Newsdump ~ Tidbits

Consumer, Medical and
Education Tips

CONSUMER TIPS *

      Auto purchases can be like a maze for anyone, especially women, but it need not be. Go to the websites that give information on new and used cars, trucks and SUVs, GetAuto.com, for example. Listings are by state and can be narrowed to locale, and then by make, model, mileage, and asking price. Even pre-owned (used) cars have performance and crash test ratings. These are listed on most of these sites.

MEDICAL TIPS *

      This part of our tips is based on our family's first hand experiences. We are NOT doctors or medical personnel. But through working with our caring traditional doctors, alternative therapy providers and years of elder care with our parents, two of which had Alzheimers, we have found the following to be helpful for a proactive health care journey. It is based on this, and this alone, that we offer this information. We look at our medical information as the "consumer's right know and then to find the best providers." We feel that this information can be of use in this very personal and human process.
      IMPORTANT MEDICAL CONSIDERATION...When you or someone in your family are given a diagnosis of a serious illness, or the diagnosis says nothing is wrong when you or they feel ill, ask that all the tests be redone. Lab error in this country are sometimes as high as 20%. It only makes sense, that before anyone starts to take a medication...CHECK IT OUT.
      Also, consider a second opinion before you start popping pills!
      Once testing and/or a second opinion confirms the diagnosis, ask for all your options including alternatives in addition to traditional medical treatment. Years ago, I had an inflamed tail bone. The young doctor filling in for my doctor was about to get the big needle out and inject the spot. I held up my hand, "Whoa." My question was, "Will I get better without the shot?" The answer was, "Yes. But you will be in pain for a couple of weeks." I opted to live with the pain, rather than have an invasive needle and substance put in my body. That medical problem never reoccurred.
      Remember, most doctors are trained to fix things, not necessarily let nature take its course. ASAP is often what the public demands for instant "repairs." Not all diseases, and medical conditions require medications. Some are easily controlled with a change in what you eat and your lifestyle. It takes time to learn what to do for your body, but it is your body and well worth the time and effort.
      AND, something that has been recommended by our doctors over the years is that we get a copy of each of our lab reports. Your doctor can help you learn to read this lab work, especially if you are dealing with a serious illness. If the doctor is uncomfortable with this, think about getting another doctor.
      At times, even the best doctor will miss a lab report that shows a change, even a minor change. They look at the normal range. The only time they notice anything on a lab report is when it shows a high or low, or a lab note.
      For example, my Dad had gout. This is caused by an elevation of uric acid. When I noticed a slight elevation of my uric acid, I was concerned. My doctor said it was only slightly elevated, and of no real concern. But when I told him my Dad had years of gout, we decided on a plan of action. Had I not read my own lab report, and brought this to his attention, who knows the outcome. As it is, I do not have gout all these many years later.
      FINALLY, many medical sources have reported that weakening of the immune system can be an underlying cause of many illnesses. This means that no matter what you have, check with your doctor to see if this is true for your illness. It might be beneficial for you to learn what it takes to support the immune system. Most medical authorities advise good nutrition in concert with any medications you consider taking. Some lesser, not life and death, chronic conditions and diseases can sometimes improve by adding nutrients to medicines and by adjusting your lifestyle. This could include taking a multiple vitamin without iron, and you might want to check out some newly discovered supplements that add specific nutrients to help your condition. Consider adding massage approximately every 6 weeks, and reflexology every 6 weeks, meaning your would be including one of these every 3 weeks. Consider adding to this, some mild exercise by walking a mile 2-3 times a week and/or going to low impact water exercise 2-3 times a week. If you choose both walking and water exercise, check with your doctor to see how many times a week each is advisable for you. NO NEED TO OVERDO, THE OBJECT HERE IS TO GET HEALTHY, NOT BUFF.
      Medical tips are suggestions. Any medical information given here or anywhere, should NOT be considered, or followed until you consult with your doctor. I cannot emphasize this enough, because some will follow nontraditional and alternatives and exclude sound medical advice and medications. We are NOT suggesting this in any way. Vitamins, herbs and supplements that make the lives of many better than before they took them, have in fact, caused death in some when taken in combination with prescribed medication and/or taken with over the counter medications, or in excessive amounts. One of the best sources to check for good or bad drug interactions with each other, over the counter drugs and vitamins and supplements is your pharmacist. Some exercises are too rigorous for many and have caused further disabilities. Our best advice, at the risk of being repetitious, CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING ANY VITAMIN, FOOD, OR EXERCISE PROGRAM.

GO TO *

      Suite101.com and WebMD for a wealth of helpful information for your health concerns.

      For updates on the latest health research RealAge.com.

      Learn about accupressure and low impact chiropractic care in your area Chiro Plus Kinesiology Association.

EDUCATION TIP *

      Adults are returning to college in large numbers. If you are considering this, read my book Getting A College Degree Fast (1996), and Thorson's Guide To Campus Free Degrees by M. Thorson (1999), and Virtual College (1996), by P. Dickson.

*Any information given on this page for consumer, medical and educational tips are suggestions and
results may, or can, vary in your locale.