health

From Combat to Coverage: How These Female Veterans Struggled for Proper Health Care

Published

3 years ago

March 27, 2023

Johnny Somith

As women, we’re often told that we can do anything. And for many of us, serving in the military is a dream come true – an opportunity to defend our country with honor and distinction. But what happens when that service ends, and you find yourself struggling to receive the medical care you need? For many female veterans, this all-too-common struggle has become a harsh reality. In this blog post, we’ll explore the stories of several brave women who have fought tooth and nail for proper health care after their time in combat ended. Their stories are inspiring, heart-wrenching, and above all else – necessary listening for anyone who cares about our veterans’ well-being.

The Struggle to Access Health Care

In 2007, shortly after completing her combat deployment in Iraq, Army National Guard veteran Tabitha Cruse began experiencing debilitating panic attacks. Struggling to cope with the physical and emotional aftermath of war, Cruse was unable to access the care she needed to get relief from her symptoms.

“The VA [Veterans Administration] didn’t really have anything for post-traumatic stress disorder,” Cruse said. “They just gave me some medication and told me that I should go see a therapist.”

For years following her deployment, Cruse struggled to find the resources she needed to address the debilitating panic attacks that had plagued her since returning from Iraq. After multiple visits to Veterans Affairs hospitals and appointments with mental health professionals, Cruse was only partially successful in finding relief from her symptoms. Finally, in 2013, after seeking treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) for more than two years, Cruse was diagnosed with PTSD and CFS by a new doctor at a specialized clinic.

Since being diagnosed with PTSD and CFS, Cruse has received extensive care from both specialists and primary care doctors who have been able to provide her with much-needed relief from her debilitating symptoms. However, despite receiving appropriate care for her conditions, many female veterans like Tabitha Cruse remain severely underserved when it comes to accessing quality health care.

According to a study released by the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2014,[1] approximately 27 percent of female veterans are

The Lack of Resources and Support

Combat Veterans often experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other emotional issues that can prevent them from finding or maintaining a job. For many female veterans, the struggles to find adequate health care are even more intense. Studies show that women experience PTSD at a rate of twice as much as men,[1] and therefore have an increased need for mental health services. This is particularly true for female veterans who have served in combat roles.

Many female veterans have difficulty accessing VA health care due to the fact that they are not regularly included in decision-making processes about Veteran’s Affairs programs and services. These veterans also face discrimination from doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers when trying to seek help for PTSD or other medical conditions. In some cases, these women have been refused treatment outright or been forced to wait weeks or even months for an appointment. As a result, many female veterans resort to self-medication with alcohol or drugs in order to cope with their difficulties.[2]

It is essential that the VA provide more effective and accessible mental health care services for all combat veterans, regardless of gender. The VA should also work harder to include female veterans in decision-making processes about Veteran’s Affairs programs and services so that they can receive the support they need to rebuild their lives after serving their country.

The Denial of Treatment

Since the end of the Vietnam War, military women have been fighting for equal treatment and health care. Despite decades of progress, many female veterans still experience discrimination when seeking medical care.

Women in the military are regularly exposed to toxic substances, including Agent Orange and landmines. This often leads to chronic health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. In addition, female veterans are more likely than men to suffer from sexual assault or domestic violence while serving in the Armed Forces.

As a result of these experiences, many female veterans struggle with mental health issues and physical injuries that go untreated. These conditions can lead to long-term disability, which is why it’s so important that they receive proper medical care.

Unfortunately, many female veterans don’t have access to quality healthcare due to discrimination and outdated policies. For example, women often face barriers when trying to get pregnant while in the military or receiving fertility treatments after leaving service. This leaves these veteran women at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing quality healthcare resources.

It’s critical that we continue working hard to improve the quality of healthcare for female veterans. We must make sure that they’ve access to all the necessary resources so that they can heal from their traumatic experiences and move on with their lives

Discrimination and Harassment

Female veterans have long been marginalized within the U.S. military and society at large, often facing discrimination and harassment. This has led to inadequate health care and other services, compounded by a lack of knowledge about veteran’s rights and benefits.

Many female veterans have suffered from poor mental health as a result of their experiences in the military, which can further complicate their access to quality care. Additionally, many women have experienced sexual assault while serving in the armed forces, which can lead to lasting trauma and PTSD.

Despite these obstacles, many female veterans are working hard to get the care they need and deserve. In order to improve healthcare for all veteran populations, it is important that we learn about the unique challenges faced by female veterans and work together to create solutions.

The Military’s Role in the Health Care System

The military has long been seen as a cornerstone of the health care system in the United States. This is largely due to the fact that the military provides essential health care for its members, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. In recent years, however, there has been a growing concern over how well the military’s role in the health care system corresponds with actual needs.

Female veterans are no exception to this trend. According to one study, female veterans face unique challenges when it comes to accessing appropriate health care due to their combat experiences. Female veterans are more likely than male veterans to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. This can make it difficult for them to navigate the medical system, especially if they do not speak English fluently.

In order to address these challenges, many female veterans have turned to private healthcare providers or VA facilities. However, these options often do not meet their needs or cover all of their expenses. As a result, many female veterans have had to resort to using emergency rooms or seeking out free or low-cost care from hospitals and clinics outside of the military chain of command. These efforts can be expensive and time-consuming, leading some women to forgo necessary treatment altogether.

Overall, female veterans face significant obstacles when it comes to accessing quality health care. The Military Health System does not always meet their needs properly, while private healthcare providers and VA facilities often do not provide adequate coverage or services.

Conclusion

For many female veterans, seeking quality health care was a long and difficult process. Despite fighting for the same rights as their male counterparts, many women felt that they did not receive the same level of care when it came to accessing healthcare. This lack of access to proper healthcare can have far-reaching consequences for both mental and physical health, which is why it is so important that we work hard to ensure that all our veteran citizens are able to get the best possible treatment available.

Author

Johnny Somith

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Your Guide to Finding Hope: Choosing a Fertility Clinic in Jaipur

Published

8 hours ago

October 22, 2025

rituivf

Reviewed
By Elena Hope

Introduction

For couples dreaming of starting a family, the journey to parenthood isn’t always straightforward. When conception doesn’t happen naturally despite months or even years of trying, seeking help from a fertility specialist can be both hopeful and overwhelming. If you’re considering fertility treatment, Jaipur has emerged as a leading destination for comprehensive reproductive care, offering world-class facilities, experienced specialists, and compassionate support that rivals major metropolitan cities.

Understanding Your Fertility Journey

If you’re facing difficulty having a baby, remember you’re not alone. About 1 in 6 couples around the world go through fertility problems at some point.

These challenges can come from different causes, affecting either partner or both. Sometimes, you’ll need help from a fertility expert to find the right solution.

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or have been trying for a while, talking to a fertility specialist is an important first step. The good news is that modern medicine offers many ways to help couples have children.

It’s important to know that infertility is a medical condition—it’s not your fault. Many couples feel alone or embarrassed, but getting professional help is common and smart. The sooner you get advice, the more treatment choices you might have.

Why Choose Jaipur for Fertility Treatment?

Jaipur Known as the Pink City, Jaipur has become a popular destination for medical tourism and fertility care in recent years. Many couples from India and abroad choose Jaipur because of several key benefits:

1. Modern Medical Facilities

Jaipur’s fertility clinics have the latest technology, including advanced labs that control the environment perfectly, high-tech imaging, and modern fertility treatments. These clinics follow international rules and match the quality of top clinics worldwide.

2. Expert Doctors

The city has many skilled fertility specialists, endocrinologists, and embryologists who trained both in India and abroad. They keep learning about new treatments by attending global conferences.

3. Affordable Care

Fertility treatments in Jaipur cost 30-40% less than in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore—and much less than many other countries—without lowering the quality or success rates.

4. Complete Care

Many clinics in Jaipur offer more than just medical treatment. They also support emotional health, nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle, understanding that all these affect fertility.

5. Easy to Reach and Comfortable

For couples from Rajasthan and nearby states, Jaipur is easy to get to and less stressful than traveling far away. The city also has good places to stay and a calm environment to support couples during their fertility journey.

What to Look for in a Fertility Clinic

Choosing the right fertility clinic is crucial for your journey. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating your options:

1. Success Rates and Transparency

Look for clinics that openly share their success rates for different procedures like IVF, IUI, and ICSI, broken down by age groups and diagnostic categories. A reputable fertility clinic in Jaipur will provide transparent information about their outcomes while helping you understand that success depends on individual circumstances such as age, diagnosis, and previous treatment history.

Don’t be swayed solely by high success rates—ask how these rates are calculated and what they include. Some clinics may report pregnancy rates while others report live birth rates, which are more meaningful statistics.

2. Range of Services

Comprehensive fertility clinics should offer a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment services including:

Complete diagnostic testing for both partners, including hormone panels, genetic screening, and advanced sperm analysis
Ovulation induction and monitoring for women with irregular cycles
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) for mild fertility issues
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with various protocols tailored to individual needs
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) for severe male factor infertility
Egg and sperm freezing for fertility preservation
Donor egg and donor sperm programs
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to screen embryos for genetic disorders
Surgical interventions for conditions like endometriosis or blocked tubes
Third-party reproduction options including surrogacy

3. Qualified and Experienced Team

The expertise of your medical team matters significantly. Ensure the clinic has board-certified reproductive endocrinologists with substantial experience in fertility medicine. The embryology team is equally important—experienced embryologists can make a crucial difference in fertilization rates and embryo quality.

Additionally, check if the clinic has trained nursing staff, counselors, and support personnel who understand the unique needs of fertility patients.

4. Personalized Care and Communication

Every couple’s situation is unique, and cookie-cutter approaches rarely work in fertility treatment. The best clinics take time to understand your complete medical history, conduct thorough evaluations, and create customized treatment plans rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions.

Pay attention to how the doctor communicates during your initial consultation. Do they listen to your concerns? Do they explain things clearly? Do they welcome questions? A good fertility specialist should be both technically competent and emotionally supportive.

5. Emotional Support and Counseling

Fertility treatment can be emotionally taxing, involving hope, disappointment, hormonal fluctuations, and significant stress. Choose a clinic that offers counseling services and creates a supportive, empathetic environment throughout your journey. Some clinics also facilitate support groups where couples can connect with others going through similar experiences.

6. Laboratory Standards and Technology

The quality of the embryology laboratory directly impacts treatment success. Ask about the lab’s accreditation, quality control measures, and the technology they use. Modern clinics should have time-lapse imaging systems for monitoring embryo development and maintain optimal conditions for embryo culture.

The Treatment Process: What to Expect

Knowing the steps ahead can help you feel more prepared and less worried:

1. First Visit (Initial Consultation)

Your doctor will ask about your medical history, do a physical exam, and talk about your concerns and past attempts to have a baby. This is your chance to ask questions and learn what to expect.

2. Tests for Both Partners (Diagnostic Testing)

You and your partner will have tests to find out what might be causing the problem. These can include hormone tests, ultrasounds, semen analysis, and special checks like HSG to see if the fallopian tubes are open.

3. Making a Treatment Plan

Based on the test results, your doctor will suggest the best treatment for you. They will explain how it works, how long it might take, what to expect, and other options. The plan is made just for you.

4. Going Through Treatment

Whether it’s IUI, IVF, or another method, your medical team will guide you step-by-step. You will take medications, come for check-ups, and have procedures as part of your treatment.

5. Follow-up and Support

After treatment, your doctor will continue to support you. They will help you with next steps whether you get pregnant, need another treatment cycle, or want to try different options.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fertility clinic in Jaipur is an important step towards building your family. Look for a clinic with experienced doctors, good success rates, modern technology, and personalized care. Remember, your journey may have challenges, but with the right support and hope, many couples have successfully welcomed their babies.

By taking time to research and ask questions, you can find a fertility clinic that fits your needs and offers you the best chance at success. Keep faith, stay strong, and know that help is available to guide you every step of the way. Your hope for parenthood can become a reality with the right care in Jaipur.

Author

rituivf

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Boost Efficiency and Accuracy with a Medical Billing Virtual Assistant

Published

9 hours ago

October 22, 2025

willammillar

Reviewed
By Nora Clark

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, managing billing, insurance claims, and administrative tasks can overwhelm medical professionals. A Medical Billing Virtual Assistant offers a smart solution to streamline these processes while reducing costs and errors. These skilled professionals handle everything from claim submissions to payment reconciliation, ensuring your practice runs smoothly and efficiently. Many healthcare providers are also adopting tools like a virtual assistant for doctors to enhance both clinical and administrative workflows giving doctors more time to focus on patient care rather than paperwork.

What Is a Medical Billing Virtual Assistant?

A Medical Billing Virtual Assistant is a trained remote professional who manages a medical practice’s billing cycle. Their expertise covers coding, claim submissions, insurance verification, denial management, and payment posting. Unlike in-office staff, virtual assistants work remotely using secure systems to ensure accuracy and compliance with HIPAA standards.

Their daily tasks include verifying patient insurance, entering billing codes, managing unpaid claims, and generating financial reports. With their support, healthcare providers can maintain a steady cash flow and minimize billing delays or denials.

A medical billing virtual assistant is a trained expert who handles billing and insurance tasks remotely. They don’t work in your physical office, but they support your team online through secure systems. Their job includes entering patient information, submitting insurance claims, following up on unpaid bills, and managing patient billing questions.

Because they work online, virtual assistants can help from anywhere. This flexibility makes them a great option for medical offices that want to lower costs without losing quality.

Tasks Handled by a Medical Billing Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants can take care of a wide range of billing and administrative tasks. These include:

Verifying patient insurance coverage
Entering patient and treatment data into billing software
Submitting insurance claims
Tracking payments from insurance companies
Following up on unpaid claims
Managing billing errors and resubmissions
Creating patient invoices
Handling billing-related patient inquiries
Generating financial reports for your clinic or hospital

With these responsibilities off your plate, your in-house staff can spend more time helping patients and less time buried in paperwork.

Key Benefits of Hiring a Medical Billing Virtual Assistant

Hiring a virtual assistant for billing offers several significant advantages:

Cost Efficiency: Employing an in-house billing team requires salaries, benefits, and office space. A virtual assistant eliminates these expenses while maintaining high-quality results.
Fewer Errors and Faster Payments: Virtual assistants are trained in medical coding (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS) and stay updated with insurance regulations. Their attention to detail helps reduce claim rejections and ensures faster reimbursements.
Increased Productivity: With billing handled efficiently, doctors and staff can focus more on patient care. Delegating administrative work improves overall workflow and morale.
Scalability and Flexibility: Whether your practice is growing or dealing with seasonal fluctuations, a virtual assistant can easily adapt to changing workloads.
Data Security: Reputable virtual billing providers follow strict HIPAA protocols and use encrypted software to keep patient data secure.

How a Medical Billing Virtual Assistant Streamlines Operations

A Medical Billing Virtual Assistant improves your revenue cycle by managing every billing-related task from start to finish. They ensure claims are processed promptly, payments are tracked, and denials are appealed efficiently.

Key operational improvements include:

Accurate Claim Submission: Minimizing errors to avoid costly rejections.
Timely Insurance Verification: Preventing claim delays by verifying coverage before appointments.
Proactive Follow-Ups: Tracking pending claims and unpaid invoices.
Detailed Reporting: Providing monthly or weekly financial insights to help manage your practice’s revenue.

This systematic approach helps healthcare organizations optimize their financial performance and maintain stability even during high patient volumes.

Why Outsourcing Medical Billing Makes Sense

Outsourcing billing tasks to a virtual assistant is a strategic decision, not just a cost-saving one. It allows practices to access specialized expertise and advanced tools without expanding their in-house team.

A Medical Billing Virtual Assistant uses secure cloud-based software, manages real-time reporting, and ensures complete transparency. With streamlined processes, you experience fewer claim denials, quicker reimbursements, and better cash flow management.

In addition, outsourcing reduces administrative stress, allowing your team to concentrate on patient care and practice growth.

The Role of a Virtual Assistant for Doctors in Modern Healthcare

Today’s medical practices rely heavily on remote support systems to manage their growing administrative needs. A virtual assistant for doctors not only manages billing but also handles scheduling, documentation, and patient communication.

These assistants can:

Coordinate telehealth appointments
Manage patient inquiries and follow-ups
Update electronic health records (EHR)
Handle prescription and referral requests

This combination of administrative and billing support results in higher efficiency, improved patient satisfaction, and reduced burnout for doctors and staff.

Choosing the Right Medical Billing Virtual Assistant

Finding the right assistant is essential for success. When choosing a virtual billing partner, consider the following:

Experience and Training: Ensure they are certified in medical billing and coding.
Familiarity with EHR Systems: Proficiency in software like Athenahealth, Kareo, or eClinicalWorks is crucial.
HIPAA Compliance: Verify their commitment to secure data handling.
Communication Skills: Effective coordination and regular reporting build trust.
Proven Track Record: Look for testimonials or client success stories.

By hiring a qualified and experienced virtual billing assistant, you can ensure efficient financial management and uninterrupted revenue cycles.

The Future of Medical Billing Is Virtual

As healthcare technology evolves, virtual billing has become the new normal. Automation and artificial intelligence are being integrated into billing workflows, enabling virtual assistants to predict claim rejections, automate coding, and enhance financial reporting accuracy.

Practices that embrace these virtual solutions gain a competitive advantage through reduced costs, faster payments, and greater operational flexibility. The combination of human expertise and technology ensures a seamless billing experience that benefits both providers and patients.

Conclusion

A Medical Billing Virtual Assistant is not just a remote worker—it’s a reliable partner that drives efficiency, compliance, and profitability. By outsourcing your billing operations, you free up valuable time to focus on patient care, reduce administrative errors, and enhance your practice’s financial performance.

In an era where healthcare demands precision and speed, virtual billing support is the smartest move your practice can make. Adopting this approach ensures your operations remain smooth, secure, and scalable—ready to meet the future of modern medicine.

Author

willammillar

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health

Weight Loss Apps For Women to Lose Weight at Home

Published

2 days ago

October 20, 2025

cummins2003

Reviewed
By Kyra Collins

Weight loss apps for women to lose weight at home

Introduction

People struggle to find gym time in present-day society because women face multiple responsibilities, from professional duties to caring for their families and themselves. Weight management through weight loss apps has become more accessible because technology enables women to reach their fitness objectives right within their home environment. Through these applications, users gain tailored workout instructions as well as the ability to track meals and monitor their physical progress, thus achieving continuous dedication to healthy patterns of life.

Alchemy Wellness, alongside other wellness centers, functions as a professional weight loss support networks that provide advanced approaches for balancing wellness goals. The services at a weight loss and wellness center will enhance app-based weight loss programs by providing personalized nutritional feedback as well as medical assessments and customized treatment plans.

The text examines the leading weight loss applications aimed at women while presenting their essential characteristics and describing their potential for home-based, effective, sustainable weight reduction.

Why Use Weight Loss Apps?

The fitness industry experienced a transformation through weight loss apps, which provided organized weight control solutions for everybody. Here’s why they are beneficial:

1. Personalized Plans

The design of workout plans and dietary strategies in most apps originates from individual metrics, including weight measurements alongside height statistics, and presents physical activity levels and weight management objectives.

2. Convenience and Accessibility

An app allows users to exercise whenever they want from anywhere they are, thus doing away with the requirement for gym memberships or expert trainers.

3. Progress Tracking

Using weight loss apps lets people monitor their daily food consumption together with exercise patterns, as well as their body weight changes, so they stay driven in their fitness goals.

4. Guidance and Support

Through virtual coaching along with meal planning capabilities, the apps provide women with professional support, which integrates with Alchemy Wellness weight loss centers.

Best Weight Loss Apps for Women

1. MyFitnessPal

Best for: Calorie tracking and meal planning

The weight loss app MyFitnessPal provides a major food database for daily calorie recording that many women utilize. Users receive detailed information connecting macronutrients to their diet balance in addition to suggested meals for balanced nutrition.

Key Features:

Barcode scanner for easy food tracking
Customizable meal plans
Exercise and step tracking
Integration with fitness wearables

2. Behavioral change and long-term weight management

Women who use Noom benefit from its psychological weight loss strategy that teaches them lasting healthy behavior patterns. Noom diverges from ordinary calorie counter programs by using behavioral coaching techniques together with educational efforts, which help users avoid weight gain following their weight loss journey.

Key Features:

Color-coded food tracking system
Daily coaching and support
Personalized workout and diet recommendations
Interactive quizzes and goal-setting tools

3. Lose It!

The most suitable weight loss method uses simple counting of calories. Users can utilize Lose It! as an intuitive weight loss application to create calorie goals and track their eating habits. The application shows precise reports that reveal how users eat and demonstrate which factors need strengthening.

Key Features:

Food logging through the application features a barcode scanner as an intuitive tool.
Community challenges and group motivation
Water and exercise tracking
Customizable meal plans

4. Home workouts and meal planning

8Fit serves women who seek a single application for strength training and nutritional guidance by integrating customized exercise routines and dietary plans. Home fitness seekers will find 8Fit highly useful because it provides HIIT training combined with yoga and strength programs.

Key Features:

Personalized fitness programs
Quick and effective workouts
Meal planning and grocery list generation
Progress tracking and motivation reminders

5. Free workout programs and guided fitness sessions

FitOn presents its free professional workout content through videos that feature celebrity trainers. Users access multiple workout designs through the app, which provides strength training and pilates as well as dance cardio.

Key Features:

Free access to guided workouts
Personalized fitness challenges
Meditation and stress management tools
Social features for community motivation

How to Choose the Right Weight Loss App

There are too many weight loss applications available, which makes finding the optimal option difficult for users. The following factors need evaluation to make an informed decision.

1. Define Your Goals

Your desired weight loss features include calorie tracking or structured workout training in addition to coaching help. Determining your chief goal enables you to make the right selection among the many options available.

2. Look for Customization

A successful weight loss app should build customized eating plans combined with physical activities that match your health status and fitness capabilities.

Analyze what type of integration and link functionality exists between the service and wellness centers.

The synchronization between certain apps and Alchemy Wellness lets users obtain professional advice and additional weight loss services when needed.

3. Ensure User-Friendly Interface

Secure applications need clear direction systems that enable users to move effortlessly while featuring elements for maintaining user connection.

The Role of a Weight Loss and Wellness Center

The apps serve as excellent support tools, yet people sometimes require more specialized help from experts. The weight loss facility Alchemy Wellness provides the following services:

Health assessments at the weight loss and wellness center serve to detect medical conditions that may influence weight reduction.
The organization creates nutrition plans specifically designed to match your unique requirements.
The fitness coaching service at Alchemy Wellness creates exercise programs that match your fitness level and physical characteristics.
Weight loss success becomes stronger through holistic wellness programs that assist in handling stress, along with sleep issues and hormone management.
Women who combine weight loss applications with expert guidance at Alchemy Wellness enjoy the best opportunity for successful weight management.

Tips for Maximizing Weight Loss at Home

1. Stay Consistent

Daily adherence to the application guidelines, coupled with proper food tracking and dedicated workout plan execution, leads to sustained weight loss effects.

2. Stay Hydrated

The right amount of water consumption activates your metabolic rate and regulates your feelings of hunger.

3. Prioritize Protein and Fiber

Online nutritional choices that combine high-protein and fiber items will keep your hunger satisfied while protecting your muscles throughout your weight loss journey.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Insufficient sleep negatively impacts metabolism, which then causes cravings to intensify, thus, the difficulty in weight reduction becomes greater.

5. Seek Support

Join support networks available in your weight loss application or seek expert help from Alchemy Wellness to receive motivational assistance.

Conclusion

People now have simple access to weight loss solutions through specialized home-based weight loss applications designed to assist women in their fitness progress. The range of features on weight loss apps like calorie tracking, workout guidance, and behavioral coaching helps people meet their goals comfortably and efficiently.

People who want customized weight loss support can get the ideal combination by using weight loss apps and having a consultant from Alchemy Wellness Center as their professional guide. The commitment to proper tools allows women to establish both health and balance while remaining at home.