After working as a dental assistant at Uncompahgre Medical Center (UMC) in Norwood for more than 10 years, Sage Carver, of Nucla, is now working on the medical side of the clinic. She’s the chronic care coordinator at UMC. She told the Forum she’s passionate about working with patients and helping them reach their personal health goals. She’s also now doing private work in the field of health and nutrition on her own, too.
“At UMC I’m able to do some of the patient health navigation, nutrition counseling with patients, and the fresh food prescription program,” she said. “And I’m starting my own program.”
Carver said she became very interested in health and well being when she was inspired to take control of her own health. She recently went back to school and became a certified transformational nutrition coach. She said she does so much better when she cares for herself; she wants others to do and feel the same.
According to her, gut health affects so many parts of a person’s life, besides just basic digestion.
“It affects hormones, energy, our sleep, our brain, mood, mental health, metabolism — so many things,” she said.
Her nutrition program is designed to help people improve gut health, and other aspects of their lives. It’s a three-week program that focuses on the elimination diet and removes triggers of inflammation. Her clients take out gluten, dairy, sugar, processed foods and alcohol.
Each phase of her plan is a week long. She helps clients to focus on other healthy habits too, like sleep and stress management. Clients add in probiotics, hydration and other healthful things.
“They should feel better once they start eating better,” she said. “It’s setting a foundation for a healthier lifestyle.”
Already, 21 people joined her in the fall for the program. Another 10 have signed up for her January program. Anyone who’d like more information or to join should contact her at sagecarver1111@gmail.com, or find her on Facebook.
“Food is medicine,” she said. “The cells of our body are made from food we eat. The brain, heart, liver and skin are made from food we eat. It’s so important to be feeding ourselves and our children quality, nutritious food.”
Carver said she’s concerned that current statistics show 60 percent of the U.S. diet is ultra-processed food. She thinks it’s contributing to mental health challenges and chronic disease, leading to a shorter life expectancy.
“It gets me fired up,” she said. “It’s so normalized.”
For her, it’s important to share her knowledge, and especially with parents, so they can help their children.
“The world we live in today is not the same as our mothers’ or grandmothers’,” she said.
She added between toxins and other environmental poisons, and social media, there’s an adverse affect on health. Carver’s mission to help others actively counter those negative factors, “for the best outcome for ourselves, families, future generations and the planet,” she said.
She wants to support locals in participating in their lives in a way that creates joy, empowerment and health for themselves, and others, breaking away from cycles that keep them feeling stuck or drained. She said it’s easier for people to face life’s challenges when they feel good.
“I believe you can upgrade your mind and your body by focusing on lifestyle and nutrition,” she said. “And nutrition is physical, mental and spiritual. … The best thing you can do for your family and loved ones is to live healthy.”
