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Thank you for visiting the online home of Stacey Fritsch, Naturopathic Doctor.
We hope this site will help you discover Naturopathic Medicine and how
we can help you maintain your best health.
Take your time to explore and when you’re ready give us a call, we’d
love to help you feel better and live better.
Yours in good health,
Stacey Fritsch, ND
Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a primary health care profession focused on prevention and the use of natural treatment options to promote healing.
The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of an illness rather than simply treating or suppressing symptoms. While naturopathic care helps to alleviate specific symptoms, naturopathic doctors (NDs) are primarily concerned with addressing the root cause of an illness: the focus is more on the "why" of a disease than the "what".
Who are Naturopathic Doctors?
Naturopathic doctors are primary health care providers focused on prevention and the use of natural treatment options to promote healing.
They work in partnership with other regulated healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible.
NDs are the only regulated health professionals in the field of natural medicine in Ontario. Registration requirements for an ND in Ontario include extensive training, comparable to that of medical doctors.
Therapies Used by Naturopathic Doctors:
Using a range of therapies allows naturopathic doctors to be flexible in designing the best treatment plan possible for each individual patient.
The selection of therapies used by naturopathic doctors for individual patients may include:
- Clinical Nutrition Nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. Special diets may be recommended. Treatment may include nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutraceuticals.
- Botanical/Herbal Medicine uses plant substances from around the world for their healing effects and nutritional value. The use of plants for healing dates back to the beginnings of civilization and is the foundation of modern pharmacology.
- Homeopathic Medicine Medicine based on the principle of "like cures like" and uses minute amounts of natural substances to stimulate the vitality and healing abilities of the body. Homeopathy has been extensively used for hundreds of years in Germany and because it is safe, non toxic and effective it is ideal for people of all ages and stages in life.
- Asian Medicine is based on balancing the flow of Chi (energy) through the meridian pathways and includes the use of acupuncture and Oriental herbs. It works to correct imbalances within the body, rather than treating symptoms or masking the condition it corrects the root of the problem by encouraging healing of the body.
- Lifestyle Counseling helps patients make informed choices to reach and maintain their optimal health, in response to the physical, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors that affect well-being.
How is Naturopathic Medicine Different?
Naturopathic medicine offers a customized approach to health care, where treatment plans are tailored to suit individual patients.
Identify & Treat the Causes
In addition to alleviating acute and chronic symptoms of disease, NDs seek to identify and remove underlying causes of illness. Rather than merely eliminating or suppressing symptoms, this approach moves the body toward maintaining an optimal state of health.
Doctor as Teacher
NDs work collaboratively with patients by sharing knowledge and information to create a successful treatment plan. Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for their own health.
Treat the Whole Person
In addition to addressing specific complaints or symptoms, NDs look at the ‘whole picture’. The physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors contributing to the health of each individual patient are thoroughly considered.
Emphasize Prevention
NDs emphasize prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease in each patient. Appropriate interventions can then be made in partnership with patients to prevent illness.
Support the Healing Power of the Body
The practice of naturopathic medicine recognizes an ordered and intelligent self-healing process that is inherent to every individual. NDs work to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery and to facilitate this natural self-healing process.
Getting Started
Are we the right fit?
Not sure if we can help? Not sure if we are the right fit?
Because we feel that the patient-practitioner relationship is critical we offer a complimentary 15-minute MEET THE DOCTOR visit. This allows you to discover how we can help and determine if we are a fit. There is no charge, simply call 905-885-5111(Port Hope) to book your consultation.
How to book an appointment:
If you are ready to improve your health, call our office. We would love to hear from you:
- To book an appointment at the Port Hope Office please call 905-885-5111
Office Hours: Tuesday 9-5, Wed 10-2, Thursday 9-6
How to prepare for your first appointment:
Complete the Intake Forms found under the FORMS link
- Option 1
Download the forms → Print → Fill them out → Bring them along to your 1st appointment
- Option 2
If you aren’t computer savvy: come to your appointment 15minutes early and we will have a printed set on hand for you to fill out.
TIPS for option 2:
- Bring a list of all your medications with you (or better yet bring all your medications in a bag with you)
- You will be asked to fill out your health history (surgeries, diagnosed medical conditions, past illnesses according to year) - if you have lots to include you may find it helpful to compile a "mini health-history time line" at home
What to expect during your first appointment:
The goal of the naturopathic doctor is to understand the patient and all the factors which impact his/her health.
For this reason your initial appointment will be 1 to 1 ½ hour(s) in length. During this time we will take an in-depth look at your concerns and an extensive health history to elicit information about your physical, emotional and mental health. A complaint-oriented physical exam will also be performed and further specialized testing/laboratory work may be suggested.
Subsequent Visits: together with your input we will propose a personalized treatment plan designed to address your specific health goals.
Initial Visit Fees*
Initial Consultation 1-1 ½ hour
-Adult $119.47
-Senior/Student $110.62
Pediatric Initial Consultation 1 hour
-Pediatric $84.07
Follow Up Visits 15min-45min
-Adult $34.41-$75.22
-Senior/Student $30.97-$66.37
-Pediatric $30.97-$66.37
- Senior: 60+ years
- Pediatric: <12 years
- Student: valid student ID
*All consultations are subject to HST
*Does not include supplements or laboratory testing
Please Note: Fees are based on those recommended by the Canadian Association
Services Offered
Laboratory Services
In-house
- Saliva Hormone Tests to assess hormone balance
- Food Allergy Testing to identify food sensitivities and intolerances that may be contributing to your health status
- Indican Testing to assess gastrointestinal function: intestinal dysbiosis/bacterial overgrowth
- Urine Analysis
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis: detects the presence of pathogenic microorganisms such as yeast, parasites, and bacteria which contribute to chronic illness and neurological dysfunction, indicates prescription and natural interventions that would be effective against the specific microorganism strains detected, evaluates beneficial bacteria levels, intestinal immune function, overall intestinal health (presence of occult blood, short chain fatty acids analysis, pH, and mucus) and inflammation markers
Off-Site
- Conventional Blood Tests for cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid etc...
If conventional blood work is needed and can not be obtained through your family MD, we are authorized to requisition laboratory work at the Port Hope Gamma Dyna Care Lab in the Port Hope Medical Center.
It can be beneficial for the following conditions and more!!
- B12 deficiency
- pernicious anemia
- depression
- anxiety
- fatigue
- asthma
- infertility
- fibromyalgia
- weight loss
- neurologic conditions (tinnitus, palsies, Alzheimer's, MS, ALS, tremors)
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- restless leg syndrome
- allergies
- decreased concentration
- protection from cigarette smoke toxins
Conditions
Virtually all chronic and most acute conditions may benefit from treatment by naturopathic doctors and people of all ages can be helped.
Common Concerns:
Skin conditions, detoxification, cleansing, digestive complaints, women’s health concerns (fertility, PMS, endometriosis, PCOS, irregular cycles, menopause, yeast infections, cervical dysplasia), men’s health (prostate concerns), immune support, thyroid conditions, allergies, fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, weight loss, low energy, pre/post natal care, weight loss, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diet specific counseling (vegan/vegetarian), fibromyalgia, preventative health care and many more...
If you would like to find out how we can help you achieve better health, book a free 15 minute MEET THE DOCTOR consultation 905-885-5111 (Port Hope)
FirstLine Therapy
Change Your Life and Change Your Health with Lifestyle Medicine
FirstLine Therapy is a therapeutic lifestyle change, or lifestyle modification, program. Designed by health care professionals, FirstLine Therapy has been shown remarkably successful in helping individuals like you return to a path of extended health
The Support You Need to Succeed
FirstLine Therapy is structured with professional supervision to help you:
- Establish realistic, personalized goals to improve health
- Monitor your progress and help you stay on track
- Learn how to eat and shop for healthy, nutritious foods that manage (not increase) cravings
- Exercise in a way that builds muscle and gets rid of unwanted fat
- Relax and manage unhealthy stress
- Feel better and do more!
Some things FLT can do for you!
- Increase your mental alertness and calmness
- Reduce your waist and hips
- Lower your blood pressure
- Lower your cholesterol
- Lower your glucose levels
- Reduce your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other chronic illness
- Decrease your joint pains
- Decrease your panic attacks
- Improve your libido
- Decrease your emotional breakdowns
FirstLineTherapy™ is based on scientific research. It was created from the desire to prevent disease, rather than wait for it to manifest and then "manage the disease," usually with drugs and expensive medical procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the training process to become a registered Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario?
- NDs obtain comprehensive and rigorous training in an educational structure similar to that of medical doctors. NDs require three years of pre-med postsecondary education, plus four years of full-time study at an approved college of Naturopathic Medicine.
- The four-year program incorporates over 4,500 hours of classroom training in basic medical science courses, clinical sciences and naturopathic therapies, as well as 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
- Graduates from an accredited naturopathic college receive the designation Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND).
- Following the completion of their program, NDs must successfully complete the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing in Ontario. NPLEX is the standard examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America.
- NDs are also required to earn continuing education credits on an ongoing basis to maintain their registration and good standing with the regulatory body.
Are Naturopathic Doctors regulated in Ontario?
- Naturopathic Doctors are the only regulated health professionals in the field of natural medicine in Ontario. Naturopathic Doctors are regulated in Ontario under the 1925 Drugless Therapy Act and are registered (licensed) by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDT-N). The BDDT-N functions to ensure that Naturopathic Doctors are properly qualified to practice Naturopathic Medicine and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice.
- Ontario’s new Naturopathy Act received final approval in June 2007 and will come into full effect following an extensive transition process. The Naturopathy Act will move the regulation of Naturopathic Doctors under the Regulated Health Professions Act, joining all other regulated health professions. The Naturopathy Act also confirms the current scope of NDs as primary care practitioners who are able to provide diagnoses and have access to key controlled acts.
- Naturopathic Doctors are also regulated in Canada in the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
How can I tell if someone is qualified as a Naturopathic Doctor?
- In Ontario, the public can call the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDT-N) at 416-866-8383 or log on to their website www.boardofnaturopathicmedicine.on.ca to verify that a Naturopathic Doctor is registered to practice in the province. The BDDT-N is the regulatory body that registers Naturopathic Doctors to practice in Ontario.
- In addition, the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors only accepts registered Naturopathic Doctors as members and can also be contacted to verify if an ND is licensed. The OAND can be reached at 416-233-2001.
How do I pay for a visit to a Naturopathic Doctor?
- Visits to an ND are currently NOT covered by OHIP.
- Most extended health care plans do cover the cost of seeing an ND. It’s important to check with your extended health care provider to determine the amount of your naturopathic coverage.
- The suggested fees are set by the CAND/OAND and BDDT-N
- Our clinic accepts Visa, Mastercard, Debit, Cash & Cheque
What types of health problems can be treated?
Virtually all chronic and most acute conditions may benefit from treatment by naturopathic doctors. People of all ages can be helped.
Common complaints seen by Naturopathic doctors including: chronic colds and flus, digestive problems, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety, PMS, menopause, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and weight loss.
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Stacey Fritsch is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor whose passion for science, health and others is evident in both her clinical practice and daily life. Within her family practice Dr. Fritsch uses an eclectic approach and strives to ensure that patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible. She works within a philosophy focused on balance and moderation through which she believes everyone can achieve ‘health’.
Before attending medical school, she completed a degree in Biological Engineering at the University of Guelph where she collaborated with a small team to develop a new laparoscopic surgical tool that reached preliminary design phases and was recently published in the Journal of Medical Technology.
She then completed a four year Naturopathic Doctor program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto . During this time Dr. Fritsch worked as an intern at the Robert Shad Naturopathic Clinic and the Sherbourne Health Clinic, a free clinic designated to HIV positive individuals in the GTA. She also travelled to India to volunteer with Child Family Health International’s Introduction to Traditional Healing Program where she completed rotations in both urban and rural clinics. Dr. Fritsch graduated with honors and received several awards for her academic achievements.
She has completed additional training in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, Pediatrics, Autism and Chronic Illnesses.
In the Community
Seminars/Talks/Tea Time
Would you like Dr. Fritsch to come speak to your workplace, organization, club, class or even coffee/tea group?
For more information - please email us
Some examples of topics:
- Nutrition - healthy eating, how to read food labels, gluten free diets, vegetarian diets, etc.
- Flu & Cold Prevention
- Pediatric Health - common childhood ailments, infant food introduction...
- Detoxification
- Healthy Living Tidbits
- Weight Loss
- Breast Health
- Pre/Post Conception Health
- Blood Pressure/Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Menopause
- Or any health related topic that sparks your group’s interest!
Port Hope Chiropractic & Health Centre
Invites you to our Open House in Celebration of Naturopathic Awareness Week
Thursday, May 12, 20119am-12: Complimentary 15 Minute Consultations with our Naturopathic DoctorHave you been wondering how Naturopathic Medicine can help you?
Dr. Fritsch will be available for complimentary one on one consultations to answer your questions about your health and Naturopathic Medicine. Call our office 905-885-5111 to reserve a time.
1:00pm-6:00pm: Public Open House
Drop by our clinic to explore Naturopathic Medicine and enjoy a cup of health promoting herbal tea.