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How much? How often? What type is best?
Of all the questions my clients ask me when it comes to health care, the questions I get asked the most are about exercise. How much? How often? What type is best?
Today I want to tell you about the one exercise that you simply must do to stay healthy and happy. It’s simple, really. You must exercise your right to choose.
After 15 years in the health care industry, I am still astounded by the manner in which many of us hand over our right to choose. Strong-minded, out-spoken women I know will head to the doctor’s office with their minds made up about what they will or will not do or allow to have done to their bodies, only to hand over their rights at the door to the examination room. It happens all the time. But why? Why do we think that anyone would know what is best for us except for ourselves?
Now, don’t get me wrong here. If a doctor makes a suggestion to you about your care, I am not saying you should tell him, “No way!” and run screaming from the room. I am simply saying that it seems reasonable to me that we should always pause, take a moment, consider the options, reflect, research, talk it out, and then make a decision for ourselves in any life situation. You stop and think about what you want on your pizza, right? You try on a few dresses before picking out the one that you will actually purchase, don’t you? Your health is even more important than pizza or dresses…so then why not take more time to exercise your right to choose when it comes to your health care?
Here are a few common situations that bear further thought:
- You can say NO to a vaccination – and despite what you will be told, your child can still go to school even if not vaccinated.
- You do not have to get a mammogram once you reach that “magic age.” Investigate alternatives like thermography before making your choice.
- All tests are optional. ALL of them. Blood work, ultrasounds, physical exams, MRIs, CT scans, pap tests, rectal exams, breast exams, etc., even when you are pregnant! All tests have potential risks. Know what they are and make an informed choice.
- You CAN ask to see your actual test results. Just because the doctor or nurse says everything is “normal,” ask to see for yourself. Be informed.
- Surgery is never “simple.” Get a second opinion. And no, your doctor will not fire you for asking for one.
- All prescription drugs (every single one of them!) has at least one known side effect. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Look it up. Check it out. Weight the pros and cons. Then decide if you really want to put that drug into your body.
- Natural health care is always an option. Always. There is never a time when it should not be considered. Whether pregnant, hypertensive, depressed, anxious, terminally ill, whatever the case, there are always forms of natural medicine that can be used adjunctively or on their own to help you heal.
There are so many opportunities for you to perform the simple exercise of Freedom of Choice in life. Be sure to consciously exercise daily for optimum health and happiness!
