Working as an ICU nurse during COVID inspired Kristen Giancola of Grosse Pointe Farms to become more health conscious and focus on preventative and holistic medicine. "I felt that if my patients had just had some intervention 20 or 30 years prior, maybe they wouldn't have ended up in the ICU," she says. "So, I really wanted to work on solutions for what we all could do to stay healthy instead of trying to treat our illnesses later."
Initially, she and her husband, Dominic, considered opening a nutraceutical IV infusion center, but when they learned about all the services that iCRYO offered, they felt it was the perfect fit for their goals.
"When I found iCRYO and realized that not only did they have IV infusions, but all of these other preventative methods, I felt like it was the missing link in our community," she says. "We have access to fitness and healthy eating, but we still regularly combat chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in our environment. Our goal is to support our guests with both their physical and mental health by providing a variety of anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and immune-boosting treatments."
The iCRYO franchise was founded in 2015 and now has over 300 locations worldwide. This winter, the couple looks forward to opening an iCRYO center right here in Grosse Pointe and plans to open others in Shelby Township, Rochester, and Birmingham.
"We want to take it a step further and build relationships with functional medicine doctors, nutritionists, and personal trainers," says Kristen. "This way, when someone walks in our doors and tells us what their issues are, we can help them full circle. In addition to what we offer, people also need to eat well, do resistance training, and work out. And, maybe there's something else going on, which is where a functional medicine doctor comes in."
iCRYO offers various treatments, such as vitamin infusions, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, red light therapy, and cryotherapy, to help prevent and combat excess stress, boost immune systems, and reduce seasonal depression.
"Seasonal depression usually manifests as feeling tired, sluggish, and having that overall chronic fatigue we get around this time of year," she says. "It can manifest even deeper with chronic sadness, and a lot of people don't even realize they have it." She explains it's due to a lack of sunlight and low vitamin D levels.
Here are some of the most requested services at iCRYO during the colder months and what Kristen says research has shown as their benefits:
IV Infusions:
One of their most popular products is the Meyers Pro, which contains various important nutrients that can help fight muscle cramps, headaches, colds, and flu. It can also boost energy levels.
Another is its Immunity IV with B complex, vitamin C, and zinc, which is great for helping prevent illnesses and flu. It also improves recovery time if you're already sick.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:
Slows down the aging process and prevents age-related conditions. It also helps relieve inflammation, elevate antioxidants, and stimulate stem cells.
Ozone Therapy:
Protects against illness and fights infections by increasing antioxidants in the blood. "It has excellent health benefits in dental caries and decreases blood cholesterol," she says. "It also stimulates antioxidative responses, modifies oxygenation in resting muscle, and is used in complementary treatment of hypoxic and ischemic syndromes."
Red Light Therapy:
Helps reduce pain and inflammation, improves skin and sleep, and enhances mood. It also boosts serotonin levels, improving overall mood and combating seasonal depression.
"Our stress shows on our face, so reducing this stress is great for our skin. Most people know about red-light masks, but this is actually a full red-light bed."
Cryotherapy:
Naturally boosts mood, mental clarity, and energy levels due to endorphin release triggered by the cold, which reduces stress and seasonal depression.
One of the many things that Kristen really loves about this new career path is that it still lets her use her nursing skills. Her sister-in-law, Adrienne Jasica, another nurse, will assist her, while Dominic, who has owned his own company for 15 years, will help them manage the business as needed.
"We will have several registered nurses, but then we're also governed by a board of physicians," she says. "We have telemedicine doctors who prescribe the IV infusions and various other medical treatments."
Another reason Kristen wanted to own her own business is that it would leave more time for family. "My husband and I became foster parents, and we have since adopted our 11-year-old son, Jayceon. He's so sweet, and this business will keep me close to home."
She adds, "Our goal with iCRYO is to support our guests' physical and mental health by providing a variety of anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, immune-boosting, preventative, and regenerative treatments that we can customize."
"Seasonal depression usually manifests as feeling tired, sluggish, and having that overall chronic fatigue we get around this time of year. It can manifest even deeper with chronic sadness, and a lot of people don't even realize they have it."