Disclaimer
Margaret Woodwell, MS, is a functional and integrative nutritionist with a client-centered approach focused on restoring optimal function through individual nutritional, diet and lifestyle plans for her clients. She can perform a comprehensive nutritional assessment; plan and implement nutritional interventions; and monitor and evaluate progress. This consultation may target specific health needs including weight loss and cleansing programs, provide education about personalized whole foods and make dietary recommendations, meal plan guidance and advice and coaching about exercise and lifestyle modifications that support greater health and function. Recommendations may include the use of nutritional and herbal supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and fatty acids.
Practitioner’s Education
Margaret Woodwell holds a Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH).
Medical Disclaimer
Consultations are not a substitute for medical care and do not include diagnosing or treating disease. Educational consultations in nutrition can serve as an excellent adjunct to a medical doctor’s treatment and are intended to expand a client’s consideration of available options and to assist with understanding of and compliance with any medical care recommendations a client may be receiving as well as assist in the use of natural means to support health. No aspect of a consultation should be understood as a basis to avoid any diagnostic work-up or avoid, alter or discontinue any medical treatment. Clients should follow-up with their physician to discuss modifications they intend to make to their health protocols or to change protocols as necessary. In appropriate cases, Ms. Woodwell may make suggestions for nutraceuticals, including herbal remedies to support wellness or help with symptoms of self-limiting conditions such as headaches or digestive distress that have received any necessary evaluation by a physician.
Risks/Supplement Safety
While herbs and botanical products are generally available over-the-counter and considered safe based upon their long history of use, many of them have not been widely tested. The historical record and modern research indicate that herbs and supplements most often used to support health have a good safety record. Similarly, confirmed cases of herb, nutrient and drug interactions are rare though these risks are not entirely understood. Herb, nutrient and drug interactions can occur. While your practitioner will make an effort to assist you in avoiding potential interactions and avoid herbs or nutrients that may interact with drugs, research is still emerging and there may be unknown interactions. Adverse events can occur after using any active substance, including an allergic response. Negative reactions to natural remedies may include rare allergic reactions, including headaches, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, and very rarely, even shock or death. While unlikely, clients choosing to take products could have an adverse reaction or experience a reduction or increase in the effect of medications. This can have serious consequences for some medications, such as for the control of high blood pressure, blood sugar or control of bleeding/clotting. Clients should let their physician know what herbs or other dietary supplements they are taking, particularly prior to surgery or other procedures. Clients should discuss any concerns with Ms. Woodwell and his or her physician as appropriate about any adverse effects or reactions.
Managing Risk
To reduce risk, it is imperative that not only disclose all medications, supplements and herbs currently in use to your practitioners but also any liver or kidney disease (past or present), or allergies. It is important to stay within recommended dosages. Any side effects or suspected supplement/ drug interactions should be reported directly to all health professionals involved. It is also advisable to stop taking herbs and supplements seven (7) days before and after a surgical procedure and/or in the event of being prescribed a new medication. If you plan to begin or add to an exercise regimen, you should obtain medical clearance from your physician.
Notices
Notice to Pregnant Women: All female clients must alert Ms. Woodwell if they are pregnant or breastfeeding or suspect they could become pregnant to enhance the safety of any lifestyle changes, nutritional and herbal product recommendations and to allow any appropriate referrals to be considered.
No Guarantees: Like any effort to improve health, consulting is an art as well as a science. No guarantees are made that a client will gain any benefit or not suffer any adverse consequences. Like many interventions, some nutritional and natural remedies may not have not been subjected to rigorous scientific study and there are wide individual differences in responses to these services.
Important Insurance Notice: Ms. Woodwell's nutrition services are not health care services and are not reimbursed by insurance, Medicare nor any other third-party payor. Payment in full is required at each visit. Clients agree not to submit claims for these services and that they are responsible for payment even if an effort is made to obtain reimbursement that is denied, whether because services are “non-covered” or “not medically necessary.”
Please note if you have Medicare or other medical insurance you may be eligible for limited covered nutrition services if you work with a participating or non-participating provider. Ms. Woodwell is not a Medicare provider and there is no potential for reimbursement from Medicare for her services.