Who is Dr. Kristine Garverick CRNP and why she believes in Lifestyle Medicine??
“It’s me, hi. I’m the problem, it’s me”- to quote Taylor Swift. Well- it is me and I am the one ready to help with your problem. Actually, I would never call it a “problem” what ever it is you might be going through. Ok let me back up again & let you know a little bit more about me.
I’m Kris - Kristine as my Mother would call me when I was in trouble. You know what I mean- the full name came out and if the middle name was added…… you better run. LOL.
I have always wanted to “help” people. Sounds so cliché, right. I knew in high school I wanted to be a nurse. I went to undergrad at Bloomsburg University which little did I know at that time I would return to get my Masters as a Nurse Practitioner. While working at Polyclinic Hospital in Harrisburg, PA on a Medical Surgical floor many of my co-workers started leaving to experience a different type of nursing, but I knew I did not want to make a lateral move. I wanted more. A Nurse Practitioner sounded like to perfect match.
I graduated with an Adult Health focus as a Nurse Practitioner, but found my first job in Women’s Health. I was hooked. My focus was all the gynecological concerns any female may encounter during her lifetime. As most women feel, this is their least favorite appointment they have to endure. My hope was that I made this appointment not so dreadful. I wanted women to feel comfortable to express their concerns and be educated on what was happening to their bodies.
Fast forward- I met a boy, we fell in love, and have 2 amazing kids. Oh and one beautiful chocolate lab, Dexter. Our first lab Jackson was just as beautiful too. Sorry for that, but I love dogs.
I worked in a Ob/Gyn practice for almost 20 years. Yes, I said it- 20 years. You do the math- yes that makes me MATURE-LOL. I felt blessed to part of these womens’ lives. I’ve got to see them through so many changes in their own lives.
BUT……..
There were changes in my own life. My Mom was diagnosed not only with Parkinson’s Disease, but also dementia. I needed to be with her. I wanted to be with her. I left my job to allow myself more flexibility to be able to do whatever she needed whenever she needed it. I have no regrets. I am thankful for every moment I spent with her till she peacefully passed.
“Now what”, I asked myself. “What next?” I’ll tell you what came next. My husband who is also a nurse practitioner wanted to go back and get his doctorate. I do not consider myself a competitive person, but I knew I was doing this too. As I joked with friends, I could not let him “one up me” LOL. If he was getting a doctorate, then I was getting a doctorate.
We did it. We both graduated via an online ceremony where they read our names because of Covid. I will admit, I wanted to attend a real graduation because I wanted to wear that rounded Doctoral hat. Silly, right but I wanted to wear one. Anyways. The focus of my dissertation was Lifestyle Medicine. I developed a program to focus on Cardiovascular disease in women and how Lifestyle Medicine which focuses on the preventative lifestyle behaviors of improving nutrition, weight, exercise, stress, and relationships can improve Cardiovascular health.
We had purchased a building, renovated it, and I opened a Makers Market. I know what your thinking- where in the heck did that come from. Well, I always wanted to open one since visiting Livingston, MT. I knew there was alot of talented artists in my own zip code. It was amazing- the artists and the customers, but something was still missing in my life. After my Mom passed, I really didn’t want to help anyone any more. I was spent. I needed time. This market was what I needed at the time. But in time, I missed helping people- I know cliche again. But it is true.
I knew the time was right to put what I researched into practice and open my own Lifestyle Medicine office. It is newer concept in health care, but did you know that over 80% of chronic health disease could be prevented if healthy lifestyle behaviors were followed.
I am blessed to have had the experiences I have had and to know I have found my true passion again. I want you to find your true passion again. I am not selling you products or supplements. I am selling you on the fact that you deserve to be the best version of you that you want to be. And if you need a little help, guidance, encouragement, accountability, education, or just a safe space know I am here for you. I look forward to getting to know you!
All the best- Dr. Kris