We all know how important it is to take responsibility for our health care needs. With the stress levels raising higher and higher it’s no wonder that we’re under the gun so to speak when it comes to the many illnesses that sneak up when we are over-worked and exhausted. It is a good thing to have a doctor whom you trust and can go to for help. It is also good to have a back up doctor not directly connected to your primary physician’s practice to consult for a second opinion.

Doctors hold a tremendous amount of power over your health. Many people blindly accept the doctor’s opinion as the last word. We must take as much responsibility for ourselves as we possibly can. This means educating ourselves and taking some extra time to seek out a second or even third opinion when diagnosed with a serious illness or when we “feel” that something serious is being overlooked. A good doctor should not be threatened by your going elsewhere for a second opinion. The doctor’s objective should be that you are using everything available to you to ensure that you get all the information and care needed.

If you don’t receive a call concerning the results of lab work from your doctor’s office, don’t automatically think that everything is ok. Call to confirm the lab test results. Many doctor’s offices are so over-worked that they may neglect to inform you of the results of your lab test. Sometimes you must take the responsibility of calling the doctor’s office. It can’t hurt to get a second lab test done; labs are notorious for making mistakes.

Some people use alternative approaches to health care in addition to their traditional western doctors. A naturopath, homeopath, massage therapist, midwife, and “energy” (psychic) healer (a few of the alternatives) can be used in addition to your medical doctor, giving one a well-rounded approach to health care. Many people are comfortable knowing that they have covered all the bases so to speak. Be clear and thorough when describing your symptoms. Keep a journal and list your health, documenting the times you experience certain symptoms and how long they last, also document your diet and exercise routines…

It is imperative to keep your own detailed records of the medications and herbal preparations that you are taking and list your reactions to them. Make sure that your health care professionals know of each other and can confer concerning your treatments and medications. This can help you to avoid any drug/herbal interaction problems. Herbs are powerful medicines too and one must not forget to mention these. By taking responsibility you can avoid many problems and be an active participant in your own health care and not feel that you’re at the mercy of one professional.