By Shelley Widhalm

The Surveyor

Dr. Katie Takacs heard about multiple patient concerns at Gateway Natural Medicine and figured monthly classes will give the public the latest research and information.

Photo by Shelley Widhalm – Dr. Katie Takacs

The classes, which began in February, cover everything from pediatric to adult health and include topics like fitness, weight loss and energy and sleep, all from a holistic perspective.

“With a lot of these topics I like to talk about the whys, because people tend to do the things that are good for them or bad for them, but they don’t know why,” said Takacs of Longmont, who recently joined two other physicians at the practice, which specializes in natural and internal medicine including primary care, chiropractic treatment, homeopathics, nutraceuticals and supplements. “I like to present very fact research-based evidence.”

The next class will be Pediatric Health: Autism, ADHD and Anxiety at 6 p.m. on April 18 at Gateway Natural Medicine & Diagnostic Center, 1211 Lake Ave., Suite 101.

Takacs will present research about potential causes and symptoms for common childhood conditions that include environmental factors, food and vaccinations. She will explain possible reasons for the increase in the conditions and some options for testing and treatments focused on natural remedies.

“Lots of symptoms show up in other disorders,” Takacs said. “There’s not one thing that causes all of these. … There’s not one pill they’re giving kids to make them better.”

The first two topics in February and March covered Kombucha and Gut Health and Female Health and Hormones: PMS, Menopause and PCOS.

The next topic on May 23 will be Get Active! National Fitness and Sports and will cover the benefits of exercise and stretching and how to properly use a foam roller and resistance bands. The class will include some exercises.

The topic for June will be on weight loss, and in July it will be heart health.

“I think people, especially in this area, want to learn more about natural medicine,” Takacs said. “It gives people an opportunity to learn about these topics for free.”

The classes last 45 minutes, with 15 minutes for questions and answers.

“I tried to pick topics I think people are interested in … lots of things we see in the office and common health complaints people have,” Takacs said.

So far the average attendance has been 15 people, but Takacs would like to see higher numbers. She also plans to present her talks at Natural Grocers in Longmont.

“I like to meet new people in the community. Also, I really enjoy helping people learn,” Takacs said. “I think it helps give them a better understanding of some of the things they’re dealing with. It helps to educate them as to why they are going through what they’re going through.”

Takacs graduated with her doctorate in chiropractic care in December 2017 from the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, Fla. She did her internship at Gateway from October to December 2017 and joined the practice in January 2018, when she received her license in chiropractic medicine. She earned two diplomates of the American Board of Chiropractic Internists, DABCI, and of the American Board of Clinical Nutrition, DABCN.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping people,” Takacs said. “People are welcome to come that aren’t patients. I think it helps.”

To register for a class, call 970-532-2755. For more information about Gateway Natural Medicine, visit www.GatewayNaturalMedicine.com.