Functional Medicine
Largo, Florida
Meet Our Team
Dr. Richard Frost
Dr. Richard grew up with an active lifestyle. His body sustained many bumps, bruises, cuts, scrapes, and twists which took its toll on him. Many times, he went to a medical doctor that prescribed pain pills, muscles relaxers, and 5 days’ rest.
One day in his 20’s, Dr. Richard could not get out of bed without help. A friend came over, helped him get dressed, and watched him crawl into the car. The friend drove to a chiropractor’s office. Dr. Richard was skeptical because he had never heard of chiropractic, but the pain in his low back which radiated down his legs was incapacitating. It hurt just lying on his side in a fetal position.
Fifteen minutes later, he walked out of the office after the chiropractor had adjusted his back and pelvis. Dr. Richard went back to work without really considering the miracle that had just happened; he had been healed without drugs or surgery!
Dr. Richard went on to have an extensive career in international business before entering the healthcare profession. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University, a Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management, a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University.
His work allowed Dr. Richard to travel the world extensively. During these travels, Dr. Richard saw how similar people’s dreams are of a better life for themselves and their loved ones.
Remembering his own experience with chiropractic, coupled with his desire to help other people enjoy life to the fullest, Dr. Richard went on to become a Doctor of Chiropractic graduating from Life University in 2016.
Offers:
- $175 Initial Session (Promo Price - 30% off)
- Initial consultation: HRV Nerve Express test, review of systems, and initial body scan
- Report of Findings
- Supplement recommendations and order
- $50 Follow-up Session
- $30 credit to patients who refer to someone who successfully completes an initial session
- 20% discount on follow-up sessions to patients within the same household (family).
Derek DeCagna. DC, DIBE
Functional Medicine
Dr. Derek DeCagna is a dedicated and upbeat 3rd generation chiropractor who’s been surrounded by both chiropractic and holistic healthcare his entire life. His family lineage and personal experiences with health complications as a young adult have helped shape him as a practitioner. Dr. Derek believes that his own health experiences and understanding of various health disciplines better enable him to empathize with patients and act in their best interests.
Dr. Derek has a profound love for learning. He holds multiple post-doctoral distinctions and certifications, including enrollment in the International Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine diplomate and eligibility for the clinical neuroscience diplomate. Dr. Derek has also completed advanced clinical training in Nutrition Response Testing and holds certifications in nutrition from Texas Chiropractic College. Furthermore, he has obtained a certification in functional blood chemistry analysis from the ODX Academy, enabling him to comprehensively evaluate and recommend nutritional support for the body’s systems.
Dr. Derek completed his undergraduate studies at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. There, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with a minor in Classical Antiquity. After working in both scientific facilities and technical sales positions where he used his knowledge and skills to assist various national laboratories and projects in private industry, he chose to study for his Doctorate at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida.
When not practicing, you will find Dr. Derek engaged in some form of physical activity or sport, exploring surrounding city culture, finding new restaurants to taste and spending quality time with friends and family.
Gayle Peltz, MD
Gayle Peltz, MD attended St. George’s University School of Medicine. After completing residencies in Family Practice and Women’s Health she worked for the Veterans Administration hospital system as a locums tenens physician.
As a locum tenen, she spent time caring for veterans in many different locations across the US. Though she is a Family Medicine physician, her true love has always been in the area of holistic and natural healing. Over the years she has completed her required Continuing Education in areas that are complementary to allopathic medicine. After working for the VA for over 10 years she felt the need to branch out into a more holistic area of practice.
After relocating to Florida, she decided to obtain her Certification in Nutritional Response Testing. She believes that with NRT, organ systems can be evaluated, deficiencies identified, and then treated with nutritional supplements reducing the need for pharmaceutical intervention.
Dr. Peltz currently resides in Largo, Florida with her sweet dog, Misty. She enjoys reading, photography, and travelling.
What Is Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine is a patient-centered, holistic approach to healthcare that seeks to address the root causes of illness and disease rather than simply treating symptoms. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on managing symptoms with medications, Functional Medicine looks at the body as an interconnected system, considering factors such as genetics, lifestyle, environment, and individual health history. This approach emphasizes personalized care, aiming to identify and understand the underlying imbalances or dysfunctions that may be contributing to a person's health issues. By addressing these root causes and promoting overall wellness, Functional Medicine aims to empower individuals to take an active role in their health and achieve optimal well-being. It's a comprehensive and integrative approach that seeks to promote not just the absence of disease but the presence of vitality and a high quality of life.
Benefits of Functional Medicine
The benefits of Functional Medicine are manifold and make it a compelling approach to healthcare. First and foremost, it prioritizes personalized care, recognizing that each individual is unique, with their own genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This tailored approach allows for more precise diagnosis and treatment, leading to more effective and lasting results. Functional Medicine also focuses on prevention, aiming to identify and address health imbalances before they escalate into chronic conditions. Targeting the root causes of illness, often reduces the reliance on medications and their associated side effects.
Blue Q Functional Medicine Approach
At Blue Q Health and Wellness, we believe that true health is not just the absence of disease but a state of vibrant well-being. That's why we've embraced the transformative approach of Functional Medicine. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses solely on symptom management, Functional Medicine delves deeper to uncover the root causes of health issues. Our team of dedicated practitioners, guided by the principles of Functional Medicine, will work collaboratively with you to create a personalized health plan tailored to your unique needs.