Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health

Treating the Whole Person, Body & Mind

Catholic Health's Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health uses the principles of functional medicine and lifestyle medicine to guide patients on their journey to health optimization and well-being. Our evidence-based approach looks at “whole health”—how your body, mind, spirit and emotions all factor into diagnosing and treating many common diseases.

The Center's dedicated team of specialists uses conventional and complementary approaches. Conventional medicine may include medication, physical therapy, psychotherapy or a specific treatment like chemotherapy for cancer. Complementary therapies may include acupuncture, naturopathy, mindful stretching, nutritional plans, and supplements like probiotics.

Bringing together these two treatment methods—and factoring in lifestyle habits, environment and genetic history—gives us a proactive approach to addressing the root cause of illness rather than only treating the symptoms. Our philosophy is that illness may be by chance, but wellness is always by choice, using the following guiding principles:

Participatory. We partner with and empower you as you learn to take control of your health.
Personalized. We create tailored treatment plans that consider your unique genetic and environmental factors.
Predictive. We create health strategies that minimize potential health risks based on factors like genetics.
Preventive. We take a proactive and integrative approach to treating illness before its onset.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you call to schedule an appointment, our patient navigator will review the following:

Your care needs
How the program works and setting up your first appointment
Your insurance and what aspects of the program are covered by insurance
Review of program costs not covered by insurance
Fees due at program sign-up

What conditions does the Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health treat?

Allergies
Anxiety
Depression
Arthritis
Autoimmunity
Asthma
Cancer
Candida
Cardiovascular disease
Chemotherapy side effects
Diabetes
Digestive disorders
Dyspepsia
Dizziness
Eczema
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Food allergies
GERD
Headaches and migraines
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
High triglycerides
Hormonal imbalance
Hypoglycemia
Inflammation
Insomnia
Insulin resistance
Irritable bowel syndrome
Inflammatory bowel disease
Kidney stone
Lyme disease
Leaky Gut
Menopausal symptoms
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Palpitations
Pre-diabetes
Prevention
Reflux
Shortness of breath
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Thyroid disorders
Weight issues
Wellness visits

Where is the Center located?

The Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health is located at:

2200 Northern Boulevard

Suite 127

East Hills, NY 11548

Call 516-302-8535 to make an appointment.

How does the program work?

Our program offers a six-month package designed around your care needs, focused on lifestyle modifications that improve your personal health and well-being.

An experienced Integrative and Optimal Health provider will:

Review, interpret and integrate results of specialized integrative medicine testing not offered in traditional medicine settings. Testing may include leaky gut, food sensitivity, specialized stool testing, genetic blueprint testing, pharmaceutic metabolism testing, biological vs. chronological age testing, and hormone testing.
Review, interpret and integrate results of specialized blood work panels, including biomarkers for cardio-metabolic health, systemic inflammation, weight loss support and hormone evaluation.

Additional program highlights:

A Health Coach consultation to establish your care goals. (Your insurance may not cover additional visits.)
A nutrition or exercise physiology consultation to identify and discuss your goals. (Your insurance may not cover additional visits.)
A body composition analysis.

Will I need to pay for the program? Do you take insurance?

Payments for non-covered services are discussed up front for you to approve. Payment for approved services is due before being rendered.

Some parts of the program may be covered by insurance. When you schedule your appointment, our patient navigator will confirm that we accept your insurance.

Our team will notify you in advance of any services not covered by insurance. This may include health coaching, nutrition, mind-body therapy, massage therapy, Barr, Pilates and movement classes.

Do I have to pay for supplements?

If supplements are prescribed as part of the patient’s program, they are responsible for payment. Discounts may be available on prescribed supplements.

Do I need a referral?

When scheduling your appointment, we will let you know if a referral is required.

Will you work with my primary care physician (PCP) and specialists?

Our practice does not provide primary care; however, we work with your care team to ensure seamless care transitions or assist you with finding a PCP as needed.

Our multidisciplinary approach to your care ensures we work with your PCP and specialists you may see for heart disease, diabetes, pain management or other specific health concerns.

Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health Programs

Innovative Weight Loss and Sustainability

This program helps you see your lifestyle as medicine, especially the role of food as medicine that shifts your biochemistry and optimizes your metabolism. We explore how different foods may affect your health and how to sustain the habits you have built to transform your relationship with food.

Our hybrid program includes:

Comprehensive assessments from an integrative medicine doctor, registered dietitian, health coach and exercise physiologist.
Specialized functional medicine testing (gut, hormone, inflammation) to identify and treat root causes of excess weight, inflammation and digestive issues.
Individualized dietary supplement recommendations.
Advanced body composition analysis.
Focus on nutrient-dense foods that benefit your whole body.
Skill development & education:
- Behavior/change strategies.
- Grocery shopping and understanding food labels.
- Meal and snack planning.
- Stress management & relaxation.
- Sleep optimization.
- Eating mindfully and intentionally.
- Staying the course and recovering from setbacks.
- SMART goals.

Integrative Oncology Rehabilitation & Survivorship

Integrative oncology uses lifestyle modifications, mind-body practices, and natural products from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. An oncological rehabilitation physician trained in lifestyle and integrative medicine provides education on minimizing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

This program begins at the time of a cancer diagnosis, then through treatment, and after the completion of treatment. It includes:

Lifestyle assessment.
Structural examination.
Health-related barriers to care.
Symptom management for pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
Sleep optimization.
Lifestyle optimization and exercise regimen.
Counseling by a nutritionist to optimize diet and maintain nutrition.
Behavioral health evaluation that focuses on mindfulness and stress-reduction training.
Body composition testing with detailed analysis.
Fitness assessment. (Includes strength, balance, agility and exercise.)
Cardiorespiratory fitness.
Strength, endurance, flexibility and body composition.
Weekly classes for stress management, meditation, smoking cessation and better balance movement.

Health and Optimization Program

This program aims to optimize life span and help individuals age healthfully and with vitality using a proactive, predictive, personalized, comprehensive medical approach. We will identify the underlying causes of disease to create a preventive path to wellness. Individualized testing will measure your biological versus chronological age, identifying the diet and lifestyle changes needed to help extend your lifespan. This program includes:

Comprehensive baseline assessment and follow-up from a functional and integrative doctor, registered dietitian, health coach and exercise physiologist.
Health coaching and nutritional classes to help improve your relationship with food.
Genetic testing.
Biological and chronological age analysis.
BMI testing with detailed analysis.
Advanced metabolic testing.
Specialized tests and lab work. (Includes gut, hormone, bone density, CT-calcium score, and lung screening.)
Fitness assessment. (Includes strength, balance, agility and exercise).
Weekly classes for stress management, meditation, smoking cessation and better balance movement.

Gut Health

Healthy gastrointestinal (GI) function is a key foundation for optimal health. This program tests your microbiome by evaluating your small and large intestines. You will learn how lifestyle and diet can affect many GI disorders, such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), leaky gut and inflammatory bowel disease. You will also learn how to heal your gut and improve your overall health.

Cardio Metabolic

This program combines multiple disciplines, including endocrine, cardiology, and functional medicine. We will educate you on the drivers of insulin resistance, which may result in diabetes, heart disease and inflammatory response. Learn how maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle may help prevent these diseases.

Autoimmune Disease

This program tests your blood and gut health to help you learn key factors that may affect your immunity. You will also learn different strategies to create immune resilience and become less symptomatic.

Holistic Pain Management

The mind-body connection is extremely important to pain management. This program will teach you about several approaches, such as acupressure, mindfulness, massage and other therapeutic techniques, to help you manage your pain and feel well.

Genomics

This program provides insight into improving overall health based on your unique biology and physiology. You will learn how to adjust medications, make appropriate diet choices and improve your quality of life based upon your genomics.