Are You Wasting Time and Money at Doctor Visits?

Are You Wasting Time and Money at Doctor Visits?
Word Count:
790
Summary:
Are You Wasting Time and Money at Doctor Visits? Discover 10 tips for a Better Doctor Visit

Keywords:
Osteopathic medicine, osteopathy, health, family health, D.O., alternative medicine, medicine, women’s health, holistic medicine prevention, preventive medicine, nutrition, OMM, osteopathic manipulation, alternative treatments

Article Body:
Tips for a Better Doctor Visit
1. Have as many medical records as possible with you to document your medical condition, especially for a new visit or a consult.  Go by the hospital, lab or other doctor’s office and get copies. This saves the doctor time and sometimes even avoids an extra official call.
2. Bring in the actual bottles of prescriptions.  While lists are helpful, the bottles reveal how many are prescribed at a time, dosage, and if there are any refills left.  There is no more guessing about the “little blue pill.”  With so many generics the same drug can show up as many different shapes and sizes depending on the manufacturer.  Now you can both be on the same page when talking about a specific medication. I am also surprised at the many errors on the bottles by the pharmacist. 
3. Create a list of questions/requests before your visit.  In fact, it would be ideal to tell the person making the appointment what areas you need to discuss.  This is not the time to say its “personal.”  We assume it is all personal in a medical office.  It helps us be prepared in scheduling, equipment, and assigning the proper room.  Believe it or not, we have heard most of your problems before.  Of course if it is extremely sensitive in nature than just tell the receptionist how much time you will need to discuss your personal problem. 
4. Try to keep to one system of the body per visit unless a complete physical is done.  Most office visits are geared to blocks of 15 minutes.  Usually this is adequate to cover most simple problems such as a rash, upper respiratory infection, and urinary infection just as examples.  The longer you have had the problem or the vaguer the symptoms such as abdominal pain or dizziness expect to spend more time.  Don’t hesitate to ask for more time.  We would rather know ahead of time what your expectations are.
5. Ask for prescription refills, notes for work or school, and forms to fill out at the beginning of the office visit rather than at the end.  Of course, a friendly reminder is always good if it has been overlooked when you leave. You can always give a list of medications needing refills to the nurse at the beginning of the visit too.  Again, communication helps everyone get their needs met.
6. Be realistic in your expectations.  If you start the discussion on a topic that is unrelated to the original problem on the schedule and want some answers, this leaves less time available for other problems.  For example, if you are due to have a pap smear and gynecological exam but start with a headache complaint that requires a physical and full history, don’t expect all of it to be done in one visit.  Always prioritize what is most important for that day.  Sometimes problems become more important, symptoms severe since the original appointment or follow up was made.  Just tell the nurse or doctor things have changed as soon as possible.  That way we can stay on schedule and you can get the most important problem addressed.
7. Don’t leave the office without telling someone if you aren’t satisfied with your service.  Most doctors and staff assume everything is going ok unless told.  It is easier to fix a problem, answer a question or complaint as soon as possible while the information is still fresh.  If you are uncomfortable talking or can’t stay, write a quick note.  Many areas are sensitive and highly charged emotionally.  It is easy to misunderstand directions, reasons for tests, or the intent of the doctor’s remarks.  We really do care how you feel. 
8. It is easier to process your visit on time and handle paperwork if all of your information is correct.  Tell the receptionist if you have moved, have a new telephone number, or changed medical insurance.  Always bring your insurance card with you.
9. I know everyone is busy and overscheduled.  The number one reason doctors are behind in the schedule is patients showing up late.  True, other factors can play a role such as telephone calls and very sick patients. Just be aware that as the day progresses the problem gets magnified.  If you must get in and out quickly try to book the very first or second appointment of the morning or afternoon.
10. Be flexible.  Medical offices are there to serve the patients.  Sometimes bad news, a tragic accident, or a serious medical condition requires more time and attention of the staff.  We can’t hurry someone out who is in tears.  Just be understanding that if it is you, you will get the extra time and attention needed.

7 Ways to Boost Your Energy

7 Ways to Boost Your Energy
Word Count:
544
Summary:
Everyone would like to feel more energetic during the day.  You naturally go through periods of higher activity which contrasts with times of relaxation.  The problem occurs when more energy and concentration is required than we can give. Or when we try to sleep and can’t. Follow these invaluable tips to a new you!

Keywords:
Osteopathic medicine, osteopathy, health, family health, D.O., alternative medicine, medicine, women’s health, holistic medicine prevention, preventive medicine, nutrition, OMM, osteopathic manipulation, alternative treatments

Article Body:
Everyone would like to feel more energetic during the day.  You naturally go through periods of higher activity which contrasts with times of relaxation.  The problem occurs when more energy and concentration is required than we can give. Or when we try to sleep and can’t. Follow these invaluable tips to a new you!
1) Stay on a regular sleep schedule.  You can’t stay up late during the week-end and suddenly on Monday morning wake up refreshed.  If you do enjoy later nights on Friday and Saturday vow to get to bed early on Sunday to wake up rested.
2) Avoid the sugar and caffeine roller coaster.  Eat some protein and foods with a bit of fat in the morning.  The brain needs protein and the body does not store it.  You don’t have to eat very much- a glass of low fat milk, a piece of cheese, or a  handful of nuts will get you going instead of pure carbohydrates like a plain bagel. 
3) Take a 5-10 minute power nap around lunch.  Even if you just close your eyes and let your mind drift you will be refreshed for the afternoon.  This is also effective anytime you feel yourself not concentrating, reading the same material over and over.  Give in to the urge and completely relax for a few moments.
4) Drink more water and liquids.  I know, everyone says to drink more fluids.  But most Americans are in a constant state of dehydration from filling up on coffee, tea, and sodas with caffeine.  This is very stressful to the kidneys and can cause irritation to the bladder.  Keep a sports bottle filled with your favorite flavored water or just plain and keep it with you at all times.  Set a goal- empty by lunch, refill, empty again by the time work is over. Carry plenty of water in the car too for you and your family.
5) Exercise regularly.  This is easier said than done with a busy schedule.  A poor conditioning level causes you to be short-of-breath and your heart to race when just doing simple things like climbing a flight of steps or doing household chores.  Park farther away when shopping and walk Dust off that exercise machine or get an exercise tape to play when weather is bad. Set an example for the rest of your family and maybe they will join in too!
6) A joke a day keeps the doctor away.  Seriously, laughter has many beneficial effects on the body.  The brain chemicals for experiencing pleasure, happiness, and peace increase with good, hearty  laughs.  Live alone?  Get a funny movie or watch a light-hearted comedy on tv.  Nothing sarcastic or put-down, however.
7) Avoid confrontations and situations with negative people.  You know who they are.  They are not going to change but they will bring you and your mood down.  The complainers, gossipers, and generally unhappy souls we all have to deal with on a day-to-day basis drain our energy if we allow them. Be polite but avoid arguing or getting hooked into listening to their constant problems.
8) Take regular, daily supplements of the highest quality.  Our food and diets simply do not meet the amounts needed for maximum health.  There is a difference between avoiding nutritional deficiencies and optimum performance.