News Taffy

Have you ever thought about what your doctor wishes you would do for your own health? What does your doctor do in regards to his or her own health and that of their family? There are plenty of things you can do that would improve your health, so let’s examine them.

Take care of yourself! Stop smoking and eating food that is not good for you. Get off your butt and exercise. Quit thinking that your doctor can cure or fix every bad thing you do to your body. Take responsibility for your own health.

If you do have a medical problem, educate yourself. An informed patient is better able to discuss options, understand the treatment and outcomes. There are plenty of good resources on the web to read and you can ask your doctor for pamphlets and other information. Attend any seminars or support groups if they are available.

Take the medicine you are prescribed as directed. If the medicine is having an adverse affect on you or you think you are better, don’t just stop taking the medicine. Call the pharmacist and your doctor to let them know what problems you are having. Your medicine can be adjusted or changed. Don’t stop taking a medicine because you feel better, particularly for chronic problems. Discuss this issue with your doctor first. If you stop taking your medicine, your condition may return or worsen. If you can’t afford your medicine, talk to your doctor. There are many programs to help patients pay for medicines or the doctor may be able to prescribe a cheaper drug.

Get regular checkups for your eyes, teeth and general health. Problems can be spotted and corrected before they become too far gone for the doctor to cure. Wouldn’t you rather have a cavity filled than a tooth pulled, for example? This includes a yearly gynecological check up ladies! Men, you need to have your prostate checked around age 50, no matter how unpleasant. Check ups can be time consuming and a pain in the lower regions but a prolonged stay in the hospital, big medical bills, pain and surgery are worse.

Don’t ignore symptoms or problems especially if they worsen or are prolonged. Waiting too long may mean longer treatment or recovery time or that you can’t be cured at all. You may have heard in the news recently about the circumcision that turned into an amputation because the doctor found skin cancer instead. The patient is now suing because he wanted the circumcision for “inflammation” but the doctor said the cancerous lesion resembled “rotting cauliflower”. That is exactly what I mean by ignoring problems until it is too late.

Perhaps the worst patient is the non-compliant patient. There is no point in going to the doctor repeatedly if you don’t follow their advice, take the medicine prescribed or keep up the treatment. Doctors find non-compliant patients very frustrating and eventually don’t give them their wholehearted attention. If you feel the need for another opinion, get one. If you don’t like your current doctor, find another. Just don’t waste everyone’s time if you have no intention of following medical advice.

Taking care of yourself is not someone else’s responsibility. Be an active participant in your health and you will reap the benefits. Life is so much better when we feel good.

Until next week,
Lisa