Often, when we hear about our cholesterol levels, we automatically assume that this is a bad thing. High cholesterol is a well known cause of a variety of heart diseases and cancers and has gained a reputation as a killer. But the good cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol is essential if we are to remain healthy. If we do not know how to increase good cholesterol naturally, then we are setting ourselves up for a number of health problems.

What this HDL cholesterol does is that it stays in the bloodstream; essentially lining the blood vessels and disposing of the bad, or LDL, cholesterol. It would, therefore, be unhealthy to remove all cholesterol from your body, whilst also being practically impossible! The healthiest option is to ensure that you retain the HDL cholesterol by reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol that you have in your body. (more…)

Except in an emergency, you cannot be given a treatment or test without your “informed consent.” You must be informed of the risks and agree to the treatment. In a partnership, however, informed consent may not be enough. The real goal is shared decision-making, where you actively participate in every medical decision.

Why should you help make decisions with your doctor? Aren’t you paying him or her to know what to do? Well, the choices aren’t always black and white. With many health problems, there is more than one option. Consider these examples:

• You have moderately high blood pressure (160/95). Your doctor says that exercise and diet might bring it down, but most people don’t succeed that way. Your doctor recommends that you start on medication to control it. You would rather try exercise and lose weight than take pills for the rest of your life. The best decision depends on your values.

• Your three-year-old has a headache and a fever. The doctor says it’s probably nothing to worry about. Then you mention your hunch that it might be meningitis. Some testing may be appropriate.

• You have been suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome for several months. Your doctor is now recommending a wrist splint and a steroid injection. You would prefer (more…)

If you don’t have a family doctor (primary care physician), now is the time to get one. Everyone needs a regular doctor. A host of specialists working on separate health problems may not see the whole picture. In choosing a doctor there are lots of questions to ask, but these three matter the most:

- Is this doctor well-trained and experienced?

- Is this doctor available when needed?

- Will this doctor work in partnership with me?

Training and Experience

For most people, a good choice for a family doctor is a board-certified family practice doctor or internist. For children and teens, a pediatrician is a good choice. These doctors have broad knowledge about medical problems.

Availability

Because health problems rarely develop when it’s convenient, it helps to have a doctor who can see you when needed. Call or visit the office. Tell the clinic receptionist that you are looking for a new doctor.Ask these questions: (more…)

You and your family can save a lot of pain, worry, and money by avoiding health problems in the first place. If you can’t prevent a problem altogether, the next best thing is to discover it early, when it is easy to treat. Here are Ten ways you should do to stay healthy.

1. Immunize. Immunizations are the best bargain in health care. When you immunize, you prevent illness for your family and help prevent epidemics in your community. Follow this link for Immunization recomendations
2. Keep Moving. Any way you define it, fitness is essential to good health. Even moderate exercise makes a huge difference both in how you feel and what illnesses you get.
3. Eat Right. Eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet of wholesome foods will keep you energetic and free of many illnesses. Consider breast-feeding your baby to help keep him or her in the best health.
4. Control stress. Even with a hectic and hurried lifestyle, you can prevent stress from undermining your health.
5. Be smoke-free. Smokers who quit gain tremendous health benefits. So do people who avoid secondhand smoke.
6. Avoid drugs and excess alcohol. When you say “no” to drugs and limit what you drink, you prevent accidents and illnesses and avoid a lot of problems for yourself and your family.
7. Put safety first. Safety at home, at work, and at play; safe driving; firearm safety; and safe sex will all help keep you healthy.
8. Pursue healthy pleasures. Take naps, relax during meals, play with kids, care for a pet – they all can add to your health.
9. Think well of yourself. A good self-image is the foundation of good health.
10. Promote peace. Peace on earth begins at home. Seek nonviolent ways of resolving conflicts at home, at school , at work, and in your community.