How
to cut healthcare costs
by Mark
Lamendola, health and fitness expert (see my photos below)
It is the year 2012
as I write this. I was last sick in 1971. People often mistake
me for being 15 years younger than I am. 'nuff said.
Whether you are a
healthcare professional or a patient, you can use the following
tips to reduce both your costs of healthcare and your need for
it.
When sick:
- Learn your body.
Get a baseline physical. Consult with your doctor to know
what your body's weaknesses are.
- Be an active patient.
Think of your doctor as the coach--one who needs 110% from
you. It is your job to get well, not your doctors job to heal
you.
- Become an expert.
Always investigate anything your doctor tells you. If your
doctor says you have heart disease, get at least 5 books
on heart disease and study them.
To stay healthy:
- Watch your diet. Keep it simple and basic. The
low-fat fad will pass, because such diets do not work. What you need
to do, instead, is stay away from foods that are highly processed
(your body does not work well with them), deep-fried, or high in
sugar. Bear in mind, most flour products are so over-refined, they are
almost like sugar pills--and they will drive your insulin level
sky-high.
- Eat green, not grain. Where the Food Pyramid shows grain, substitute
green.
- Exercise regularly. This is where many people cut
too many corners. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Go for
walks after supper. Stay away from that television.
- Sleep regularly. This means no weekend binges.
Your body takes a long time to adjust to schedule changes. The
bi-annual "daylight wasting" clock change that takes place
in much of the world is terrible in terms of health. But, it's not as
bad as chronic late nights and sleep ins on weekends and holidays.
Stick to your sleep schedule, and you will have more energy and better
health--not to mention better job performance. If sleep is a mystery
to you, then maybe you should take our course on conquering sleeplessness.
- Find a purpose. Many people die from spiritual
emptiness--a common event within a year or so of retirement.
Spirituality is not an automatic result of participating in religious
activities--you must pursue this in its own right. One way is to
volunteer some time to a charitable organization and become
passionately involved. There are many other ways--seek, and you shall
find. If you want to seek more quickly, you can find a book
or two on spirituality to get you going.
- Be happy. This doesn't happen accidentally. You
need to work at it. Take care of the important things in your life.
Identify your stressors, and reduce or eliminate them. Look for the
good in others. Need a quick laugh? Sign
up for the Mindconnection jokelist. Go see a funny movie.
- Get outside. Walk in a park. Ride a bike. Just
don't get too much sun--this ages your skin and can lead to a host of
problems later in life.
- Forgive. Grudges are poison. Holding one is contrary to being healthy.
Even if the other person does not deserve forgiveness, forgive and let go
for your own sake.
- Give to others. Even small kindnesses produce endorphins and positive
feelings. Not that you should be a doormat for people who are users, make a
point of getting pleasure from giving.
|
