As people grow older, they tend to visit more doctors in greater frequency in order maintain optimal health and treat age related medical conditions. Regular visits with doctors and other healtcare providers can save your life and dramatically improve your overall health status. Most doctors and healthcare providers are compassionate and competent individuals who want the absolute best for you and your loved one. Due to the nature of our modern healthcare system, appointments are time limited and very brief. You must plan ahead in order to get the most benefits out of your doctor's visit. In order to make the most of your doctor’s appointment we offer to following suggestions:
1. Bring a list of your current prescription and over the counter medications. Be sure to include medication dosage, frequency, route and any side effects you are experiencing thay you think may be related to the drug. Be sure to include any herbal remedies, vitamins, or diet pills/ supplements you take. Also, bring a detailed medical history that includes all of your surgeries and any illnesses or medical problems you have now or have had in the past.
2. Keep a journal of your health concerns. Prepare a list of questions for the doctor in advance. Focus on important questions related to your symptoms, diagnoses, diagnostic tests and medications. Take notes during the visit so you can remember key facts later.
3. Consider bringing a loved one or trusted family member/friend to the appointment with you. It is always helpful to have an extra set of eyes and ears in the room with you. It is even better if your health buddy is a medical professional or has extensive experience with health related issues.
4. Have an open and honest dialogue with your doctors. Do not withhold medical information because it seems embarrassing or trivial. If you are experiencing excessive sadness, depression, anxiety or stress related to care giving or financial problems, please let your doctor know. Most doctors have heard just about everything before and are there to help you, not judge you. By withholding information about your symptoms, you could be placing your health in jeopardy.
5. Be honest and upfront about your financial situation or any other barriers to healthcare. Many doctors offer free samples or can help put you in touch with state or drug company subsided mediation programs. If you are unable to get tests done that your doctor orders for financial reasons, be sure to let him or her know.
6. Do not leave the office if you are unsure about the instructions you are given or feel unsure of confused about the doctor’s medication orders, instructions, or recommendations. Ask for clarification about anything that seems unclear to you.
7. Call the office if you get home and realize you have additional questions. Many times questions can be answered on the telephone or an additional visit can be arranged to get you back on the road to optimal health.
Remember that you are your own best health care advocate and that your health care provider is there to help you.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
MEDITATE TO RELIEVE STRESS
Living with chronic illness and fears about growing older can be a stressful experience. Studies demonstrate that excessive stress is directly linked to medical conditions such as heart disease, obesity and mental illness. When you chronically experience anxiety and stress, it can be hard to access your own sense of inner peace. This week, try to carve out some time for yourself and begin your day from a place of serenity and peace. Here is a great meditation exercise that can help you
Choose a meditation space where you will not be interrupted. This place should be away from distractions such as the telephone, computer and doorbell. Find a space in your home for a place that feels peaceful and serene. Ideally this area will be free of clutter and should not be associated with stressful triggers such as work problems or traumatic events. It is important for you to be able to feel as relaxed as possible when you enter your meditative process. Many people choose to meditate outside in nature. For others the only quiet place they can access is their bathroom. You may want to create a meditation table or altar to inspire you. Your meditation altar can include pictures of loved ones, statues, religious relics or other treasured items to enhance your time of inner reflection. There is no right or wrong place to meditate and become one with your spirit.There are many different types of meditation. Some meditations involve the use of a mantras or repeated words or phrases. Other meditations encourage you to visualize various images in your mind’s eye. Walking meditations are yet another way to bask in a sense of limitless peace. Experiment with all the various techniques and decide for yourself which one works best for you.
The following exercise is a simple, introductory meditation.Sit in the floor, in your bed, or on a pillow with your legs crossed. Alternatively, you can to sit on a chair with both feet placed flatly on the floor in front of you. Sit with your back straight and envision each vertebra stacking one on top of the other, bone by bone. Place your hands on your knees with your palms facing up. You may choose to keep your eyes open, gazing at a fixed point in the room. Or, if you want to, you can meditate with your eyes closed.As you begin your meditation say aloud or to yourself “I am totally relaxed, surrounded by peace and good health." State your intention for this meditation. Choose an intention that feels right for you and meets your needs on that particular day. Some examples of intentions are “I dedicate this meditation to creating a healthy body.” “I devote this meditation to world peace.” “” I dedicate this meditation to letting go of negative feelings and replacing them with peace and joy.”Focus on your breathing. Slowly breathe in and out through your nose. Allow your whole body to relax. Let go of any tension you feel in your muscles. Gently let go of any stressful thoughts or worries.Visualize a blank television screen in your mind’s eye. Allow all of your thoughts to disappear. When your mind starts forming thoughts, words or pictures gently notice these thought forms and bring your focus back to the blank television screen.Experience all of your senses fully. If you are feeling tired or restless, notice these feelings and sensations and give yourself permission to experience them. Do not resist or judge anything. Focus on breathing in and out and allowing everything to be as it is in this moment.If you distracted by outside noises such as sirens, telephones or rain, simply notice these distractions and let them go. Having thoughts arise during meditation is as natural as breathing. Welcome the thoughts and then quietly let them go as you surrender to silence. Focus on breathing in and breathing out. Continue this practice for twenty minutes. You may choose to meditate for as long as you desire. At the end of the mediation session, take several long, deep breaths. Feel a sense of gratitude and appreciation for this time of inner reflection.
Choose a meditation space where you will not be interrupted. This place should be away from distractions such as the telephone, computer and doorbell. Find a space in your home for a place that feels peaceful and serene. Ideally this area will be free of clutter and should not be associated with stressful triggers such as work problems or traumatic events. It is important for you to be able to feel as relaxed as possible when you enter your meditative process. Many people choose to meditate outside in nature. For others the only quiet place they can access is their bathroom. You may want to create a meditation table or altar to inspire you. Your meditation altar can include pictures of loved ones, statues, religious relics or other treasured items to enhance your time of inner reflection. There is no right or wrong place to meditate and become one with your spirit.There are many different types of meditation. Some meditations involve the use of a mantras or repeated words or phrases. Other meditations encourage you to visualize various images in your mind’s eye. Walking meditations are yet another way to bask in a sense of limitless peace. Experiment with all the various techniques and decide for yourself which one works best for you.
The following exercise is a simple, introductory meditation.Sit in the floor, in your bed, or on a pillow with your legs crossed. Alternatively, you can to sit on a chair with both feet placed flatly on the floor in front of you. Sit with your back straight and envision each vertebra stacking one on top of the other, bone by bone. Place your hands on your knees with your palms facing up. You may choose to keep your eyes open, gazing at a fixed point in the room. Or, if you want to, you can meditate with your eyes closed.As you begin your meditation say aloud or to yourself “I am totally relaxed, surrounded by peace and good health." State your intention for this meditation. Choose an intention that feels right for you and meets your needs on that particular day. Some examples of intentions are “I dedicate this meditation to creating a healthy body.” “I devote this meditation to world peace.” “” I dedicate this meditation to letting go of negative feelings and replacing them with peace and joy.”Focus on your breathing. Slowly breathe in and out through your nose. Allow your whole body to relax. Let go of any tension you feel in your muscles. Gently let go of any stressful thoughts or worries.Visualize a blank television screen in your mind’s eye. Allow all of your thoughts to disappear. When your mind starts forming thoughts, words or pictures gently notice these thought forms and bring your focus back to the blank television screen.Experience all of your senses fully. If you are feeling tired or restless, notice these feelings and sensations and give yourself permission to experience them. Do not resist or judge anything. Focus on breathing in and out and allowing everything to be as it is in this moment.If you distracted by outside noises such as sirens, telephones or rain, simply notice these distractions and let them go. Having thoughts arise during meditation is as natural as breathing. Welcome the thoughts and then quietly let them go as you surrender to silence. Focus on breathing in and breathing out. Continue this practice for twenty minutes. You may choose to meditate for as long as you desire. At the end of the mediation session, take several long, deep breaths. Feel a sense of gratitude and appreciation for this time of inner reflection.
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