9th | 6:00pm -7:30pm

Held at Spero Wellness Clinic/Anew Wellness

Hosted by Health Coach Kris & Dr. Kristie

The Reunion is for all the people who have embarked on the 21-day elimination diet with Anew Wellness/Spero Wellness. It doesn't matter if you have worked with the health coach individually, in a group, consulted with her, or did it on your own, you are invited! If you are currently in the process of this journey, you are invited too! It is going to be fantastic!

During this informational event we will discuss/share where you've been and how far you have come! Plus, what you can do to keep moving forward to reach your individual health goals. We will also share health & wellness tips regarding sleep, stress and daily movement to keep you progressing. There will be a Q&A time, light refreshments, handouts, door prize drawings and Lots of Fun!

Please register by contacting Spero Wellness: 715-861-2300

Cost to attend: $10 per person paid prior to the event. Bring a friend for FREE!

We're Hiring!

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 16:39:45 GMT

Spero Wellness Clinic is now accepting applications for a part-time RN!

Please apply directly through our job posting on Indeed.com .

Spero Wellness Clinic is the Chippewa Valley’s first direct pay functional medicine clinic. Spero is Latin for hope and that is exactly what Spero Wellness Clinic wants to be for its patients—a hope for better health. Our mission is to provide personalized, cost-effective, functional medicine and primary care services for individuals and families— treating the whole person with the goal of achieving a longstanding patient-provider partnership, mutually working towards health and wellness.

We are seeking a friendly, reliable and compassionate person to join our growing team as a part-time RN. This is a critical position within the clinic, as you will be the liaison between the provider and the patient, interacting with patients in person, on the phone and via our secure patient portal. Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to multi-task and a personal interest in a natural approach to health & wellness are essential. We are a new clinic (opened January 2017) and are a looking for someone with a passion for patient centered care, who is comfortable in a start-up environment and has a strong vision for the future.

This position will start out at 24 hours a week, typically working 8am – 5pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday with occasional Tuesday or Thursday coverage as needed. There is the possibility of a full-time position in the future. Tentative start date is the middle of November.

Clinical Duties:

· Rooming patients: Collecting & documenting vitals, taking a brief medical history & reviewing meds, allergies and confirming past medical/social/family history as time permits

· Performing phlebotomy and preparing lab specimens for pickup

· Inserting peripheral IV’s and running UVLrx therapy

· Explaining collection process for specialty lab tests

· Answering patient questions in person, on our patient portal and over the phone

· Assisting in the completion of patient forms (i.e. FMLA forms, school physical forms etc)

· Occasional scribing duties for Dr. Gering for new patient intake visits

· Arranging patient referrals & appointments

· Assist with patient scheduling, check-in/checkout and answering phones if reception staff is out or is occupied with another patient

· Maintaining electronic patient medical records, including scanning of paper records, electronic filing of faxed records/lab results and abstraction of intake forms/outside records

· Cleaning/stocking patient rooms and cleaning of equipment when necessary

· Acting as liaison for specialty lab companies

Job Qualifications:

· Required license or certification: Registered Nurse (RN)

· Required experience: minimum of 2 years prior nursing and phlebotomy experience

· Licensed in WI or the ability to become licensed by start date

· Prior experience in a functional medicine environment strongly preferred by not required

Desired personal characteristics:

o Personal interest in a natural approach to health & wellness

o Willing and eager to learn new things in the evolving field of functional medicine

o Patience, kindness and good sense of humor

o Flexibility and a team approach to patient care

o Detail oriented, organized, meticulous

o Professional appearance and demeanor

o Proficiency with electronic health records

o Self-starter with the ability to work independently

o Punctual, responsible and reliable

o Maintains strict confidentiality, following all HIPAA requirements

o Willingness to complete a brief Meyers Briggs personality inventory prior to hire at www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

Hours & Benefits:

· Salary: $28 - $32 per hour based on experience

· Hours: 24 hours per week initially with the possibility of a full-time position in the future

· Paid holidays if they fall on your typical work day

· 2 weeks (6 days) of vacation per calendar year with increased vacation time if hours increase

· Flexible schedule as a part-time employee - time off as needed for personal/family needs, assuming job duties can be covered by other personnel

· Discounted fees for provider visits (for personal use and that of immediate family members, up to a maximum that is TBD based on the situation)

· Supplements and lab tests at cost (for personal use and that of immediate family members, up to a maximum that is TBD based on the situation)

· UVLrx treatments (if needed) at cost

Is It Time to Get Back in Shape?

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 18:53:33 GMT

Beginner Pilates Classes Starting Soon!

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Intermediate Level Pilates Starting Soon!

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 18:52:49 GMT

Grand Opening

sperowellnessclinic@gmail.com (Kristie Gering MD) — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 03:39:33 GMT

Tuesday, May 16th, 3:00pm - 7:00pm

Dr. Kristie Gering will give talks at 4:00pm and 6:00pm answering her most frequently asked question: what is functional medicine?

Between presentations, check out the clinic space, talk to staff, help yourself to educational handouts, learn about special discounts, get free samples and enjoy healthy snacks.

This open house is free and open to the public. Come see what Spero Wellness Clinic has to offer!

Earth Day Wellness Event

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 03:52:27 GMT

Reduce toxin intake, improve your health

Pilates Fitness Class

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 03:49:42 GMT

8 classes beginning Tuesdays, May 2nd through June 20, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Pilates is a method of body conditioning focusing on core-strength training through a series of specialized exercises. Clients move gradually through each stage of development. These exercises focus on the “powerhouse” muscles, generally the area of the body that includes the abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks all working together to build core strength, control and flexibility of the body. Pilates exercises are tailored to lengthen, strengthen, & sculpt your body.

Beginning Pilates:

This is a beginner level mat course for those with little or no experience in the Pilates method of exercise. Instruction will be given in a functional training manor so you are able to practice the exercises on your own in the convenience of your own home, no equipment needed!

During the first class you will receive an introduction to the history of Pilates, the 6 Pilates principles and a review of the “powerhouse muscles” and the mind-body connection.

Exercises: You will be taught instructions in proper breathing, pelvic and rib cage alignment, and core engagement, “abdominal scoop.” Throughout the sessions, exercise instruction will progress in phases from warm-up, modified beginner to beginner mat based exercises. Clients will be individually instructed and coached through each exercise for proper form and control, which is the foundation of Pilates.

By the end of the 8 week session you will have a solid understanding of the Pilates method. You will be able to perform the beginner Pilates exercises with confidence, correct form, control and fluidity.

Instructor: Kris Greener has been a STOTT Pilates instructor since 2003. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist, holds a B.S. in Health & Wellness, is a Functional Medicine Health Coach Candidate at Spero Wellness Clinic and, has been a physical therapist assistant for over 18 years.

Introductory Price for this 8 class course, is only $65

Classes will be held on the 2nd. floor of Dove Wissota Health,

South Building in the Spero Wellness Clinic Suite 2C, Chippewa Falls

*Register & Pay in person or by calling Spero Wellness Clinic 715-861-2300

Any questions contact instructor Kris at: anewwellnessllc@gmail.com

Or, by phone at 715-598-5699

Betrayal Series Event

sperowellnessclinic@gmail.com (Kristie Gering MD) — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 03:43:51 GMT

Pay $35 to attend as many sessions as you like

Or, pay $10 per session.

Contact Angela at Spero Wellness to register 715-861-2300

Each video session and Q & A will be held on Thursday nights

From 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. At Dove/Wissota Healthcare North building in Chippewa Falls, WI

February 16 - The Autoimmune Epidemic: Root Causes & Solutions

March 2 - Intestinal Permeability: The Gateway to Autoimmunity

March 16 - The Microbiome: Where Health & Disease Begin & End

March 30 - Autoimmune Diseases of the Gut: The Role of Food & Digestion

April 20 - Environmental Toxins: The Hidden Drivers of Disease

May 4 - Autoimmune Diseases of the Brain: A New Approach to Neurology

May 18 - Case Studies: Bringing it all together

Bonus Features :

June 1 - Stories of Hope: Autoimmune Patients Share Their Experiences of Suffering and Their Secret Path to Healing

June 15 - The Secret Stories: World renowned Doctors & Experts Unveil Why They Do What They Do.

Join Pilates Happy Hour!

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 03:40:27 GMT

After all you do for others, isn’t it time you did something for yourself!

Gather your co-workers and friends for a Fun, Relaxing & Uplifting strength building class!

Pilates “Happy Hour” will be held on 8 Thursdays:

March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6, 20, 27 and May 4
From 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

The classes will be held at Spero Wellness Clinic, suite 2C of the Wissota Health South building in Chippewa Falls. This is a beginner’s class for those with little or no experience in the Pilates Method of body conditioning .

Pilates is a method of body conditioning focusing on core-strength training through a series of specialized exercises. Participants move gradually through each stage of development. These exercises focus on the “powerhouse” muscles, generally the area of the body that includes the abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks all working together to build core strength, stabilization and flexibility of the body. Pilates exercises are tailored to lengthen and strengthen (sculpt & tone) rather than build bulk. Instruction will be given in proper body alignment and engagement of the deep abdominal muscles. Participants will be coached and instructed through each exercise for proper form and control. (If you are pregnant or become pregnant during this 8 week class, you must get a Dr. Permission to participate).

Please register in person at Spero Wellness Clinic or call them at 715-861-2300.

Fee for 8 classes: $65 per person.

Any questions contact instructor Kris Greener: anewwellnessllc@gmail.com

Pilates Fitness for a Lifetime

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 14:26:29 GMT

8 classes beginning Tuesdays February 21 through April 11, 2017

Betrayal Series

sperowellnessclinic@gmail.com (Kristie Gering MD) — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 14:24:09 GMT

The Autoimmune Disease Solution They're Not Telling You.

Health Coaching

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 14:22:39 GMT

Spero News & Events

Bone Turnover Tests, Peptides, and Smarter Ways to Track Bone Health

Bone Turnover Tests, Peptides, and Smarter Ways to Track Bone Health

Why "Thick Blood" Isn't the Whole Story

Feeling tired? Try an NAD Infusion

Want help to get ready for the holidays? Having difficulty adjusting to the time change? Consider an NAD Infusion.

What are the benefits?

Who is it for?

What's inside?

How often?

BRCA Gene & DIM Supplementation

The Surprising Connection Between Uric Acid and Cardiovascular Health

Dr. Kristie discusses gut health in local podcast

New Year Announcements

Prices

Hourly Provider Fee:

Cancellations and No Shows

Paperwork, Portal and Phone Call Fee:

Lab Reviews:

Lab Scheduling

Our Staff

Reception and Support Staff:

Medical Assistants and Nursing:

Providers:

Upcoming Services

Grand Opening Celebration!

We're thrilled to announce that we've completed our move to the first floor of our building, which will give us all the space we need to keep growing as we meet the health needs of our community.

Grand Opening Celebration

Now available: Recall by Salus Labs

We now offer a supplement -- available only through health providers like us -- that we believe will make a big impact for our clients.

Why take it?

What's in it?

What are those?

What can I expect from taking Recall?

Availability

Things to be aware of

We carry a few other Salus Labs Products

Instructions

How to order

12 Takeaways from the Cancer Prevention and Aftercare Conference

12 Takeaways from the Cancer Prevention and Aftercare Conference by the International College of Integrative Medicine - April 8th & 9th, 2022

Vitamin D: Are you deficient?

Cookie-Cutter Medicine?

NO! Every individual is unique!

Listen to us on Northwestern's Bank "Banker with a Beer"

Immune System Boosting in the Season of Colds, Influenza and SARS-CoV2

Our Amazing Immune System

Give it the Right Fuel and Building Blocks

Antioxidants Limit Collateral Damage

Vitamins and Supplements to Help Your Immune System*

Lifestyle Makes a Difference

You Have the Power to Promote a Healthy Immune System!

References:

For some information on vaccines:

Information on healthy foods for the immune system:

Supplements to help the immune system:

Lifestyle factors for a healthy immune system:

New Detox Treatment Available - Photonx Therapy!

Do you suffer from fatigue, even after addressing diet and lifestyle? You may have low ATP. ﻿

What is Photo-Bio-Modulation? (photo = light, bio = living, modulation = change or modify)

How does it work to detox the body?

What's the treatment like?

How long does it last?

Is this treatment right for me?

References

Supplements to help you stay healthy during COVID-19

Looking to boost your body's immunity?

﻿

﻿

In addition to the basics, here's a list of supplements that Dr. Kristie recommends to boost your immunity. It's not necessary to take ALL of the supplements every day. Instead you can layer them on as needed for increased support.

General immune support:

For added protection during CoVID/cold/flu season, also consider taking one or more of the following:

Increased Immune support if exposed to someone sick or illness occurs:

Still take all the above supplements, but increase +/- add a few things:

If exposed, or early phase of the illness (and if NOT pregnant), also consider adding:

PLEASE NOTE

To address inflammation (pre-existing inflammation, worsening aches/pains and/or breathing issues), take:

NOTE on Purchasing Supplements

COVID-19: Botanical and Nutraceuticial Recommendations for Patients

Decrease your risk of COVID-19: Exercise!

Do you suffer from fatigue, even after addressing diet and lifestyle? You may have low ATP.