With healthcare in the spotlight, medical issues are top-of-the-list of concerns for nearly everyone. Every day they are talked and written about. But what about curing what ails you with positive thinking and patient empowerment?

In the most recent issue (March 29) of Forbes magazine there’s an interesting article called “The Nothing Cure.” Ted J. Kaptchuk of Harvard conducted a study proving the value of our own will, imagination and belief to change the course of illness. His research also showed the value of expectation to aid in feeling better.

Well, well…maybe positive conversation with our doctor can help as much as pills and medicines!

Another article “Health Habits in USA Leave A lot to be Desired” in the March 17 edition of USA Today reveals that research conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. It shows the correlation between education and health habits. Those with higher levels of education were less likely to smoke, be obese or to sleep as little as six hours. They were more likely to exercise.

In today’s world of constant communication, there appears to be little excuse for not understanding the value of good health habits and a healthy attitude. When do we start? What does it take?

Of course, I suggest we start now, which is why I’m excited about the healthy discussion that will occur at my book launch from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Woodstock Country Club. At 4:30 p.m. Sound Medicine’s Barb Lewis will host a panel discussion on patient empowerment. Medical experts interviewed during the research for Sick of Doctors Then Do Something About it! will offer insight on changes they have seen in patient care over the years.

I’m hoping you’ll agree with me that this conversation is immediate and important, and you will join me there. And we’ll share the insights we hear later this week with another blog post. Stay tuned….

This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 1:20 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

It isn’t a secret that obesity often has deadly consequences. We’re all aware that there is an increased risk of diabetes as well as heart disease. But the bad news doesn’t end there. Obesity now costs 17 percent of the total health bill amounting to at least $2,800 more per year for an obese person.

The actual cost of obesity may be as high as $8,000 for women because they may earn less in the workplace than their “slim sisters.” (more)

While growing up on a farm in southern Indiana, I don’t recall ever hearing the word “retire.” Farmers just kept on until they dropped. Well, that isn’t exactly the truth-there was often a son who took over the actual farming while Dad and Mom continued to live out their days in their old farm home.

Nowadays, retirement is on everyone’s lips if they are heading into their 60s. Recently an article from US News listed the seven secrets of a happy (more)

Have you or a loved one ever had to deal with a medical crisis? Lucky you, if you haven’t. Most of us older citizens have had this experience.

Mine was when my husband awakened me early one morning to tell me that he was suffering severe chest pains. He was already dressed and told me that he was driving himself to the emergency room.

We all know that the ONLY way to handle this situation is to call 911. Never, under any (more)