Student Spotlight
Glen Depke, candidate for Doctor of Naturopathy
“Naturopathy Means Connecting to Life”
When Glen Depke was a teenager, doctors gave him a “good news, bad news” scenario about his brain. After a mysterious seizure disorder rendered him an unsafe driver, a barrage of medical tests ruled out epilepsy and cancer. But having no diagnosis meant no treatment plan – or at least, none that made sense. He tried anti-seizure medications that his family practitioner had prescribed until it was realized the many medications create long-term side effects, such as organ toxicity.
At this time Glen became his own health researcher. With nutrition and lifestyle coaching from an osteopath, Glen has learned how to control these seizures of unknown origin. He found a holistic dentist who freed him from mercury poisoning and he ultimately re-established balance, with only occasional assistance from homeopathic, herbal and enzyme remedies.
Even more important than augmenting his health with various supplements, Glen discovered firsthand that simply choosing a life of good nutrition is the foundation of health. Exercise is important, he says, but “The fuel you put in your body is what is most important.” Supplements can help with your health but they are only as named, supplements. Good individualized nutrition is the key, with supplements used as needed.
“Life is a series of ups and down,” he adds, “and how life treats you is all in your perspective. Learning to be less excitable, I’m becoming more accepting when things go wrong, so that nothing knocks me down. And if we can simply accept life’s good things with humble appreciation we also don’t get too carried away on those high tides that don’t last forever.”
Glen says that this groundedness comes from seeking harmony with earth’s elements. “The hydrotherapies have worked wonders for me, and it’s amazing to me that the general public doesn’t seem to grasp the life-changing benefits of water.”
Another favorite natural therapy is to simply enjoy all the seasons by appreciating nature. Feeling connected to the earth’s cycles is an important aspect of traditional naturopathy. It certainly contributes to his centeredness. In fact, Glen believes that he has the mind/body control to calm his brain and ward off seizures even if he is pushed to that threshold.
“Some of what I learned in CCNH’s “Introduction to Mind/Body Healing” and “Universal Energy and Health” (courses) will last me a lifetime. So now I’m working on a graduate degree, and consulting with fellow CCNH graduate Gail Kopin at Alternative Health Associates in Arlington Heights, Illinois as well as Life Growth Wellness Center in Palos Hills, Illinois. And stay tuned. Glen Depke is also working on two mind/body/spirit books. Their working titles are We Do It To Ourselves and Don’t Fall Off the Edge.
“People have gotten out of touch with what it’s like to feel healthy. I like to help those who are motivated (to) see how great it is to finally recover their energy and vitality.” Among my greatest joys is helping people discover their own nutritional integrity.”
For more information: www.depkewellness.com
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