Dr. Sarah Lynn Connors

Dr. Sarah Lynn Connors provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Digestive Health

• Acid Reflux (GERD) & Heartburn: Soothing digestive discomfort and preventing acid reflux through personalized dietary and lifestyle modifications.
• Food Sensitivities & Intolerances: Addressing digestive upset, skin issues, fatigue, or other symptoms linked to food sensitivities or intolerances.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) & Functional Bowel Disorders: Holistic support for improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and restoring normal bowel function in individuals with IBS.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Addressing bacterial imbalance in the small intestine through antimicrobial herbs, specific diets (e.g., low FODMAP), and gut motility support.

General Wellness Prevention

• Cardiovascular Health & Cholesterol Management: Preventative strategies and natural therapies to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and promote long-term circulatory wellness.
• Weight Management & Metabolic Health: Addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues, such as hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, or thyroid dysfunction.

Immune Allergy Skin

• Allergies & Hay Fever (Seasonal or Environmental): Supporting your body's ability to cope with allergens through nutritional changes, herbal remedies, and gut health optimization.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Fibromyalgia Support: Naturopathic management of widespread pain, profound fatigue, and other symptoms associated with CFS/ME and fibromyalgia.
• Eczema, Psoriasis & Acne: Addressing underlying causes of chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne, such as gut health, inflammation, and dietary triggers.
• Autoimmune Condition Support (General): Focusing on gut health, identifying triggers, and supporting overall systemic balance in individuals with autoimmune diseases.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Connors can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: Thorough first visit involving an in-depth discussion of your health journey, symptoms, and wellness goals to form a holistic picture.
• Pediatric Naturopathic Care (if specialized): Gentle and natural healthcare for common childhood ailments, immune support, digestive issues, allergies, and skin conditions in infants and children.
• Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Standard physical assessments (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, relevant organ system checks) alongside naturopathic diagnostic techniques.
• Women's Health & Hormone Balancing: Natural approaches to balancing hormones and supporting female reproductive health through all stages of life.
• Men's Health Support: Addressing men's specific health issues such as prostate health, testosterone balance, cardiovascular risk factors, and stress-related conditions.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Connors. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors in ON and the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

At Recharge and Play Wellness Cafe, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Connors frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek guidance from Dr. Connors, their Naturopathic Doctor, when looking for natural ways to support their body's healing and restore their well-being. Through a personalized naturopathic plan, they often achieve regaining a sense of normalcy in their daily life, empowering them to embrace activities like playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time with pleasure and renewed vitality.
• The journey to seeing amazing improvements in their child's digestion, sleep patterns, and overall mood when faced with persistent seasonal allergies or hay fever making them miserable is made more effective with Dr. Connors's expert naturopathic care, often leading to a fulfilling and vibrant return to pastimes like enjoying a wider variety of foods without adverse reactions or digestive distress.
• Naturopathic care with Dr. Connors can be a transformative turning point for those needing help to create a healthier diet and lifestyle plan. The shared goal is achieving a noticeable decrease in vertigo or dizziness episodes, paving the way for a more comfortable daily routine, like sitting through a movie at the cinema or a play without restlessness and a more energetic, balanced life.
• Rediscover your ability to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions or brain fog, and no longer experience joint pain or stiffness that feels inflammatory. Dr. Connors focuses on evidence-based naturopathic treatment plans that support achieving a healthy pregnancy after receiving dedicated support, integrating various therapeutic modalities for optimal and lasting results.

Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Connors, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.

Dr. Connors's practice is located at Recharge and Play Wellness Cafe in the vibrant University District of Waterloo, situated near the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. The clinic is conveniently positioned close to Waterloo Public Square and is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus and ION Light Rail services. Our location is designed to be accessible and welcoming for all patients, with ample parking generally available close to the clinic entrance.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathe) directly without a physician's referral, as direct access is permitted. However, while a referral is not legally required to *see* an ND, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of naturopathic services. It is strongly recommended to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first Naturopathic appointment?

For your first visit, please bring copies of any recent lab test results (blood work, imaging, etc.) from the past 1-2 years. Also, prepare a list of all current medications and natural health supplements, including dosages. If you have a complex medical history, a brief timeline of significant health events can be helpful. Lastly, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details.

What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?

Your initial appointment typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Connors will conduct a detailed discussion about your health concerns, medical history (including family history), diet, lifestyle, stress levels, sleep habits, and environmental exposures. A physical examination may be performed, and the goal is to gather comprehensive information to identify potential root causes. Based on this, a personalized treatment plan will be developed, which may include dietary and lifestyle recommendations, supplements, herbal remedies, and further testing if necessary.

What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?

Medical Doctors (MDs) typically use conventional medicine, including prescription drugs and surgery, to treat specific diseases and symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) focus on a holistic approach, aiming to identify and treat the root causes of health issues using natural therapies such as diet, herbs, homeopathy, and lifestyle modifications. Both practitioners emphasize prevention and patient education and can work together to support your overall health.

Does Recharge and Play Wellness Cafe offer direct billing to private insurance?

Yes, Recharge and Play Wellness Cafe offers direct billing for Naturopathic services to many major private insurance providers. It is advisable to bring your insurance card and confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums or per-visit limits, as well as referral requirements if applicable. Patients are responsible for any portion of the costs not covered by their insurance.

Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?

The required number of sessions varies depending on your health concerns, goals, and response to treatment. Your Naturopathic Doctor will discuss a treatment plan and estimated timeline after your initial assessment and will monitor your progress regularly to adjust the approach as needed.

What types of conditions do Naturopathic Doctors at Recharge and Play Wellness Cafe address?

Our Naturopathic Doctors address a wide range of health concerns, with a focus on identifying and treating the root cause. This includes issues like digestive health, hormonal balance, immune support, skin conditions, and chronic fatigue. Services such as comprehensive health intake, pediatric care, lifestyle counseling, and patient education are utilized to help you reach your health goals.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Naturopathic services provided by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in a private clinic are generally not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage for naturopathic treatments, so it is recommended to check your individual plan's details.

Recharge and Play Wellness Cafe
B13, 550 Parkside Dr
Waterloo, ON, N2L 5V4

Phone: (519) 208-7529

Dr. Sarah Lynn Connors is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 2675

Registration can typically be verified with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Naturopathic medicine aims to support overall health and well-being. It is recommended to maintain a relationship with your medical doctor for conventional medical care, diagnosis of serious conditions, and emergencies. Naturopathic care can often complement conventional treatments.