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As we are all aware, it is sometimes very helpful and reassuring
to have a second opinion concerning a personal health problem.
Most of us aren't as trusting or willing to take just one opinion
when it comes to our personal health or that of a loved one, especially
when risk or added costs are involved.
Most people today are better educated in the area of health than
most were a decade ago. This, along with the obvious fact that,
for the most part, modern medicine has failed to understand or
address health problems from other than a rigid, closed-minded
medical framework.
With health care costing us over $850 billion dollars a year,
and growing yearly, it is obvious to most thinking people that
something is missing. That's where having a second opinion, or
even third opinion for that matter, is vital to making a sound,
informed decision.
Obtaining a second opinion or third opinion from medical or wholistic
professionals is a wise step that could save you money, and more
importantly, your health. Remember, traditional medicine should
be considered as "last resort" measures. That is not
to say that you should avoid having a medical opinion. It just
means that you should look to wholistic, natural health care as
your PRIMARY health care. THEN, if need be, utilize more drastic
measures IN CONJUNCTION with the nutritional and other wholistic
care you are implementing, if the situation warrants it.
Most natural health practitioners are willing to provide a FREE
initial consultation regarding your health problem. When you make
an appointment, be sure to have all your records with you so your
case can be carefully considered. If you have lab tests or x-rays,
try to have them sent, or better yet, reports faxed, to the doctor
you will be seeing.
Prior to the visit, take some time to write down some questions
you want to ask. If you know little or nothing about the type
of health care you are looking into, it would be a good idea to
gather some information before your visit. This information can
be easily collected at any library, through the yellow pages listings
for each particular discipline's information service, and the
various governing agencies or state boards.
PLEASE CONSIDER THIS. If you aren't used to natural health care,
you may have to adjust somewhat to typical practices. For instance,
most natural health care practitioners are far more thorough in
their questions. Diet, work and play habits, etc. Most of the
"newness" should be within a generally defined field.
It is my opinion that when you begin to get into what you will
instinctively feel is "weird," you are probably right.
Such things as the practice of Kineseology, which is using muscle
strength, to determine how many pills you should take, or whether
you have internal health problems that may not be obvious to you,
is EXTREMELY risky. Having several friends with serious health
problems misdiagnosed makes me very suspect. In addition, a double
blind study done recently determined that there was NO evidence
that Kineseology had any basis in fact.
Also, there may be some "new age" practices that will
include such things as channeling spirits, using mineral crystals,
magnets and such should NOT be your primary health care focus.
If you desire such treatment, use it in CONJUNCTION with wholistic
nutrition, fitness and biomechanical health care FIRST. Your health
is too important to not address the most important points first
and foremost.
A word of caution though. As with ANY health care profession,
there are some wackos out there. If you can, try to get a referral
from a friend or relative. You can also call the state board to
see if there is any pending legal or disciplinary action against
the professional. Even with this, you still want to be cautious
in making commitments of any kind. Usually, though, after a visit,
you will have a good feel for the office and people involved.
Lastly, remember that natural, wholistic health care ISN'T going
to bring you instant good health. Improving your health can only
work over the course of time, and takes a commitment on your part
to see the treatment through. In addition, you have to realize
that what you do at home and all the other time you are away from
the doctor, is the MOST IMPORTANT TIME OF ALL. Unless you are
committed to a way of life, just like you were committed to a
way of life BEFORE you decided to make the change to a healthy
lifestyle, you will be very disappointed. And the same way your
old habits were easy, almost second nature, so will your commitment
make your NEW lifestyle JUST AS EASY AND SECOND NATURE.
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Second
Opinions!
