Table Health

03/18/2026

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. 🧡 MS is a complex autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system. While the diagnosis can be overwhelming, understanding the role of lifestyle medicine specifically the gut-brain axis, can offer a path toward empowered management.

Did you know? Recent research highlights the connection between MS and gut health. A diverse microbiome helps produce the anti-inflammatory markers needed to protect the nervous system.

Key lifestyle pillars for MS support:
Pacing: Prioritizing one "main outcome" per day to manage fatigue.
Hydration: Aiming for 7-8 cups of filtered water daily.
Specific Nutrition: Increasing antioxidants, Omega-3s, and sulfur-rich vegetables (like broccoli and garlic) to reduce nerve damage.

Read the full interview with a community member sharing their journey from diagnosis to the ski slopes on our blog (link in bio). https://tablehealth.com/living-with-ms-finding-strength-and-balance/

03/11/2026

Save the Date: Airway & Oral Development Panel for Parents
April 16 from 6-8PM at Piche Family Chiropractic
If you’re a parent who has ever wondered whether breathing, feeding, sleep, or tension concerns are “just a phase,” consider attending this community event. Table Health pediatrician, Dr. Megan Stilwill, will join an educational panel for parents and caregivers. This is not a sales event. It’s not about pushing procedures. It is about understanding how oral function, airway health, and the nervous system are
connected and provide information for parents.

03/07/2026

Think of health insurance like homeowners insurance: it’s there for the "house fire" (the ER visit or major surgery). It was never meant to handle the "home maintenance" (the flu, a weird rash, or managing blood pressure).

If you have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you are essentially paying "retail" prices for nearly every office visit and lab until you hit that $3,000+ ($1700+) threshold. In a traditional clinic, a 7-minute (on average) rushed appointment and a few basic blood tests can easily wipe out $400 in one afternoon.

Enter the DPC "Power Couple" Strategy. By pairing your High Deductible Plan with Direct Primary Care, you stop avoiding the doctor and start actually using your healthcare:

Maintenance vs. Catastrophe: You keep your insurance for the "big stuff," while DPC handles 80-90% of your healthcare needs for a flat, predictable monthly fee, which costs less per year than your deductible.

Wholesale vs. Retail: DPC members get labs and medications at wholesale price, sometimes 80-90% cheaper than insurance-negotiated rates.

Time vs. Efficiency: Instead of a 7-minute rush, you get 30-60 minute visits, same-day appointments, and direct texting with your doctor.

It’s not about paying twice; it’s about stopping the "financial bleeding" of your deductible. DPC provides the maintenance that prevents the fire.

02/18/2026

Looking for a snack that loves you back? Registered Dietician Carol Bell is in the Table Health kitchen sharing her go-to recipe for Spiced Walnuts (https://tablehealth.com/9and10news/)Walnuts and flax seeds are more than just a tasty crunch—they contain specific nutrients that target inflammation within the blood vessels. High in antioxidants and healthful fats, they are the ultimate "heart and brain" fuel.

Try it today: Use them as a savory salad topper or a protein-packed snack on the go.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy walnuts? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Get inspired to eat healthy with Carol Bell, Registered Dietician as she shares healthy, flavorful, nutrient dense recipes with 9&10 News.

02/17/2026

Carol Bell, Registered Dietitian at Table Health shares her go-to recipe for Spiced Walnuts. Walnuts and flax seeds are more than just a tasty crunch they contain specific nutrients that target inflammation within the blood vessels. High in antioxidants and healthful fats, they are the ultimate “heart and brain” fuel. Recipe below and be sure to visit the 9&10 link in our profile for even more recipe inspiration.

Spiced Walnuts
Yield: 1 cup (4 servings)
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp ground flaxseeds **
1-2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey (depending on how sweet you like them)
½-1 Tbsp water (as needed depending on how much sweetener is used)
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp powdered turmeric
1/8 tsp powdered ginger
Pinch of black pepper
1 cup walnut halves

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl stir together the flaxseeds, water, maple syrup and spices. Add the walnuts and coat well. Spread the walnuts over the baking tray so they are not touching each other.

Bake for 8 minutes and give them a stir, moving them around a bit to dry out all sides. Bake for another 5-8 minutes until they are nearly dry but not burned. Allow to cool and the spices will harden on the outside so the nuts are crispy.

**You can buy flaxseed already ground, but if you do, be sure to purchase it from a store with a high product turnover. Ground flaxseeds go rancid quickly so it should be stored in the fridge or freezer and used up quickly, within a week or two.

If you want to buy whole flaxseeds, these will keep in the freezer for 1 year or more. Take out 1 cup and place into a blender and grind until it is a powder.

02/06/2026

February is American Heart Month and at Table Health, we want to help you do more than just "check a box." Your heart health is a lifelong journey and our Direct Primary Care (DPC) model is built to give you the time, tools, and transparency you need to thrive, not just in February, but all year long.

Small, daily shifts can lead to significant long-term benefits for your cardiovascular system. If you’re looking for a place to start today, try these simple implementations:

1. The 10-Minute Movement: A brisk walk after lunch can significantly improve glucose metabolism and heart function.

2. Fiber-Forward Meals: Add one tablespoon of chia or flax seeds to your morning to help naturally manage cholesterol.

3. The 4-7-8 Breath: Lower your cortisol (and your heart rate) by practicing deep, rhythmic breathing for two minutes twice a day.

4. Hydrate & Reduce: Swap one caffeinated or sugary drink today for sparkling water with a squeeze of lime.

5. Audit Your Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours; your heart does its best repair work while you’re in deep REM. https://tablehealth.com/heart-health/

02/04/2026

This is a common question from those considering Direct Primary Care (DPC). In the traditional system, we’ve been conditioned to think every minor issue needs a new waiting room. But did you know that when a doctor has the time to practice their full training, they can manage about 90% of healthcare needs in-house? Our doctors manage many specialist-level concerns on-site, saving you the extra money and the months-long waitlist. Because more time with your doctor is a DPC benefit, we can manage complex diagnoses that typically require a trip to a specialist:

• Dermatology: Skin biopsies, cyst removals, and chronic acne/eczema management.

• Endocrinology: Comprehensive management of Type 2 Diabetes and thyroid disorders.

• Cardiology: In-depth hypertension management and EKG interpretation.

• Sports Medicine: Acute and chronic injury management and performance optimization.

• Mental Health: Medical management for anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

If an outside opinion is truly necessary, we handle the logistics:
• Insurance Synergy: We prioritize specialists within your existing insurance network.

• Transparent Cash Pricing: No insurance? Ask about our Guide to Cash Services for pre-negotiated, affordable specialist rates.

Learn more about Table Health DPC, a model of care built on a simple monthly subscription: https://tablehealth.com/primary-care/

01/31/2026

We’re sharing a winter wellness staple from Dr. Megan’s kitchen, her homemade Elderberry Syrup.

While it’s not a "cure-all," science shows this purple powerhouse can:
• Shorten Duration: May reduce cold symptoms by an average of 2 days.
• Ease Severity: Helps lessen the intensity of upper respiratory issues.
• Defense: Packed with antioxidants (anthocyanins) to support your immune response

Friendly Reminder: Elderberry is a great supplement, but we’re here for all your family's health needs! We are currently accepting new pediatric direct primary care patients! learn more about DPC and if it's right for you and your family>>https://tablehealth.com/traverse-city-pediatrics

Dr. Megan’s Elderberry Syrup

Ingredients:
1 cup dried elderberries + 3 cups water
4 star anise pods + 3 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves + 1 tbsp fresh ginger
1 cup raw honey (substitute for kids under 1!)

Quick Instructions:
Simmer berries, water, and spices until liquid reduces by half.
Cool and strain through a fine mesh cloth (squeeze those berries!).
Stir in raw honey. Store in a mason jar for up to 2 months.

Dosage: Important: Not for children under age 1 (due to infant botulism risk from the raw honey)
Kids 1+: 1 tsp, 1-2x daily.
Adults: 1 Tbsp, 1-2x daily.

01/29/2026

The Table Health Direct Primary Care (DPC) model of healthcare is part of a national movement that is officially "exploding."

As recently featured on NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas, DPC is just as valuable for the doctor as the patient.

Why it works: At Table Health, we don’t take insurance. Instead, our model is built on a simple monthly subscription. This isn't just a billing change, it’s a care revolution that benefits both the doctor and the patient.

The result? 30-60 minute appointments (instead of 7 minutes!), direct access with your doctor, no surprise medical bills.

Whether you are a family, an individual, or a small business owner, our model is designed to put you first. We are ready to welcome you to a more personal healthcare experience. Click the link https://tablehealth.com/primary-care/ to learn more about our memberships.

Watch the clip below:
https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/explosive-growth-of-doctors-choosing-direct-primary-care-254943301953?fbclid=IwZnRzaAPmCTlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe3q_O8QQHN5vCoKcIwfVKYOjJerjN3Yi6cUHta7KvikKLkhkPHimpO-6Ip9Y_aem_9tkckp2Ar16T5RLZC7URYA

What was a niche aspect of medical care just a few years ago has exploded to thousands of practices across the country. In direct primary care, medical providers don’t take insurance. Instead, their patients pay a monthly subscription fee. In exchange they get easier access, longer appointments, a...

01/23/2026

Due to inclement weather Table Health will be closed today (Petoskey & Traverse City). Phone & Patient Portal are still available! Please stay safe & warm.

01/22/2026

Watch Carol Bell, Registered Dietitian, whip up this hearty flavorful, and nourishing chili in the Heritage Kitchen 9&10 News. It's the perfect meal to warm you up this extra cold week in Northern Michigan.

TRAVERSE CITY — In January, many people commit to healthier eating as part of their New Year’s resolutions. Table Health Registered Dietician Carol Bell provides an easy recipe for Butternut squash chili, a nutritious option for those looking to improve their diets.Recipes like Butternut squash ...

01/15/2026

Make the Most of Your DPC Membership in 2026 You can never go wrong when you invest in your health. Here are 10 ways to utilize services included in your Table Health Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership:

We're sharing 10 tips to get the most out of your Direct Primary Care membership to save you time and money, and enrich your health.