In this Issue:
Greetings
[[firstname]],
Are You Seeing the Right Doctor?
Raise your hand if you’ve got a wonderful, primary care doctor that you trust
and adore? Not many hands up, are there? That’s no surprise to this kat.
Amidst the hullabaloo about health care in last week's newsletter, one key
problem sticks out: the lack of primary care physicians (much less good
primary care doctors).
The alarming truth is primary care internal medicine residencies have dropped
more than 50% in the past decade.
Much as we’d all like to avoid trips to the doctor, if you can find the right
primary doctor he/she can be an excellent partner in your journey to health and
well-being. But how do you find this mythical person? That is this week’s
million dollar question!
First, you’ve got to find someone who’s taking new patients. Then, you’ll
need to confirm they take your insurance. Next, you’ll need to wait a few weeks
(or longer) to get your 12 minute appointment.
Most likely, a nurse or technician will take your history and vitals.
Finally, you’ll meet the doctor, hoping against hope for chemistry. Do they
agree with your healthcare philosophy? What’s their stance on vitamins,
supplements, and alternative therapies? Do you like this person?
It’s a little like internet dating. You go in wildly optimistic, but most
often end up sorely disappointed. But, like dating, all it takes is one.
Did you know that
69% of those
50 or older who use Complimentary Alternative Medicine (CAM) such as
acupuncture, supplements, and meditation do not talk to their doctors about what
they are doing?
The reasons cited include “the doctor didn’t ask” (42%), “I didn’t know I
should” (30%), and “there wasn’t enough time” (19%). That’s a little like not
telling a first date you are engaged to someone else!
My wager is most doctors don’t ask because they don’t know enough about CAM
or they don’t believe in these alternative therapies. Luckily, that’s starting
to change.
The Co-op’s favorite physician, Dr. Rodier, after vigorously studying for the Utah
Medical Boards, reports that for the first time ever the boards will include
questions about nutritional supplements. Featured questions include Saw Palmetto
for prostate problems, Omega oils for heart concerns, and Vitamin D for
osteoporosis and insulin resistance.
It's about time, too, given that 38% of adults use some form of complimentary
or alternative medicine.
According to a survey conducted by NCCAM and the National Center for Health
Statistics, the top five natural products taken by adults are: (drum roll,
please!) … Fish Oil/Omega 3 (37% & the Kat’s favorite!), Glucosamine (20%),
Echinacea (20%), Flaxseed Oil (16%) and Ginseng (14%).
As a Co-op member, this kat knows you are more enlightened than most folks
out there. But do you talk to your doctor about the supplements you are taking?
Do you challenge him about alternative therapies when he takes out his Big Pharma
prescription pad? Will she answer your questions via email? Does she
support your holistic approach to health?
If he doesn’t, consider finding a new primary care doctor, preferably one who
believes in holistic health solutions and in the body’s ability to heal itself.
Which brings us back to our million dollar question. How do you find this
needle-in-a-haystack doctor? The one who is trained in both traditional and
alternative medical practices and who works with you to achieve physical,
emotional, and spiritual health.
Start by asking friends and family. Don’t be afraid to call up the doctor’s
office and ask questions in advance of scheduling a visit. If they’re rude or
impatient, this is not the office for you!
There are two online sources for Holistic Doctors:
American Holistic
Medical Association and
American Academy of Environmental Medicine. You might also try a Google or
Bing search of “Holistic MD Your Town and State” and see what comes up.
Many areas have local directories posted online. These doctors are educated
and trained in traditional medicine and hold a medical degree (MD, Medical
Doctor or DO, Osteopathic Doctor), but they also are steeped in alternative
treatments. You can also look for a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) who is trained
specifically to help the body heal itself.
Cindy is a big fan of Naturopathic Doctors trained by Bastyr University in
Washington. Bastyr has an excellent reputation, and the Co-op has worked with
several Bastyr university as part of a world-class consulting team.
As a rule, holistic practitioners believe pharmaceuticals and surgery should
be prescribed only when other methods have been exhausted. This kat couldn’t
agree more.
All this kat can say is I’m glad it’s not as hard to find a good
veterinarian! Good luck with your search and if you’ve got—or find—a really good
primary doctor in your neck of the woods, let us know.
With your doctor’s permission, we can post his or her name and contact information
at the Co-op to share with our other fine members.
'Til next time, fair members!
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser,
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op, Incorporated
4188 Westroads Drive, Unit 123
Riviera Beach, FL 33407
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