The Face of Family Health: Jody Schmuland

First, foremost and always, the focus at AltaVie Integrated Family Health is on whole care.

"We have a very team-based and team-oriented approach," says owner and clinic director Jody Schmuland.

"Our greatest success is looking at the patient as a whole person. When we see a pre-or-post natal woman for a massage, it's also likely she'll benefit from our chiropractic, naturopathic and dietician care, too. Our focus is to take care of mom and baby."

AltaVie's typical patient is a pregnant woman or woman who has recently given birth.

But they also offer baby chiropractic care and one of the three chiropractors at the practice will also treat husbands.

"In fact, we see some babies on their way home from the hospital for their first chiropractic treatment," says Jody.

After all, the birth process can be hard on a baby's body and spine.

New moms are also able to bring their baby with them to chiropractic, massage, naturopath and dietician appointments.

"Our newest team member is a registered dietician who can really help women with their health during and after pregnancy," says Jody.

"What we've done is create a safe space for mom and kids to have whole care."

AltaVie also diagnoses and rehabilitates 'tongue-tied' babies who have trouble feeding because the skin under their tongue or lips is too tight.

A doctor clips the skin, the baby rehabs with AltaVie and is much happier and a better eater.

Jody and her family lived overseas for 13 years before moving to Kelowna so two of her sons can play university football.

"While we were overseas, we didn't have access to whole care and I wish we did," she says.

"After moving to Kelowna I started managing a small practice called AltaVie Integrated Family Health. I knew I could make the practice bigger and better, so I took it over and made it bigger and better."

By the way, AltaVie means 'elevated life,' which is exactly what patients of the practice lead after experiencing 'whole care.'