Heather Moday, M.D.

What is your wellness philosophy?

Wellness is not a set of rules or a competitive sport. It is what happens when we honor ourselves as unique creatures in the universe and give ourselves what we need to thrive. This includes whole unprocessed nutrient dense food, restful sleep, sunlight, movement, spiritual connection and love amongst others. Yes, we need to show up in life and be disciplined about our choices in our health, but we also need to listen to what our bodies and our minds need. Sometimes it’s really about getting out of our own way and being compassionate and kind to ourselves instead of beating ourselves up for not being perfect. Wellness is about being empowered to create a life that allows you to flourish.

What brought you into wellness?

Even before medical school, I worked in a research lab that studied how stress affects the immune system and how stress can make us sick. I think that question just stuck with me as I pursued a career in immunology and allergy. I never bought into the drug pushing, band aid approach to medicine so I found myself frustrated, bored and searching for a better way. I was the doctor constantly trying to get people off of their medications and asking about their exercise, nutrition and their passions in their life. I even got in trouble for not ordering enough tests and procedures. I wanted to know why people were sick and how I could assist them in getting better. Despite all my educational background, I realized I needed to learn more, so I flung myself into Integrative and functional medicine training so that I could address these questions and help people heal from the inside out.

What does You. We. All mean to you?

You is the uniqueness that makes all of us special and defines what we need as individuals to thrive. We is about creating connection which a universal tenet of health. Without human connectedness, love and honor to our planet and its creatures, we cannot be expected to live long and happy lives. Wellness is not an exclusive commodity available only to the wealthy, educated or privileged. It is not defined by gender, social status, ethnicity or sexuality. Wellness is something that exists inside ALL of us and something we should share with everyone.

What gets you up in the morning?

Literally, my much loved dogs and cats and the promise of a new day. I am a die-hard morning person and waking up knowing that I have a whole new day in front of me to learn, laugh, fail, create and connect is all I need.

What is your best piece of wellness advice?

Listen to what your body is telling you. Symptoms and sickness are clues trying to tell us what to do or not do. We just don’t listen sometimes. Often we block out intuition and blindly follow advice when we know it is not right for us. The human body is inherently intelligent.