Author Archives

Intermittent Fasting: An Enduring Path to Ideal Weight and Better Overall Health

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Melody Spurney By Dr. Ron Hunninghake, MD While there has been much discussion about prescriptions for weight loss and better metabolic health, it is ...

Fresh Eyes on Healing: Discovering the Heart of Functional Medicine at Riordan Clinic

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Melody Spurney By Amber Ragland, Director of Marketing As the newly appointed Director of Marketing at the Riordan Clinic, I embarked on this journey ...

Recipe: Healthy Turkey Chili

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Melody Spurney Ingredients 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3 cloves minced garlic 2 medium onions, diced 2 bell peppers, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and ...

‘Sugar and Cancer’ Presentation by Dr. Stacy Dunn

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Melody Spurney Riordan Clinic staff recently participated in a staff development presentation by Dr. Stacy Dunn, ND, Lac, FABNO, ...

Are You Feeling Holiday Stress? Here Are Some Tips

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Melody Spurney Those who have been following Health Hunters this year, and through the years, know that stress is a common theme. ...

A Lab Sweep! Wichita Clinic Enjoys Chili Cook-off

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Melody Spurney The Riordan Clinic’s Wichita location enjoyed a late-fall chili cook-off for staff members. More than a dozen chili entries were ...

Riordan Clinic Staff Shares What They Are Grateful For

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Melody Spurney I am thankful for the people in my life who care about me. I am thankful that I will get to live today and hopefully tomorrow too. – ...

Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Cordon Bleu

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Melody Spurney Ingredients 4 chicken breasts 4 ounces deli-sliced ham 4 slices Swiss cheese 1/2 cup egg whites 2 slices multi-grain bread 1/4 cup ...

Dr. Charles Hinshaw Recognized for Excellence in Healthcare

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Melody Spurney Bio-Center Laboratory Director Dr. Charles Hinshaw, MD, was recognized in early November for Excellence in Healthcare by the Wichita ...

Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation: New Hope for Chronic COVID

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Thomas Levy, MD, JD Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of the blood is a very old but highly effective therapy for a wide range of ...

VA Adopts New Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Dr. Stacy Dunn, ND, LAc, FABNO, FABORM In late July, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced new guidelines for breast ...

Guidance about Foods for Cancer Patients

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Dr. Kirsten West, ND, LAc, FABNO In the years I have been in practice, it is clear that diet and nutrition are key factors in cancer ...

Recipe: Tofu Squash Curry

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Melody Spurney INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive or avocado oil 1/2 red onion 1 yellow pepper, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 tsp. minced or grated ...

Hope Beyond Diagnosis: A Mother of Four Recalls Her Cancer Journey

Posted on September 28, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Melody Spurney   Kelli Ann Rollins of Shawnee, Oklahoma, was a busy mom of four in the early summer of 2022. She was looking ...

Recipe: Baked Chicken Meatballs with Garlic Dill Yogurt Sauce

Posted on September 28, 2023 by Melody Spurney Ingredients For the Meatballs 1 lb. lean ground chicken 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 tbsp. finely diced yellow ...

Nurse Named to Business Journal’s Young Professionals in Healthcare

Posted on September 22, 2023 by Melody Spurney Melissa LaBarge, RN, BSN, was named to the Wichita Business Journal’s list of Young Professionals in Health Care for 2023. Melissa has ...

Check Your Health Offers Chance to be Proactive About Wellbeing

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Dr. Ron Hunninghake, MD The Riordan Clinic’s preventative health initiative was originally developed in 1992 by clinic co-founder ...

Reports Show that Early-Onset Cancer is on the Rise

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Melody Spurney A recent study released by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed a noticeable rise in early-onset cancer ...

Check Your Health Information

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Melody Spurney The fall 2023 Check Your Health is coming September 11-22. Here’s your one-stop destination for all you need to know about ...

Recipe: Zucchini Quiche

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Melody Spurney Ingredients 10 oz zucchini ½ cup shallots 1 tablespoon packed chopped fresh herbs, such as basil and chives 4 oz cheddar cheese 2/3 cup ...

Riordan Clinic Welcomes Dr. Stacy Dunn to its Overland Park Location

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Melody Spurney Dr. Stacy Dunn, ND, LAc, FABNO, FABORM, brought unique skills and credentials to Overland Park when she joined the ...

Clinical Services Director Named Health Hero

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Melody Spurney Krystal Dinkel, RN, Riordan Clinic’s Director of Clinical Services, was named a 2023 Health Care Hero in nursing by the Wichita ...

Back-to-School Can Inspire Healthier Routines

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Melody Spurney It’s the time of year again when children transition from long, leisurely days to bedtimes and schedules. Healthy kids learn better, ...

Dr. Ron and Dr. West Present to WSU Students

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Melody Spurney Dr. Ron Hunninghake, MD, and Dr. Kirsten West, ND, LAc, FABNO, were invited to speak on June 29 to a class of Wichita State University ...

New Food as Medicine Guide Launches This Month

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Melody Spurney In August, Riordan Clinic will add a new way for our co-learners to interact with our website and expand knowledge of using food to ...

Summer Quinoa Bowl with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Melody Spurney Quinoa Ingredients 1/2 cup cooked quinoa Torn arugula or other greens 1 peach, sliced 1/3 fresh, raw sweet corn kernels 3 small ...

Using Epigenetic Modifications to Improve Your Overall Health

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Dr. Ron Hunninghake, MD We are all born with a DNA sequence, which is set for us through our lives. While the DNA sequence does not ...

Honoring Olive White Garvey’s 130th Birth Anniversary

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Melody Spurney This month, the Riordan Clinic recognizes Olive White Garvey, one of our co-founders. July 15 will be the 130th ...

Watermelon Kiwi Popsicles

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Melody Spurney Enjoy a healthy and refreshing summer snack with your family and friends this summer, and enjoy fresh fruit in season! Ingredients 1/2 ...

Metabolic Health has Strong Links to Mental Health Issues

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Dr. Ron Hunninghake, MD Mental health is a significant challenge for many Americans. According to the National Institute of Mental ...

Impacts of Emotional Trauma on the Body

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Dr. Kirsten West, ND, LAc, FABNO Emotional trauma can significantly affect body – beyond what many consider when they think of ...

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Melody Spurney Ingredients For the salad: 10 ounces fresh baby spinach 1 quart strawberries, quartered 1/2 red onion, sliced thin 1/4 cup toasted ...

How Methylene Blue’s Antioxidants Can Slow Cognitive Decline

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Dr. Ron Hunninghake, MD, and Dr. Thomas Levy, MD, JD Introduction to Methylene Blue Although Methylene Blue isn’t a new antioxidant, ...

Foods to Benefit Cognition

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Laura Vasquez, MSN, APRN, NP-C A variety of foods can help protect your cognitive health and act in very specific ways in the body. ...

Cognitive Impairment Symptoms Can Vary

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Melody Spurney A diagnosis of cognitive impairment can be disorienting and devastating, not only for the patient but for friends and family. ...

Blueberry Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Melody Spurney Ingredients: 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 2 Tbsp olive oil 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 tsp salt, divided 1/4 tsp freshly ground ...

Elderslie Farm Values Sustainability and Respect for Land and Animals

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Melody Spurney At Elderslie Farm, sustainable practices are rooted in respect – for the land, the animals, the people who care for ...

Assessing Health Risks Associated with CAFOs

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Dr. Kirsten West, ND, LAc, FABNO The stereotypical image of a farm is a pleasant one: happy animals, well-cared-for land, and green ...

Goat Cheese & Herb Omelet

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Melody Spurney Ingredients: 4 large eggs 2 Tbsp milk or water 1/4 tsp ground pepper 1/8 tsp salt 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese 1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh ...

National Chili Day 2023: Black Bean Chili

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Melody Spurney In honor of National Chili Day, here is a bonus recipe for a slow-cooked Black Bean Chili. Serve alone, over brown rice, or as a ...

Avoid Toxins to Reduce Cancer Risk

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Dr. Lucas Tims, ND, FABNO Through the work of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and others, there are ...

Maintain a Healthy Metabolism to Prevent Cancer

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Dr. Ron Hunninghake, MD, CMO When it comes to cancer prevention, improved awareness of the risk factors that promote metabolic ...

Cancer Survivor Makes Changes for Better Health

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Melody Spurney By: Melody Spurney As a busy mortgage loan officer, Lori Caldwell loves to work, and in early 2022, low mortgage rates kept her ...

Keto Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Melody Spurney Ingredients: Flesh of 1 avocado 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/3 cup Erythritol or 6 pitted Medjool dates (if paleo, not ...

Bonus Recipe: Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Melody Spurney Celebrate National Pizza Week with a healthy take on one of America’s favorite foods with this recipe from Food Network. ...

Food as Medicine: How a Metabolic Plan Can Elevate Your Health

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Dr. Kirsten West, ND, LAc, FABNO When I design a nutrition plan for my oncology patients, it is individualized based on their ...

Nutrition Consultants Create Specialized Diets

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Jen Nolan, BS, MS, ONC A cancer diagnosis or a chronic illness can be overwhelming, and patients are often faced with a barrage of ...

School Teaches Healthcare Providers About Nutrition

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Melody Spurney By Jess Higgins Kelley, MNT After working one-on-one directly with nutrition clients for years, I realized there was a significant gap ...

Brussels Sprouts with Herbes de Provence

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Melody Spurney Ingredients:  1 lb Brussels sprouts 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil  Herbes de Provence to taste  Kosher salt to taste  Directions:  Preheat ...

Options Exist for Treating Chronic Pain

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Dustin Moffitt, ND Chronic pain can be a significant issue for individuals and can reduce quality of life. A study published in ...

Nurses Enjoy Watching Patients Find Relief

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Melody Spurney The Riordan Clinic’s nursing staff in Hays sees rewards almost daily as they watch patients find relief from chronic ...

Sweet & Salty Chocolate Bark

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Melody Spurney Ingredients: 2  (12-ounce) bags dark chocolate chips, melted 1/2 cup salted pretzels, roughly chopped 1/4 cup dried cherries ...

Metabolic Syndrome Increases Risk of Health Problems

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Michael (Mike) Shaw, PA-C, ABAAHP Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that can increase the risk of health problems such as ...

Podcast Interview Offers Key Insights into Pervasive Metabolic Disease

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Dr. Ron Hunninghake, MD, CMO  Metabolic syndrome is a common – and growing – problem. Some studies show that 80% or more adults ...

Cardiology Patient Avoids Bypass Surgery Twice

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Melody Spurney Frank Miller, of El Dorado, Kansas, was told he had two days until he was scheduled for a triple bypass surgery. ...

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney Ingredients 1 bunch asparagus, about 1 1⁄2 pounds 1 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese Salt and black pepper to taste Juice ...

Riordan Clinic Transforms Life for Two-Time Cancer Survivor

Posted on October 28, 2022 by Melody Spurney By Melody Spurney Jamie Bernard has found a community with more than 700 co-learners on Instagram after her second breast cancer ...

Regenerative Injection Therapy Gives Patient Back Pain Relief

Posted on October 13, 2022 by Melody Spurney For nine years, Shelly Berry was sidelined from life by debilitating back pain. Unable to do much more than work and sleep, she knew ...

Professor Grateful and Looks Forward After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Posted on September 30, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Melody Spurney As Meredith Trexler Drees rode with her husband, Jeff, to her family’s farm near Hill City, Kansas on the day of her ...

Stress, Metabolic, and Hormonal Imbalances and Breast Cancer

Posted on September 30, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Dr. Kirsten West, ND, LAc, FABNO When it comes to breast cancer, a variety of things can contribute to a diagnosis. Three common ...

Environmental Toxins Can Contribute to Breast Cancer

Posted on September 30, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Laura Vasquez, MSN, APRN, NP-C   When it comes to breast cancer, environmental toxins women encounter daily can play a role in ...

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Posted on September 30, 2022 by Melody Spurney Ingredients 4 Tbsp olive oil, divided One 4-pound sugar pie pumpkin 1 large yellow onion, chopped 4 large or 6 medium garlic cloves, ...

Riordan Clinic Cancer Survivor Looks To Help Others

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Melody Spurney By Melody Spurney Amye Williamson’s last day of her extended treatment at the Riordan Clinic in Overland Park helped reinforce her ...

Black Bean and Salmon Tostadas

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Melody Spurney Ingredients 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas Olive oil cooking spray 1 (6- to 7-ounce) can boneless, skinless wild Alaskan salmon, drained 1 ...

Nutrient Sale Brings Steady Growth in Orders

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Melody Spurney The Riordan Clinic shipping department becomes a jungle of boxes in preparation for the Nutrient Store Sale, which ...

Check Your Health Keeps Bio-Center Lab Staff Busy

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Melody Spurney The Bio-Center Laboratory is the testing hub for all Riordan Clinic testing, including the Check Your Health lab ...

Know Your Nutrient Levels to Best Manage Your Health

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Dr. Ron Hunninghake, MD, CMO Prevention is key to maintaining and restoring health. Since 1992, the Riordan Clinic has offered ...

PhysioAge Provides a Benchmark for Overall Health and Aging

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Melody Spurney The Riordan Clinic’s PhysioAge program is a good fit for anyone interested in their health and well-being. Chronological age isn’t as ...

Patient Advises Others to “Be Curious” After Potentially Fatal Autoimmune Diagnosis

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney By Melody Spurney Scleroderma started small for Denise Douty, 49, of Wichita. Her fingers felt funny after scraping her windshield on a ...

What is UBI?

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney UBI – Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation – helps boost the immune system by exposing blood to ultraviolet light. In this procedure, 60 CCs ...

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors may be Causing Increase in Autoimmune Disease

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney Dr. Tereza Hubkova, MD, ABIM, ABIHM, IFM, discusses autoimmune diseases in this issue of Health Hunters. She is a strategic partner of ...

Riordan Clinic Seeks Whole Person Balance in Autoimmune Treatments

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney By Melody Spurney When it comes to autoimmune diseases, Riordan Clinic providers follow a functional medicine model of searching for ...

Zucchini Lasagna

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney Ingredients 3 large garlic cloves 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, fire roasted if possible 1 (15-ounce) can ...

Retired Nurse Finds Healing at Riordan Clinic After Cancer Diagnosis

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Melody Spurney Denise Ober was settling into an active retirement in early 2020 after a nearly 50-year career in nursing, but she ...

Broccoli Salad

Posted on July 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney Ingredients 1 ½ to 2 pounds broccoli on the stalk, enough for 8 cups florets 1 cup sliced red onion 1 carrot, julienned or grated ½ ...

Steve Spencer Finds Help and Hope After Treatments

Posted on July 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Melody Spurney Steve Spencer rolled his wheelchair into the Riordan Clinic in Overland Park in 2020 looking for help … and hope. He ...

Terrain-Based Cancer Care Focuses on Whole Person

Posted on July 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Melody Spurney The Riordan Clinic has a rich heritage of groundbreaking innovation in cancer care. Clinic co-founders Dr. Hugh ...

Dr. Kirsten West Joins Riordan Clinic’s Integrative Oncology Team

Posted on July 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Melody Spurney A difficult experience watching family members struggle with cancer inspired what would become a professional ...

Vitamin D is Essential for Bone Health

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Michael (Mike) Shaw, PA-C, ABAAHP Vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” because the body produces it ...

Nutrients Optimize Vitamin D

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Melody Spurney By: Laura Vasquez, MSN, APRN, NP-C  You have probably realized the importance of vitamin D for achieving your best health. So, let’s ...