Nearly a decade ago, Texas native Yaser Elqutub played pro ball for the Canadian Football League’s British Columbia Lions. Now the former linebacker-turned-doctor of osteopathy—Elqutub attended the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine—is launching his own practice in Dallas.
But when Elqutub opened Purposeful Healing Direct Primary Care with physical therapist Mark Anthony Rodriguez earlier this fall, he wasn’t sure Dallas had seen anything like it before.
“To my knowledge, nothing has been done like this before in that a doctor of osteopathy and a physical therapist partner together to treat ailments,” Elqutub says. “Our services are broad and encompass our holistic approach to medicine.”
Requiring the same level of training and licensing as medical doctors, osteopathic doctors focus on the whole body in their patient care, while also factoring in environment and lifestyle. The idea behind Elqutub’s Dallas practice, which officially opened September 1, was to apply these principles. The practice is rooted in the notion of providing a holistic wellness option at an affordable cost, the primary care physician says.
We caught up with Elqutub to learn more about how his football career, lifelong focus on wellness, and medical training shape his approach to a healthy lifestyle.
First of all, what does “healthy” mean to you?
Healthy is a biproduct of the body’s ability to heal itself. One of the tenets of osteopathy is that form follows function. Meaning that if the body is in alignment, then the body has the capability to heal itself. If for any reason the body is not in alignment, albeit physical traumas, emotional traumas, poor diet, poor sleep, or environment, then the body’s ability to heal itself may be hindered. Normally our body has the capability to recover from these traumas; however, there may be a breaking point in our lives where we start to notice various health ailments or pain. It does not matter what age you are, finding the root of this impedance is critical to allowing the body to heal itself.
Well, with that ideology in mind, how do you start your day on a healthy note?
It’s a combination of several things practiced all at once, some of which have become unconscious at this point. First, at the core of my being, I know what the purpose of life is. I also know what my purpose in life is. My faith in God is solidified, and that’s what gives me the foundation to know that everything is going to be alright. In terms of regimen, I usually wake up early, around 5 a.m. and get my workout at the gym for the day. I take my daily Wellness Formula tablets for prevention of illness and as an immune support. My mood and workouts are driven by gratitude, knowing that there are way too many blessings for us to count in life.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town and favorite workout? The perfect combination, right?
Chipotle, hands down! In order for me to get healthy calories without breaking the bank, Chipotle is the way to go. But I am also a huge fan of Flower Child and True Food Kitchen. For my favorite workout, weightlifting, especially leg day. I have many places where I work out, such as the clinic gym, LA Fitness, or at my apartment gym. I am also a huge fan of sports like basketball or Tiger Ball.
Any wellness goals you would like to share with D Magazine readers?
Never underestimate how much things like physical and emotional trauma, diet, sleep, stress, and spirituality can affect our health. I’ve had the opportunity to work with thousands of patients, and the key difference between those who have vitality and longevity is how they took care of themselves overtime, and if they are balanced in mind, body, and spirit.
How do you end your day on a healthy note?
For the most part I tend to eat healthier food options, mostly plants and meats from organic sources. I take time to be present with my family and be mindful of the moment I am in. I also pray with my oldest son every night before bed.
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