11 steps to save money by taking better care of yourself

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I think that as a doctor, we take things for granted. We say one thing but do another and I myself am guilty of this as well. We self diagnose and self medicate and hardly find the time to do all the things that people should be doing in order to stay healthy. For instance, I had my last real physical exam done when I was 18 years old by my pediatrician. Another big problem is that we just don’t have the time to see physicians ourselves because when we have our clinics, they have their clinics so how the heck are you supposed to see your own doctor when you have the same schedule as everyone else?

Here is an extensive list of things that you should do in order to stay healthy, and take it from me, some of those things you probably will not stop doing.

1. Don’t get diabetes: I know its a hard thing to say because most diabetics have a genetic predisposition. However, I have to say that my limited experiences in medical school and internship have proven to me that this is one of the worst chronic diseases to have. It affects every part of your body and if diabetes was cured, doctors would be almost out of business. The sugars love the blood vessels and everything connected to them. This includes my favorite part of the body, the eyes, as well as the kidneys. Did you guys know that the number one cause of amputations in this country is due to diabetes? So watch the sugar intake (i’m not sure how much this helps) but why take chances. The known risk factors include having high blood pressure, being old (you can’t help that), high cholesterol, family history (can’t help), and being fat.
2. Don’t get high blood pressure -This is the disease that we call the silent killer because you don’t know about it unless you check it regularly. I go to sams club and check my pressure whenever I go there. I’m not sure how accurate it is but it gives me a good picture of whats going on. What are the risk factors for high blood pressure? Heredity and ethnicity are things you can’t change but obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, sedentary and inactive lifestyle are things you can change. Also, a high salt diet can raise blood pressure so keep it on the DL.
3. Don’t smoke. It is one of the things that is quite enjoyable. Having cigars with your buds, yeah its a guys thing but smoking really is bad for you. I don’t agree with some of the aggressive policies that states are putting on smokers as I am a person that believes in personal choice. However its really interesting that the majority of people who get lung cancer were smokers. This doesn’t mean that all smokers get lung cancer. Another thing that people don’t realize is that cancer is not the only thing you need to worry. Having seen so many people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), this is also a slow killer.
4. Don’t get fat. Yup I used to be fat too. Not only is being fat bad for your health, it sucks to be fat and sick. You can’t fit in the MRI machine, most residents prefer not to take on morbidly obese patients if possible, and you are at risk of getting candida in your skin folds. You get cardiovascular disease as well, and at high risk for diabetes and high cholesterol. You also have probably a dozen other problems to deal with…increased surgical complications, higher chance of gallstones, increase risk for anesthesia, obstructive sleep apnea, restrictive lung disease and subsequent congestive heart failure.
5. exercise when you can. Yeah its tough, but its important because it prevent the things above. Its good for your bones too. Supposedly cardio work outs are good for you but I know its really boring to run for 30 minutes. Watch TV while you walk in an incline and definitely do some resistance exercises.
6. Drink “modestly”: America has an alcohol obsessed culture. Recommendations include drinking 1-2 drinks of beer or wine which actually is beneficial to your body. Anything above that is detrimental. This does not mean two 40s.
7. take care of your skin: Not only steps to reduce skin cancer (which melanoma has not been shown to be reduced by use of sunscreen) but its also important because you end up with lots of wrinkles. If you are a guy, don’t be afraid to use cosmetic products like face lotions which I use everyday.
8. Brush your teeth regularly and FLOSS: I used to be a victim of laziness when it came to flossing but I actually enjoy it now, not sure why but its cool to see the plaque and definitely the clean feeling after you finish.
9. take your vitamins: Not sure how much scientific evidence is available for use of vitamins regularly but if you are on a diet, or you are on a very weird food regimen because of your schedule, definitely take your vitamins. I take flintstones or gummy vitamins because I hate the taste of regular vitamins.
10. Get health insurance: So many of us can attest to the fact that not having health insurance is a bitch. Getting stuck at Grady because you can’t get transferred out to a rehab facility because medicaid won’t cover it. It also puts you at a disadvantage because you are less likely to see a doctor for minor issues and regular check ups. This means diagnosis of disease come at much later stages. Also this means that beginning residents like me get first dibs on your health care. I know I wouldn’t want to be treated by me…
11. Don’t ignore warning signs: This applies to the lack of health insurance as well, and try not to hide or ignore the symptoms that you are having. This means much later diagnoses for things. If you are peeing out blood…either it means you got something wrong with your kidney…or it could mean cancer…

Ultimately, your body is your own and if you don’t really care too much about healthcare, think about it in terms of pure economics. If you get really really sick, not only is the hospital bill going to be astronomical, it is also going to prevent you from working. These steps along with everything else your doctor tells you will put you in the right path to better health and a fatter wallet.

Disclaimer: I am not your healthcare provider thus everything I write here is for entertainment purposes only.

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