Health Care Choices

This weeks chapter discussed different types and methods of healthcare. The healthcare industry is not one that is easy to navigate, so we as individuals must take it upon themselves to show some self efficacy in their health and well being. If you are not feeling well for any reason, you have a decision to make; to seek treatment, or take care of it on your own. Several factors may contribute to this decision including finances, time and availability.

Engaging in behaviors that promote health and prevent disease can limit your reliance on the traditional healthcare system. Self-care is knowing your body, paying attention to its signs, and taking proper action to stop the progression of injury and illness.  Some form of self care I will list below.

• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting adequate sleep
• Utilizing stress management techniques
• Proper use of over the counter medication
• Reputable self help books, and web sources

Self care is not always the answer. Sometimes proper healthcare is necessary. Accidents with severe injury, swelling or redness need to be evaluated in a timely manner. Head injuries should not be waited on, and seeking help should be immediate. Severe chest pains and breathing problems, pregnancy questions or complications, unexplained sudden weight loss and discoloration of the skin or eyes that persists are also some of the many complications that require immediate medical help. In order to get the most out of your healthcare treatments it requires you as the patient to be proactive and engaged in the journey. Active participation engages the best proper care. Keep medical records, come prepared with questions and concerns and be selective in your provider choice.

Allopathic medicine refers to conventional, mainstream healthcare or Western medicine. Vaccines, surgeries and other forms of care provided by a healthcare professional are common forms of allopathic medicine as a form of evidence based practice. There are several different rungs of healthcare providers in the allopathic side of healthcare. Some of them I will list below:

• Nurse Practitioner- nurses with advanced training obtained through either a master’s degree program or a specialized nurse practitioner program. Nurse practitioners have the authority to conduct diagnostic tests and in some states prescribe medications.
• Dentist- Dentists are specialists who diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth, and mouth.
• Nurses- Nurses are highly trained and regulated health professionals who provide a wide range of services in a wide range of locations.
• Optometrist- A health professional typically dealing with visual problems and conditions of the eyes.

Complementary health care plans are non-mainstream approaches at healthcare and are typically used along side traditional healthcare. An example of this is coupling natural products and vitamins with prescription medication. According to the book, research shows that 36% of people age 18-29 use some sort of comprehensive healthcare approach. Aside from a complementary approach, there is also the alternative approach which is used in place of . Rather than focusing on isolated symptoms, complementary medicine focuses more on overall wellness, mind body and spirit as apposed to a strictly allopathic approach. Often times traditional medicine has a whole list of side effects, one common one that I hear on drug commercials being depression. Complementary approaches can combine medication and yoga/ meditation to combat these symptoms.

Complimentary medicine takes many forms, one that I have always been drawn to is Naturopathy. Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine focuses on the power of nature to restore and maintain health. A naturopath physician leans on prevention, but when illness occurs they often suggest a holistic, natural and non invasive approach at treatment. Understanding that this is not always the best answer, makes this a complementary approach because there are some occasions where western medicine is required.

My personal philosophy of health has morphed in to a holistic approach. I feel very strongly that overall wellness is important, and the health of your mind and spirit is just as important as the health of your body. Mindful meditation is a form of mind and body practice that is gaining popularity. It is one simple thing that you can do for yourself to improve your wellness. I believe everyone should practice mindful meditation. Current research findings link the long-term practice of mindfulness meditation to improvements in both the structure and function of the brain.

Most people who use any kind of health treatment use health insurance. Until the late twentieth century, most insurance did not cover routine or preventive services and only covered hospital visits. Now we can use our health insurance for a wide range of treatments and preventatives, but this was a contribution factor in why health care costs are so high. To limit potential losses for health insurance companies, they began implementing the following mechanisms:

• Co-Payment- The amount you as the patient pay per service or product. For example the amount you pay at your doctors visit or for a prescription medication.
• Deductibles- The amount you must pay before insurance starts covering services.
• Coinsurance- The amount you must pay based on the terms of policy.

Managed care is a healthcare delivery system consisting of cost controlling procedures to coordinate treatment. There are three major types of managed care used in the U.S.

• Health Maintenance Organizations or HMO’s provide a wide range of health coverage for a fixed amount paid by the parient employer, medicade or medicare and sometimes a combination. HMO premiums are typically the least expensive form of managed care but also the most restrictive, because patients are required to use the plan’s recommended doctors and hospitals.
• Preferred Provider Organizations or PPO’s are networks of independent doctors and healthcare facilities that contract to provide care at discounted rates. They often offer more provider choices than HMOs do, but they are less likely to coordinate a patient’s care. Members may choose a doctors who is not on the preferred list at higher out of pocket costs.
• Point Of Service POS is a hybrid of the two above plans where members can select an in network PCP, but they can go to non-network providers for care without a referral and must pay the extra cost.

Healthcare is something that is needed by everyone, but there are several limiting factors facing the healthcare system. Access is the biggest limiting factor. Some people only use public transportation and these people are denied access sometimes because there is no health facilities in close proximity to public transportation systems. Another concern relating to access is cost. The US healthcare system has high costs and many simply cant afford treatment or health insurance. As stated above, health insurances are also to blame for the rising costs. We as American’s, especially New Englanders are lucky to have access to the healthcare that we do. We are located close to Boston which is home to some of the worlds best hospitals and treatment center. However it is sad that basic needs such as health and wellness are at such a high cost.

Wow, we made it through the semester! I truly can’t believe this is my last post. My health journey had many twists and turns. My goal was to lose 10 pounds, I did not complete this which initially made me upset. I am down as of today 7 pounds from my start weight, but I have gained so much more! I have experienced all of your perspectives on health and health as a journey. I have learned a lot of new concepts and ideas that I have adapted to and included in my life. My overall diet and food choices have seriously improved. I have made it an important part of most days to get in a workout or at least some physical activity. Overall I have learned how important being mindful is. Mindful in what I eat, mindful in where I contribute my time and mindful in the things that I say about myself. I have gained confidence and healthy habits I plan to keep! It has been a pleasure working with all of you and following your health journey.