My Body, My Health, My Responsibility — 'Hire' Your Doctor

It is "SPRING CLEANING" time!  Not just for our homes or cars, but, for ourselves. 

We, personally, are responsible for our health.  Unless, we are in a profound state of needing care. Then, of course, we must depend upon family, doctors and skilled caregivers.

Having been in the medical fields for over thirty years, it has been a passion of mine to assist the patient in understanding the doctors direction and requests.  So many times the patient leaves the office with a list of medications, instructions for procedures, tests,etc., and does not understand the how or why to any of this.

Are you of the thought that what your doctor or alternative care practitioner says is "THE WORD?"  

Many individuals feel that they cannot question, or give suggestions as to their own care, or that of a loved one to the doctor.  Or have "fear" in informing the doctor that they will be seeking a second opinion.  The generation of a doctor being on the same level as "GOD" - just do as he/she says.

WE are responsible for OUR OWN HEALTH and WELL BEING!  We hire the doctors for their knowledge and expertise in a particular field of care.  How many of us have "interviewed" a doctor we were considering using as a primary care or for a special issue?  If we take the time to interview the plumber, electrician, carpenter,etc., why NOT the doctor?  Why NOT the person who, we believe, will assist us in having a healthy and balanced life?

Your doctor is not "above" you, unless you put him or her there.  Their JOB is to examine, gather information and give to you, their patient, their EDUCATED OPINION after putting all the information together.  And then, when you BOTH agree on the plan, you, the patient is "treated."

Here are some suggestions that you might find useful.  Before you go to your next appointment with your physician, prepare a list of questions that you wish answers to.  This would include a list of each of your medications, the name, dose, how and when taken and WHY!  Do you know why you take the medications or supplements you take?  Are they compatible with other supplements or medications?  Your doctor and pharmacist all need to know everything you take.  That is part of your responsibility.  Keeping that a "secret" can cause you health issues you did not expect.

Any individual(s) you choose to assist you in your acquiring and maintaining a healthy and balanced life are ASSISTING you.  Your health IS your responsibility.  The doctor(s) you choose ARE your responsibility.  You truly cannot step into the shoes of a victim and say "he told me to take the pills, I didn't know or ask what for".  At that point you have volunteered for poor health care.

Of course, there are instances that would slip "between the cracks", but, for the most-part, it is each of us who are responsible and cannot point our finger because we chose someone who was poorly informed, educated, ego-centered, or unprofessional.   Living on the East End of Long Island we are blessed, especially over the last 10 years, to have more highly qualified physicians, surgeons and support staff available for our needs.  It is their responsibility to do their best * It is our responsibility to ask questions, follow our instinct and ask more questions.

Wishing all a HEALTHY and beautiful Spring!