Sequestration and you

27 February, 2013 by Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you but when I hear the “S” word, my eyes glaze over. The reality of a government in paralysis is beyond my ability to control or understand so I just don’t worry about it.  I did my civic duty and voted.  I’ve even written letters!

I don’t worry about it and neither should you. While we’re unable to change Washington, we can control our own actions.   And, we can make decisions that protect us.

I can’t give you advice about money. Should you buy gold?   Invest in the Market?  These decisions are beyond my expertise.

One of the decisions you make every day is about your health.   Staying healthy is the best strategy to save money. Preventing health problems goes a long way to reduce your dependence on expensive treatment and expensive medications, not to mention the time it takes away from other pursuits.

When it comes to dental health, prevention is the key to long-term overall health and minimizes long-term financial expense.

Who can help you make such decisions? NOT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY.

Insurance companies care about their bottom line. If you don’t receive the correct care or have ‘big problems’ they have limited their exposure.  That’s one reason why they limit their yearly maximum payout.

So whom should you trust?

Trust yourself.  Trust your intuition. Gather information (read my book).  Look at your health care provider’s eyes. Do they truly care about you?  Do they rush you in and out without answering your questions?  Do they take the time to ask about your health and habits?  Do they look out for the cause of problems and not just recommend treatment for conditions?

Does insurance cover the time it takes to do thorough exams, histories and preventive care?  You know the answer.  If you’re lucky they’ll cover a “cleaning or 2 a year.”  What if you periodontal care more often?  You’re out of luck….and money.

During all times and especially during fiscally challenging times, preventing problems and uncovering causes makes sense.  It makes sense for your overall health and for your oral health.

We’re living longer and as a result have to take better care of out bodies. Over 35 years, it’s impressed me that those who take the best care spend the least.

Don’t worry about things out of your control. Controlling the things you can such as your dental care and oral health makes more sense now than ever.

To your health and wellness,

Michael

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Can I wait?

10 December, 2012 by Leave a Comment

I get asked that all the time.  The answer I usually give is: “WHY?

What are you waiting for?

Are things going to get better by themselves?

Is the money in your bank account earning a lot of interest?

Are you pessimistic about your life expectancy?

In general, waiting doesn’t pay.  This is your health not the stock market where if you wait the Bulls might regain control.

In your mouth, when you see something that needs repair or restoration, doing it quickly is the best strategy.

Joe was told that he needed a wisdom tooth removed when he was 25.   Having it taken out then would have been routine.   Healing would likely have been routine.  Joe wasn’t enamored of the idea of having surgery so he ignored the issue.   After all, it only bothered him once a year and after some antibiotics, the pain subsided within a day.

Now Joe’s in his 50’s.  The deterioration around the wisdom tooth has progressed to affect the second molar in front.  And, he now has more frequent pain because the food getting caught there has caused decay and bone loss.

Joe now needs 2 teeth removed because the bone loss between the teeth has compromised both.   Plus, because he’s losing a chewing tooth too, he’ll need an implant to replace it.  If he doesn’t and procrastinates yet again, he’ll risk his health, muscle imbalance and real headaches.

Joe is now faced with a more challenging surgery and an expenditure in the thousands of dollars.   When he was 25 he would have spent a few hundred!

Throwing the dice with your health isn’t a great strategy.

Look ahead.  Be smart.   Read the Book.

To your health and wellness,

Michael

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Integrative Medicine

27 August, 2012 by Leave a Comment

After attending the symposium on Oral-Systemic health at The Cleveland Clinic last month I have a new appreciation for the field of integrative medicine.  The term Holistic has gotten a bad rap.  It implies non-scientific, non-traditional and even unproven therapy, especially to those of us in the traditional medical community.  That’s unfortunate because alternative medicine, also known as integrative medicine has a great deal to offer and many of its more effective advocates make a lot of sense.  Acupuncture, for instance, was once mocked as “voodoo medicine” and is now an integral part of accepted therapy.

Personally, I subscribe to several health newsletters.  They are short, concise and packed with useful information.  The Cleveland Clinic’s and Dr. Andrew Weil’s are two of my favorite.  They’re free too.

Our current system can best be described as a “sick-care” system.  We treat disease with medication, surgery or other therapies.   This is the model that insurance and pharmaceutical companies promote.

This type of care is expensive and not on the public’s best interest.  It’s certainly not in your personal best interest either.

How can the system change?

It can only change if we demand it of our healthcare practitioners, government and employers.

I’ve written 2 letters to a President of the USA.  Both were to President Obama and both were on healthcare reform.  I outlined a comprehensive restructuring plan.

While I’m not a policy expert, I am in the system as both a practitioner and a patient.  I’m also a citizen who, I believe has an obligation to exercise my right by letting politicians know my mind.

You can write too.   You can exercise your rights to express your opinion.   Do you like our system?  If not, let the people who are crafting it know.

To your health,

Michael

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