Why COLORADO COVID CARE?

 

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The team at CCC  has decades of experience treating post viral syndromes. West Nile virus, Epstein Barr syndrome, mononucleosis, post influenza, Dengue fever, and varicella and herpes simplex syndromes are all conditions that conventional medicine has struggled to treat.  Pierre Brunschwig MD brings 30 years of clinical experience integrating conventional and holistic medicine. He offers a blend of disciplines that are ideally suited to the challenges of long term COVID. In particular, the integration of Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine holds great promise for successfully confronting the unique challenges long term COVID. What is more, Dr. Brunschwig’s other degree is in molecular biology. This allows him to incorporate the evolving scientific understanding of COVID19 in virology, epidemiology and infectious disease.

We have still much to learn regarding the details of COVID19’s attack on the human body. However, what we do know is that it can damage many systems: pulmonary, nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, and immune. Post COVID patients display a wide variety of symptoms. Each patient being unique (See the adjacent chart from Indiana University’s survey of Survivor Corps members). Not only will post-acute COVID patients need close coordination of their specialty care, they need some one to put their care together holistically and comprehensively. Our approach includes a complete understanding of each patient, selective functional testing and  personalized treatment across a variety of disciplines. Additionally we integrate their specialty medical care with our complementary care. We believe all of these elements are essential for substantial and lasting relief for sufferers of long term COVID.



Our Team

 
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Pierre Brunschwig, MD

“ As the pandemic has unfolded I have become increasing aware of the problem of patients who are not recovering from acute COVID19. The rush of scientific and clinical research has been largely focussed on treatment of acute and severe COVID19. More recent research has focussed on COVID19 long haulers. This research is very important yet conventional medicine is unlikely to provide more than drugs and surgery. It is poorly equipped to treat chronic functional problems. Already medical research has likened long COVID to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Neither of these two diseases has been well treated by conventional medicine. I’ve been applying functional medicine to post viral syndromes for three decades and I am certain that this clinical experience will help those who are struggling to completely recover from COVID19.”

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Deborah Breakell, FNP-BC

Women are disproportionately affected by the complications and disease outcome of COVID-19 compared to men. Gender-specific conditions have the potential to worsen the heart and lung damage caused by this virus. COVID-19 is a vascular disease.

The risks to women who have had problem pregnancies (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes) and women going through menopause are also notable. Estrogen helps prevent cardiovascular disease, and as their estrogen levels decline, menopausal women experience a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. Gender differences for increased heart disease were already in place before COVID-19, but it is important to understand the increased risk factors for women that present themselves due to the nature of this virus.



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Margaret HAmpton, DACM

Margaret Hampton has her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

Margaret has worked in an integrative setting for nearly a decade and is adept at combining both functional western medicine concepts and eastern medical approaches to address disease and illness.  She has been actively engaged in creating treatment plans and protocols for those suffering from the long-term effects of a COVID infection. Eastern medicine has centuries of knowledge in addressing pestilent viruses and infections. This wealth of understanding can be readily applied to a variety of “long-hauler” symptoms we see today as a result of the COVID virus.  Margaret uses customizable herbal medicine, acupuncture (when possible), and nutrition to treat individuals. She is passionate about giving patients a variety of tools to bring the body back into harmony. She is excited to work with the integrative team at Helios and is confident the combination of functional medicine and eastern medicine can offer many people solutions to their suffering.

 

CRISTI CLARK, RN

Cristi is a registered Nurse of 27 years and has been the Infusion Nurse at Helios since 2011.

Prior to joining the team at Helios, Cristi worked in pediatrics. 17 years of accessing the tiny veins of children and babies make adult veins easy work for her. She creates an infusion environment that is comfortable, pleasant, safe, and believe it or not, fun!

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Josh Richmond, Office manager

Josh has worked in the medical field for 11 years. Starting as an X-ray tech and post-operative wound care for the first few years, he transitioned to health care administration for the past 6 years and is having a great time working so closely with our patients and colleagues at Helios.

Outside of work, Josh likes to golf, mountain bike, and root for our Denver Nuggets and Broncos with his dog Dale.



Alexis Avery, Apothecary

Alex joined Helios in March of 2020 at the front desk. These days you can find her at our Apothecary, guiding you with the supplements or homeopathics recommended by your provider. Alex also plays a very helpful role with our front desk, helping at every phase from scheduling to reviewing your visit notes while checking out.

Alex is a Chicago native who loves living in Colorado. When she is not at Helios, Alex enjoys being outdoors soaking up as much adventure as possible, spending time with her dog Mr. T and her husband Mike. 

 

MArguerite Leonard, Front Desk

Marguerite Leonard joins Helios with abundant excitement to offer front desk, hospitality, and administrative services. Marguerite has over 20 years worth of extensive history in medical care with home health services, clinical & hospital administration, as well as coordinating care for those looking for new approaches to healthcare that include the whole individual and their diverse and unique needs. Bringing a supportive array of care and service experience, she looks forward to being a part of your healing journey.