Bios
Carolyn R. Walker, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC , Owner of P & H of Iowa
Carolyn is currently a licensed nurse practitioner and owner of Prevention & Healing of Iowa. The majority of her practice involves family practice, women's health issues, detoxification and infectious illness in the context of functional medicine. She graduated from the University of Iowa in August 2000 with a Master of Science in Nursing and is board-certified through ANCC as a Family Nurse Practitioner. In 1986 she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand View College in Des Moines, IA.
Carolyn was awarded a Health Professional Scholarship by the Veteran's Administration in 1985 and worked her first two years after her BSN in the Veterans Hospital system. From 1988 through 1997 she worked several years in home health care nursing as well as a school nurse and a home-based nurse consultant for a major insurer. She has been certified in Community Health nursing through ANCC since 1991 and enjoyed coordinating health-related presentations for homebound aging residents of assisted living centers around that time.
In 1999, during her studies at the University of Iowa, Carolyn piloted an Adult Education class on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) in her community. The first class had 44 participants, which was phenomenal attendance for an Adult Education class.
Carolyn has an in-depth understanding of BHRT through extensive continuing education at Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA). Many health care providers do not realize that BHRT involves an in-depth history and laboratory evaluation of a person's steroid hormone status. Replacement involves prescribed hormones compounded to an individual's specific needs. While a student at the University of Iowa she received a research grant from Sigma Theta Tau/Zeta Chi Chapter for her research project titled, "Why Women Choose Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy." Carolyn published an informational article about BHRT in the journal Advance for Nurse Practitioners in May 2001.
Her work was recognized by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) in 2002 with the State Award for Excellence. She presented on BHRT to several hundred nurse practitioners at an AANP National Conference in New Orleans in June 2004. She has also spoken to this topic in St. Louis at a Complementary Medicine conference in June 2004 and in 2009 & 2011.
In addition, Carolyn has been a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and Sigma Theta Tau since 1986; retired from ANA in 2020. She has also been a member of the Iowa Nurse Practitioner Society (1999), the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (2000), the Institute for Functional Medicine (2006) and the International College of Integrative Medicine (2007).
Speaking Engagements, Seminars & Classes:
November 2021: Presented Zoom class to Drake University's OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) participants on food allergies/sensitivities.
May 2021: Presented Zoom Class to PCCA (Professional Compounding of America) pharmacists from around the country on Environmental Toxins.
May 2021, May 2019: Presented to medical residents and medical students on Essential Oils at Mercy Hospital.
March 2019, February 2020: Attended Advanced Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) Class and Symposium in Phoenix.
February 2019: Attended Ozone Therapy classes taught by the father of Ozone Therapy, Dr. Shallenberger.
September 2018: Attended Dr. Simon Yu's Conference on Integrative Medicine in St. Louis.
August 2018: Attended and Deseret Biological's yearly Conference in Chicago with Dr. Marty Rhea, ND.
February 2018: Attended Frequency Specific Microcurrent presented by Dr. Carolyn McMakin from Portland, Oregon.
September 2017: Attended a 3 day Symposium in Chicago by Des Bio regarding using homeopathy in clinical practice..
November 2016: Presented locally at an integrative medicine interest group hosted by Dr. Chandramohan Batra on "Environmental Toxins and Your Health with Methylation."
May 2016: She continued her education in Enzyme Therapy through the Loomis Institute of Enzyme Therapy at the Food Enzyme Institute Annual Conference. She began her learning here in 2003 and has attended numerous presentations.
Carolyn presented to a local insurance company’s Lunch and Learn about Essential Oils with an outstanding attendance. She also presented on Environmental Toxins and Your Health at a local compounding pharmacy as well as through Adult Education.
2014: Carolyn attended Neurological Research Institute’s conference on Genetic Methylation disorders in Portland, Maine.
October 2009: Carolyn was a featured speaker at The Bio-Cybernetics & Energy Medicine Conference in St. Louis, MO.
August 2009: She also spoke to a women's group in Madison, WI, in August 2009 on BHRT and Functional Medicine in general.
Summer 2009: Carolyn attended "Boot Camp" at the Loomis Institute of Enzyme Therapy in Madison, WI, with Irene Dougherty, LAc.
May 2009: Carolyn attended a Sound Health Conference in Albany, Ohio, titled "Breaking the Sound Barriers of Disease." It is exciting to understand how frequencies can affect our bodies in a positive way!
February 2009: Carolyn attended a conference in Chicago with Marty Rhea titled, "The Future of the Clinic" by Dr. Jeffrey Bland.Dr. Bland is the originator of the concept of Functional Medicine. He had just flown in from Washington, DC, where he attended the Health Care Summit and had a special invitation to the White House to discuss changes in medicine to include holistic, functional medicine interventions.
June 2008: ZRT Laboratory invited Carolyn to participate in their exhibit at the 2008 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners 23rd National Conference in Washington, DC.
May 2008: Carolyn attended the Defeat Autism Now and Autism One conference held in Chicago.
March 2007: Carolyn attended the International College of Integrative Medicine's Certification in Clinical Metal Toxicology course` in Cincinnati, OH.
February 2007: Recent Advances in the Use of Iodine in Medical Practice was held in Scottsdale, AZ. Carolyn learned about the historical background of the use of iodine in medical practice as well as the misunderstandings that currently continue in its vast roles in our body's health.
March 2006: Carolyn attended The Institute for Functional Medicine's "Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice" for an intensive one-week course in Dallas, Texas. This means she is evaluating the body's chemistry and restoring function with missing nutrients rather than treating symptoms solely with standard drug therapy. She attended this venue with Sue Horton, owner of Central Iowa Compounding and two other Central Iowa physicians. She formed her Functional Medicine clinic, Prevention & Healing of Iowa, in 2006.
April 2006: Carolyn attended the DAN (Defeat Autism Now) conference in Washington, DC. The physician training enabled her to follow the DAN protocols in assessing/treating those on the pervasive developmental disease spectrum (PDD).
September 2003: Carolyn has been a Loomis Digestive Health Specialist via the Loomis Institute of Enzyme Nutrition.
2005-2008: Carolyn was a featured speaker at several of ZRT Lab's conferences.
- "Advanced Female BHRT" conference located in Nashville, TN in March 2008.
- "BHRT and Beyond" in Portland, OR, in July 2008.
- Teleconference titled, "Clinical Pearls: Challenging Hormone Replacement Cases."
2006-2007: Carolyn was a featured speaker at Professional Compounding Centers of America.
- "BHRT for Male & Female Patients Symposium" in Tulsa, OK.
- "BHRT for Male & Female Patients Symposium" in Anaheim, CA in March & April 2006 and in Omaha August 2006.
April 2004: Carolyn ws a featured speaker at the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner's yearly conferenin in New Orleans, LA. "Why Women Prefer Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy" was the topic base on her research at the University of Iowa.
1999-2017: Carolyn & Sue Horton, RPh (Central Iowa Compounding) taught Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy to around 5,000 women in Iowa (and a few have traveled from surrounding states to attend as well!).
Carolyn taught a class titled "Stress and Illness" as a visiting professor at Des Moines University for several years to the entering class of D.O. students.
Carolyn is honored to have been able to present information/case studies on the efficacy of bioidentical hormone balancing at PCCA symposiums along with Dr. David Zava, owner of ZRT Labs; Dr. Eldred Taylor, OB/GYN and author of "Are Your Hormones Making You Sick?"; Dr. Kenna Stephenson, MD, author of "Awakening Athena," Dr. Pamela Smith, author of "Vitamins, Hype or Hope" and "HRT-The Answers: A Concise Guide for Solving the Hormone Replacement Puzzle" and Dr. Christopher Cutter, MD, who has worked extensively with male hormone balancing. See the ZRT Lab website for more information on bioidentical hormones and testing. You can also contact your local compounding pharmacist.
Presentations:
Carolyn is available to address your group in the following areas:
- Nutritional Supplementation for Wellness
- Balancing Our Health Naturally
- Stress & Illness
- Why Women Choose Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Endocrine Imbalances and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Environmental Toxins and Their Impact on Our Health (Methylation Dysfunction)
- Breast Health
- Essential Oils
Marty Rhea, BCND, MH, CNC, CHS
Marty Rhea received a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Texas at Dallas in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in Science and Math in 1997. While pursuing a degree intended to result in further medical education, Marty worked as a nationally certified pharmacy technician at a retail pharmacy in Plano, Texas. In completing the Bachelor's degree, the responsibilities of four teenage children prevented the commitment required for further medical education at that time and Marty continued working until moving to Des Moines, IA in July of 2000.
After moving to Des Moines, Marty decided to apply to pharmacy school to further use her knowledge in health care. She was accepted to Creighton Pharmacy School, but once again, after weighing requirements for school against family needs, she decided against dedicating the required time and finances to complete a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. In 2004 Marty traveled to Albany, Ohio to learn the practice of BioAcoustics research from Sharry Edwards, the founder of Human BioAcoustics research. She also completed coursework to become a Certified Natural Health Professional in 2009. The CNHP allowed for many other opportunities for education for Marty as well. One of the first training courses Marty completed after becoming a CNHP was to study under Dr. Howard Loomis to become a Loomis Digestive Health Specialist.
In August of 2011 Marty completed her Naturopathic Doctor degree, Master Herbalist Certification, and Certificate in Nutrition Counseling. In October Marty took her boards and became a Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor.
Update for clients and potential new clients
I moved back to Texas in December of 2014 after having lived in Des Moines for 15 years. I loved my time in Iowa and I will always cherish the time I had here and the wonderful relationships I formed.
Life goes on and it was important for my family that I was closer and more accessible to them. During the time that I have been back in Texas, my sweet mother-in-law whom many of you know I cared for and looked after for many years, died in April of 2015. Her passing was very peaceful and she had her family around her as she made that transition.
My husband and I live in a very small town and have 3 horses and 3 dogs. And those are just the domestic animals that we have! We have birds that visit us as well as coyotes, a bobcat, several skunks, and several snakes, although I wish the latter two would not visit.
I am still working with many established clients in Iowa via the remote Zyto option. Call Janet at 515-727-4141 if this is something that interests you.
I can be reached directly at my office in Denton, TX by calling 940-808-0221. I’d love to speak with you! If I don’t answer, I’m working with someone or I decided to take advantage of some beautiful weather by being outside. Leave me a message and I will call you back!
Training and Education:
In July 2009, Marty completed training to become a Certified Natural Health Professional. The CNHP opens doors for other education and training opportunities.
In April 2010, Marty completed training to become a Loomis Digestive Health Specialist.
Ongoing education for Marty includes Doctor of Naturopathy, Master Herbalist, Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Certified Health Specialist through Trinity College of Natural Health in Indiana.
Speaking Engagements:
In May 2010, Marty participated as a speaker in a parents' panel discussion at the local chapter of The Compassionate Friends. She was featured as a parent of a child who died of suicide.
Patient Testimonies
"I am feeling MUCH better and I am really surprised how much more energy I have!! I am also amazed (in the reading I have been doing) how all my "issues" are connected-hypothyroid, adrenal fatigue, anemia. I don't think we learned all this in nursing school! Words cannot express my appreciation for your wisdom and help. I look forward to meeting with you again next month and thank you very, very much for your care." SP
"Thank you Carolyn! I had a nice day yesterday. I feel very good but am excited to get my hormones a little more regular. Thanks for all the emails and information that you have sent. I appreciate all you've done for me over the years. I guess you could say I've come a long way from where I was about 7 years ago." EL
"THANK YOU CAROLINE!!! Not that you need it, but if you ever need a recommendation let me know!! You have saved my life!!! THANK YOU for always being there to help me. You always care more than any other provider I have ever been too!!" WS
"When I first met Carolyn I was desperate. I had severe insomnia related to menopause for six years and had seen several doctors and tried many prescription medicines, including every sleeping pill available. Carolyn was the ONLY expert to fully test me and the ONLY expert to spend more than 15 minutes with me in order to put all the puzzle pieces together. It took some time and money but she figured out the problem and I am now sleeping soundly. She gave me my life back!" CM-Central Iowa
"After my pregnancy in 1971, my body chemistry changed. I had gained 50 pounds and never could lose the weight. I would experience sudden weight gain of 20 pounds or more. Over the next 35 years, I went from doctor to doctor, covering Colorado, Iowa and Missouri. I complained of the SAME symptoms throughout those 35 years: can't lose weight, sudden weight gain, hair thinning, loss of eyebrows, constant upset stomach, bloating, gas, belching, extreme fatigue by 3:00 PM. Many doctors prescribed thyroid medication, without much testing. NOTHING worked.
I found out about Carolyn through friends. I could tell my life was going to change from the first time we talked. Carolyn ordered tests that I've never had before, for hormones and Candida. I suspected since the early 1980's that I probably had Candida problems. A doctor prescribed anti-fungal medication without testing me. I only had one prescription and no further investigation. All the doctors, and my husband, thought I was a hypochondriac. Doctors hated to see my list of symptoms. I just felt that I should not be feeling the way I felt. Not only did Carolyn order the correct tests, she also knew how to interpret the tests correctly. She prescribed supplements to correct stress-related damage to adrenal glands, and iodine to correct a thyroid problem. I was also placed on an anti-fungal diet. Within 2 days after starting the supplement and diet regime, I was a new person. Weight started falling off, my energy level skyrocketed and I no longer experienced digestive problems. Through careful monitoring of supplements and testing, Carolyn is maintaining a health program which has made a world of difference in my life. I'm so thankful that I continued looking for answers and that I found Carolyn." BN, Central Iowa woman
"For 3 years, I had been traveling from Iowa to California, where my daughter lives, to have breast thermography screening done. The second year, thermography showed a slightly suspicious area of elevated heat in one breast. The third year the area was even warmer, and became cause for concern. That's when I began doing research at home, and found Carolyn Walker, ARNP. I brought copies of the thermography images to Carolyn, and we discussed some options I could take to reduce my risk of developing something more serious.
After following Carolyn's recommendation for two years, I was extremely thrilled that my next thermogram came up normal! This year's thermogram turned out well, too.
During this entire time, I also scheduled regular mammograms and an ultrasound for the suspicious area. Nothing serious showed up in any of those tests. However, the difference in the thermograms is quite dramatic. I am convinced that had I not caught this issue early, I would have had serious future problems with which to contend.
I am very happy that I don't need to travel to California for thermography; it is right here in my own backyard!" MG-Central Iowa
"Over a period of 3-4 years, after a total hysterectomy, I went from being a healthy well-balanced individual to one who was anxious, depressed and sometimes fearful. My body ached and I didn't have the energy I was accustomed to. Physicians gave me anti-anxiety agents and antidepressants which only added to my problems. I learned about Prevention and Healing of Iowa and made an appointment. Carolyn took the time to listen to my story. She patiently worked with me and prescribed various approaches to restore my health. In just a few months I began to feel better and actually believed there was hope. After one year I am thankful to be feeling energetic and healthy again." EM, Central Iowa woman
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