We will meet virtually for four weekly 90-minute sessions to take a deeper, more practical look at what actually drives risk for heart disease and diabetes. While weight, diet, and exercise matter, they are only part of the picture. This course explores the broader landscape of cardiovascular and metabolic risk—including genetic influences, environmental factors, insulin resistance, inflammation, and lipid patterns that are often overlooked in routine care.
By the end of the four weeks, you will have a clearer, more grounded understanding of your cardiovascular and diabetes risk—and, just as importantly, practical steps you can take to protect your health over time.
Program Fee: $299
Program Fee for Vida's FM Concierge Members: $149.50
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; about 12% of adults have diabetes.
While cholesterol and blood sugar (glucose) are important lab markers that are often tracked by your doctor, that is often the extent of what is assessed in a standard approach. But did you know that half of all heart attacks occur in individuals who did not have an elevated cholesterol level?
The conventional prevention strategy does not give us as clear an idea of all the tools available to assess our risk, nor does it dive deep into all the ways in which we can decrease our risk. What can you do about it? (We’re glad you asked.) We have some answers!
Course Overview
Understanding Hidden Lab Factors that Can Keep You Ticking
A key focus of the class is learning how to interpret risk, not just track numbers. We will clearly explain laboratory markers that help reveal earlier and more meaningful patterns—such as insulin, HbA1c, small dense LDL, apoB, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)—and how they fit together to tell a more complete story about metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Labs are not required to participate. For those who want a more personalized experience, optional lab testing prior to the course is recommended, please work with your Physician to complete your lab orders prior to the class so you can follow along using your own results. Or following the class, after you are better informed, we can also decide what you may want to test.
Whether or not you choose testing, the emphasis remains on understanding patterns, asking better questions, and knowing what actions actually reduce risk.
We’ll use lots of simple examples, walk through common patterns, review a few online risk calculators, and provide a practical lab-discussion sheet participants can take to their own clinician.
By doing this deeper dive, we aim to empower you with a nuanced understanding of your unique risk profiles, facilitating informed decision-making and proactive lifestyle changes.
The program is taught by expert physicians who have spent decades caring for women through all stages of menopause, with extensive experience in hormone replacement therapy and integrative medicine. Their depth of clinical knowledge and leadership ensures you receive not only the latest scientific evidence, but also the wisdom of years spent guiding women through this pivotal transition.
Monique Class is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, international lecturer, and Co-Founder of The Center for Functional Medicine. A leading authority in integrative functional gynecology and functional medicine, she combines advanced clinical expertise with a patient-centered approach.
Renowned for her work in women's health, mind-body medicine, and coaching, Monique inspires both patients and healthcare professionals through her national and international lecturers. She holds advanced certifications from The Institute for Functional Medicine, The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, and The Psychosynthesis Institute, along with dual board certifications in coaching from AHNCC and NBC-HWC.
I have been a Naturopathic Doctor for over 30 years. I received my undergraduate degree from Duke University and my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington.
Early in my career, I became deeply involved in the development and application of functional medicine. I previously served as Director of Clinical Research at Metagenics’ Functional Medicine Research Center and later as Director of Medical Education at the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), where I taught functional medicine concepts to clinicians worldwide.
In 2025, I stepped away from my formal role at IFM. I continue to see patients virtually on a limited basis, consult with clinicians and organizations, and focus on expanding online classes and group-based educational programs that translate functional and integrative principles into practical, sustainable care.