The Flourish After Cancer Podcast

39: Cancer Treatment Depletes Your Nutrients. Here’s What That Means.

Treatment places a significant demand on your body, increasing nutrient use while often decreasing intake and absorption at the same time. And when those nutrients aren’t replenished, it can impact how you feel, how you heal, and how well your body is able to protect you long-term.
In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, Dr. Megan breaks down why nutrient depletion happens after treatment, how it impacts recovery and recurrence risk, and how to start thinking about rebuilding your body in a more targeted way.
✨ Episode Relevant Resources
Episode 36: The One Vitamin I Swear By For Cancer Recurrence Prevention
The Blood Work Clarity Guide For Cancer Survivors: http://flourishaftercancer.com/bloodworkclarity
Work with us in The Roadmap To Recovery: http://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps
⚠️ This is a must-listen if:
You’ve finished cancer treatment but still feel tired, foggy, or not like yourself
You’ve been told your symptoms are “normal” but don’t feel like they should be
You’re trying to support your health but feel unsure what actually matters
You want to reduce recurrence risk in a more personalized, research-backed way
You’re tired of guessing with supplements and want more clarity
💊  In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why nutrient deficiencies are so common after cancer treatment
The key reasons nutrients become depleted (intake, absorption, and demand)
The most common deficiencies seen after treatment and how they impact the body
How low nutrients can affect energy, healing, inflammation, an immune function
Why taking supplements without context often doesn’t lead to results
✨ Let’s Connect!
Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s talk through what support could look like for you:👉 https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps
Follow me:Instagram: @MeganBernardNDFacebook: @MeganBernardNDWebsite: https://flourishaftercancer.com/
 
Medical Disclaimer:The information provided in these videos and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.

38: Phytoestrogens: The Fear, The Facts, and What Matters

Phytoestrogens are one of the most misunderstood topics in nutrition—especially for women navigating life after cancer.
You’ve probably heard some version of this:“Soy feeds cancer.”“Estrogen is dangerous.”“Avoid these foods just to be safe.”
In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, Dr. Megan breaks down what phytoestrogens really are, where the fear came from, and how to think about these foods in a way that feels grounded, informed, and supportive—not restrictive.
Episode relevant resources:
E17 Sexual Health And Hormone Therapy After Cancer
E18 Don’t Let Weak Bones Haunt You: Building Bone Health After Menopause & Cancer Treatment 
E19 Are Hormone-Blocking Medications Protecting You—Or Hurting You? Let's Assess.
E33 Are There Natural Alternatives to Tamoxifen and Other Hormone Therapies?
⚠️ This is a must-listen if:
What phytoestrogens actually are—and how they behave differently than estrogen in the body
Where phytoestrogens are found in everyday foods (and why they’re more common than you think)
What human research shows about soy and cancer recurrence risk
Why early studies created so much confusion—and why that information stuck
How your gut health influences how your body responds to these compounds
💊 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Include whole food sources of phytoestrogens like flaxseeds, tofu, tempeh, lentils, and seeds in a balanced way
Aim for consistency over extremes—moderate intake (like 1 serving of soy or 1–2 tbsp flax daily) is where benefits are seen
Focus on gut health to support how your body processes these compounds
Avoid relying on soy or isoflavone supplements—they don’t work the same way as whole foods
Let go of all-or-nothing thinking—these foods are not something you need to fear or eliminate
I’m Dr Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I have worked with hundreds of women globally to rebuild their health after cancer and reduce recurrence risk using research-backed nutrition, lifestyle strategies, functional testing, and individualized support — so they can feel strong, confident, and free to enjoy their lives again.
 
✨ Let’s Connect!
Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s talk through what support could look like for you:👉 https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps
 
Follow me:Instagram: @MeganBernardNDFacebook: @MeganBernardNDWebsite: https://flourishaftercancer.com/
 
Medical Disclaimer:The information provided in these videos and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.

37: A Cancer-Killing Supplement That's Worth Your Time (but here's the catch)

Curcumin is one of the most talked-about supplements in the cancer space. It’s a regulator of your internal environment—influencing inflammation, cell signaling, detoxification, and more. And when used properly, it can be a powerful part of reducing recurrence risk.
But what most people don’t realize is this:it’s not just whether you take curcumin…it’s how, when, and why that actually determines if it helps.
In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, Dr. Megan breaks down what curcumin is really doing inside the body, why it shows up so often in cancer research, and why it’s also one of the most misunderstood supplements she sees in practice.
⚠️ This is a must-listen if:
You’ve heard curcumin or turmeric can help prevent cancer… but don’t know what’s actually true
You’re currently taking curcumin and aren’t sure if it’s the right form or dose
You feel overwhelmed by supplement advice and want clarity, not guesswork
You want to reduce recurrence risk in a way that’s targeted and research-informed
You’re tired of being told to “just take this” without understanding why
💊 In this episode, you’ll learn:
The difference between turmeric and curcumin—and why it matters for results
Why curcumin is so widely studied in cancer (and what it’s actually doing in the body)
How curcumin supports key pathways like inflammation, cell turnover, and detoxification
The biggest mistake people make: poor absorption (and which forms actually work)
How to think about dose, timing, and whether curcumin is right for your body
I’m Dr Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I have worked with hundreds of women globally to rebuild their health after cancer and reduce recurrence risk using research-backed nutrition, lifestyle strategies, functional testing, and individualized support — so they can feel strong, confident, and free to enjoy their lives again.
 
✨ Let’s Connect!
Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s talk through what support could look like for you:👉 https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps
 
Follow me:Instagram: @MeganBernardNDFacebook: @MeganBernardNDWebsite: https://flourishaftercancer.com/
 
Medical Disclaimer:The information provided in these videos and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.

36: The One Vitamin I Swear By For Cancer Recurrence Prevention

Vitamin D is often talked about like it’s just about bones. But in cancer care, and especially after treatment, vitamin D is doing quiet, foundational work across multiple systems that influence cancer recurrence risk.
In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, Dr. Megan breaks down what vitamin D is actually doing in the body, why deficiency is so common after cancer, and how this often-overlooked nutrient supports immune balance, inflammation regulation, cell signaling, and hormonal health after treatment.
🔗 Episode Relevant Resources
The First 4 Steps To Staying Cancer Free After Cancer: www.FlourishAfterCancer.com/Presentation 
The Blood Work Clarity Guide For Cancer Thrivers: http://flourishaftercancer.com/bloodworkclarity
E03 The Important Blood Work Your Oncologist Isn't Ordering
E18 Don’t Let Weak Bones Haunt You: Building Bone Health After Menopause & Cancer Treatment  
⚠️ This is a must-listen if:
You’ve been told your vitamin D is “normal” but still don’t feel confident
You’ve heard “just get more sun” and wonder if that’s actually enough
You want to reduce recurrence risk without aggressive or fear-based strategies
You’re rebuilding your health after cancer and want clarity, not guesswork
You’re tired of one-size-fits-all supplement advice
💊 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why vitamin D acts more like a hormone than a vitamin and why that matters after cancer
How vitamin D supports immune surveillance without driving chronic inflammation
The role vitamin D plays in regulating cell growth and cellular cleanup
Why vitamin D deficiency is so common after cancer treatment
What vitamin D testing actually tells us and why sun exposure alone isn’t enough
 
I’m Dr Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I have worked with hundreds of women globally to rebuild their health after cancer and reduce recurrence risk using research-backed nutrition, lifestyle strategies, functional testing, and individualized support — so they can feel strong, confident, and free to enjoy their lives again.
 
✨ Let’s Connect!
Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s talk through what support could look like for you:👉 https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps
 
Follow me:Instagram: @MeganBernardNDFacebook: @MeganBernardNDWebsite: https://flourishaftercancer.com/
 
Medical Disclaimer:The information provided in these videos and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.

35: ❤️ This Is the Health Risk No One Prepared You For After Cancer

Many cancer survivors are never told that their risk for cardiovascular disease increases after treatment. But cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in North America, and cancer survivors face an even higher risk due to treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and hormone-altering therapies.
In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, I walk you through why heart health deserves intentional attention after cancer, what most standard screening misses, and how cardiovascular disease prevention fits naturally into long-term cancer recovery.
🔗 Episode Relevant Resources
The Blood Work Clarity Guide For Cancer Thrivers: https://flourishaftercancer.com/bloodworkclarity 
E08 Is Your IGF-1 Fueling or Fighting Cancer?
E18 Don’t Let Weak Bones Haunt You: Building Bone Health After Menopause & Cancer Treatment 
E25 Does Sugar Really Feed Cancer?
⚠️ This is a must-listen if:
You’ve finished cancer treatment with OR without heart problems and want to protect your long-term heart health
No one explained how cancer treatments can affect your heart
You’ve been told your labs are “normal,” but still feel uncertain about heart health
You want prevention guidance that feels clear and doable
✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why cancer survivors face higher cardiovascular risk after treatment
Which blood markers offer better screening, including ApoB and lipoprotein(a)
Why online risk calculators (like PREVENT) can miss key survivor-specific factors
How heart health support overlaps with cancer recurrence prevention
I’m Dr Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I have worked with hundreds of women globally to rebuild their health after cancer and reduce recurrence risk using research-backed nutrition, lifestyle strategies, functional testing, and individualized support — so they can feel strong, confident, and free to enjoy their lives again.
 
✨ Let’s Connect!
Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s talk through what support could look like for you:👉 https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps
 
Follow me:Instagram: @MeganBernardNDFacebook: @MeganBernardNDWebsite: https://flourishaftercancer.com/
 
Medical Disclaimer:The information provided in these videos and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.

34: Your Liver After Cancer: What It Really Needs

After cancer treatment, many women are left with the sense that something in their body still feels off. Energy may be lower than expected, hormones feel unpredictable, digestion changes, and there’s often a lingering feeling of sluggishness or inflammation. It’s no surprise that many start wondering if they need a detox. In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, I explain how the liver actually supports recovery after cancer and why trendy detoxes often miss the real physiology. We talk about how the liver processes medications and estrogen, environmental contaminants, regulates inflammation and metabolic signals, and to better support it than doing a restrictive cleanse. I also cover how nutrition, testing, and targeted supplements can support these systems so the body can rebuild metabolic resilience after treatment.
🔗 Episode Relevant Resources
The First 4 Steps To Staying Cancer Free After Cancer: www.FlourishAfterCancer.com/Presentation 
The Blood Work Clarity Guide For Cancer Thrivers: http://flourishaftercancer.com/bloodworkclarity 
⚠️ This is a must-listen if:
You’ve been wondering whether you “need a detox” after cancer treatment
You still feel sluggish, inflamed, or hormonally off months or years after treatment
You want to understand how the liver actually supports recovery and recurrence prevention
You’re confused by detox messaging online and want a science-based perspective
✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
How cancer treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapy place metabolic demand on the liver
The roles protein, fiber, cruciferous vegetables, hydration, and nutrients play in liver function
Which blood markers provide insight into liver health
When targeted supplements may support liver function and when they aren’t necessary
I’m Dr Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I have worked with hundreds of women globally to rebuild their health after cancer and reduce recurrence risk using research-backed nutrition, lifestyle strategies, functional testing, and individualized support — so they can feel strong, confident, and free to enjoy their lives again.
 
✨ Let’s Connect!
Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s talk through what support could look like for you:👉 https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps
 
Follow me:Instagram: @MeganBernardNDFacebook: @MeganBernardNDWebsite: https://flourishaftercancer.com/
 
Medical Disclaimer:The information provided in these videos and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.

33: Are There Natural Alternatives to Tamoxifen and Other Hormone Therapies?

After hormone-positive cancer, one of the most common questions women ask is whether there’s a natural alternative to medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. This question doesn’t come from resistance — it comes from lived experience.
Side effects can be relentless.The idea of long-term medication can feel heavy.And online, there’s no shortage of promises about “natural estrogen blockers.”
In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, I walk through how hormone therapy medications work in the body and where natural strategies do have an important and meaningful role.
We unpack why so many women are drawn to the idea of “natural estrogen blockers” and how online messaging often blurs the line between support and replacement. I also explain how to think about estrogen metabolism, side effect management, and long-term health in a way that moves beyond all-or-nothing decisions.
🔗 Episode Relevant Resources
The First 4 Steps To Staying Cancer Free After Cancer: www.FlourishAfterCancer.com/Presentation 
E17: Sexual Health And Hormone Therapy After Cancer
E19: Are Hormone-Blocking Medications Protecting You—Or Hurting You? Let's Assess.
E28 Cancer Recurrence Risk Isn’t Fixed: What Epigenetics Shows Us
⚠️ This is a must-listen if:
You’ve wondered whether supplements or natural therapies can replace hormone therapy
You’re struggling with side effects and want better support
You feel confused by conflicting online information
Confidence in what natural strategies can support without false promises
✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why there is no proven natural replacement for hormone-blocking or estrogen-lowering medications
How tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors work differently — and why that matters
What natural strategies can support estrogen metabolism without replacing medication
How to think through these decisions without all-or-nothing thinking
 
I’m Dr Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I have worked with hundreds of women globally to rebuild their health after cancer and reduce recurrence risk using research-backed nutrition, lifestyle strategies, functional testing, and individualized support — so they can feel strong, confident, and free to enjoy their lives again.
 
✨ Let’s Connect!
Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s talk through what support could look like for you:👉 https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps
 
Follow me:Instagram: @MeganBernardNDFacebook: @MeganBernardNDWebsite: https://flourishaftercancer.com/
 
Medical Disclaimer:The information provided in these videos and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.

32: Is It Really Gone? How to Check for Recurrence Without a Scan

Clear Scans… but still wondering “is it gone?”
After cancer treatment ends, many women are left with a quiet, persistent question:How do I know if the cancer is really gone?
In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, I teach about more modern and advanced post-treatment testing — including blood tests that can sometimes detect cancer-related signals earlier than scans.
This episode is designed to help you:
Exhale and step out of constant vigilance
Understand what these tests are actually telling you (and what they aren’t)
Learn how to think about recurrence monitoring without living in fear
This is a grounded, science-informed conversation about clarity — not chasing certainty.
🔗 Episode Relevant Resources
The First 4 Steps To Staying Cancer Free After Cancer: www.FlourishAfterCancer.com/Presentation 
Work with us! Visit www.FlourishAfterCancer.com/NextSteps to learn more
Natera company (Signatera test for ctDNA - no affiliations): www.natera.com 
RGCC testing (no affiliations): www.rgcc-international.com/tests 
⚠️ This is a must-listen if:
You’ve been told your scans are “clear,” but still don’t feel fully at ease
You’ve heard about blood tests that can detect cancer sooner than imaging
You’re wondering if you should be monitoring more than you currently are
You feel anxious between follow-ups or scans
You want to reduce recurrence risk without living test-to-test
✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why there is no single test that can prove cancer is “truly gone”
What molecular residual disease (MRD) actually means in plain language
How blood-based monitoring tools differ (ctDNA, CTCs, and tumor markers)
Where tumor-informed ctDNA tests (like Signatera) fit — and where they don’t
💡 You’ll leave this episode with:
A calmer, clearer understanding of post-treatment testing
Less pressure to chase certainty through constant monitoring
A framework for deciding when MRD testing is helpful — and when it isn’t
More confidence in how to think about “clear scans” and blood tests
A grounded mindset around recurrence prevention that supports both your body and your nervous system
 
I’m Dr Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I have worked with hundreds of women globally to rebuild their health after cancer and reduce recurrence risk using research-backed nutrition, lifestyle strategies, functional testing, and individualized support — so they can feel strong, confident, and free to enjoy their lives again.
 
✨ Let’s Connect!
Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s talk through what support could look like for you:👉 https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps
 
Follow me:Instagram: @MeganBernardNDFacebook: @MeganBernardNDWebsite: https://flourishaftercancer.com/
 
Medical Disclaimer:The information provided in these videos and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.
 

31: Fasting: The Cancer Strategy That Requires You to Do Less

Here’s one thing you can actually stop doing, instead of adding more, when it comes to reducing recurrence risk.
For once, a cancer-related topic that isn’t about buying another supplement, stacking another protocol, or doing more.
Of course… there’s nuance.
You can’t just not eat forever — and not all fasting is created equal.
 
In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, we break down what fasting actually means, why it shows up in cancer research, and how to decide whether it helps, or harms, in your specific body.
 
⚠️ This is a must-listen if:
You’ve heard fasting might help prevent recurrence but feel unsure
You’re confused by all the different “types” of fasting
You’re wondering if you should try 14:10, 5:2, or something more intense
You feel pressure to “do more” after cancer
You want to understand the science without hype
 
✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
What fasting actually means (and why definitions are messy)
Why fasting is studied in cancer
The potential anti-cancer benefits of fasting
The different types of fasting explained clearly
Why fasting can backfire after cancer
How we think about fasting clinically
 
💡 You’ll leave this episode with:
A clear understanding of different fasting types
A realistic view of potential anti-cancer benefits
Relief from all-or-nothing thinking
Confidence to decide if fasting fits your stage of recovery
A reminder that precision beats pressure
 
🔗 Episode Relevant Resources
Watch my free training: www.FlourishAfterCancer.com/presentation
Work with me and my team in The Roadmap To Recovery: www.FlourishAfterCancer.com/nextsteps
Referenced Paper: Marinac CR, Nelson SH, Breen CI, Hartman SJ, Natarajan L, Pierce JP, Flatt SW, Sears DD, Patterson RE. Prolonged Nightly Fasting and Breast Cancer Prognosis. JAMA Oncol. 2016 Aug 1;2(8):1049-55. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2016.0164. PMID: 27032109; PMCID: PMC4982776.
 
I’m Dr Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I support women after cancer with research-backed nutrition, lifestyle, and personalized strategies to reduce recurrence risk — so they can feel strong, clear, and supported in their next chapter.
 
✨ Let’s Connect
Book a free Roadmap Call:
👉 https://www.flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps
 
Follow along:
Instagram: @MeganBernardND
Facebook: @MeganBernardND
Website: https://www.flourishaftercancer.com
 
Medical Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to medications, supplements, or lifestyle. This content is not a substitute for individualized medical advice or care.

30: Off Label Drugs In Cancer

Off-label medications are a hot topic in the cancer world right now.
You’re hearing names like GLP-1s, ivermectin, and fenbendazole tossed around in comments, DMs, and late-night Google searches… but when you go looking for clear, trustworthy information?
There’s not much.
So I brought in the best person I know for this conversation: Dr Paul Anderson. Dr. Anderson has spent decades working at the intersection of integrative medicine, complex chronic illness, and cancer.
 
One of the most important takeaways: the world of repurposed medications is much bigger than what’s trending on social media. There are many categories that researchers and clinicians explore in oncology, including:
diabetes medications
statins (cholesterol medications)
antibiotics
antifungal medications
antiviral medications, and more
In this conversation, we focus on the ones people are asking about the most right now — GLP-1s and popular antiparasitics like ivermectin and fenbendazole — and we talk through what they do, why they’re being discussed, and what to watch for.
 
🔗 Episode Relevant Resources:
I highly recommend checking out Dr Anderson's books at https://dranow.com/
You can find Dr Anderson on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@DrA-Online
E22 How To Block Cancer Recurrence by Changing The Tumor Neighbourhood: https://youtu.be/x9nQeqEPYzw
E25 Does Sugar Really Feed Cancer?: https://youtu.be/XiWJ1betH5w
E11 STOP Killing Cancer Cells - You’re Wasting Your Time. Do This Instead: https://youtu.be/3TP3jZ7T4fk
⚠️ This is a must-listen if:
You keep hearing about off-label meds and feel unsure what’s real vs hype
You want to reduce recurrence risk without taking a “throw everything at it” approach
You’re curious about GLP-1s, ivermectin, or fenbendazole — but want context and safety
You want to understand how these tools relate to the tumor microenvironment
You want guidance that supports both your long-term health and your nervous system
💊 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why off-label medications are being explored in cancer care — and why this category is broader than most people realize
What GLP-1s may suggest about cancer risk and longevity, and what we still don’t know yet
Why antiparasitics like ivermectin and benzimidazoles (including fenbendazole) show up in oncology conversations
How these drugs may influence the tumor microenvironment — and why that matters in recurrence prevention
The key risks, limitations, and monitoring considerations that often get skipped online
💡 You’ll leave this episode with:
A clearer way to think about off-label meds without fear-based urgency
Better questions to ask before adding any medication to your plan
A stronger understanding of why foundations (food, movement, metabolic health, muscle mass) still matter most
More confidence in what’s worth exploring — and what’s probably not
I’m Dr Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I support women after cancer with research-backed nutrition, lifestyle, and personalized strategies to reduce recurrence risk — so they can feel strong, clear, and supported in their next chapter.
 
✨ Let’s Connect
Book a free Roadmap Call:
👉 https://www.flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps
 
Follow along:
Instagram: @MeganBernardND
Facebook: @MeganBernardND
Website: https://www.flourishaftercancer.com
 
Medical Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to medications, supplements, or lifestyle. This content is not a substitute for individualized medical advice or care.