Two weeks ago I was in my study in Long Island when the phone rang. It was an old friend of mine who had been to his family practitioner because he wasn't feeling up to snuff. The doctor had given him some medication, and it made him feel worse.
He wanted another opinion, and I've never had a shortage of those. At the same time, I am usually very reticent to countermand another doctor's advice, because I don't have the whole story, I haven't examined the patient, and this just generally isn't good practice. But in my friend's case, I made an exception, since I knew him quite well.
I went through a whole series of questions, and he answered everything I asked without hesitation. I thought things over and gave him some advice, and sent him back to his doctor. After seeing his doctor again, telling his whole story, and asking the right questions, he got the same advice I gave him.
And I'm glad he did.
His doctor had prescribed anti-drepressants, and though that works for some, it's not the right call for others.
I advised my friend to get the entire story across. Doctors often only get the story the patient wants to tell, while leaving out critical information. This missing information affects the diagnosis, and what protocols and medications are prescribed.
After listening to my friend for about half an hour, I determined that he had a few things affecting his life that he needed to change.
1. He needed more sunlight, and this is not a joke. Getting some sun is critical for mood and emotion. My advice was to get outside for 20 minutes, once per day.
2. He wasn't getting enough exercise. I advised him to start walking 20 minutes a day to start, and to work toward 45 minutes. When he hits that goal, I'll advise him on what to do next.
3. He needed to cut his alcohol consumption by about 75%. This won't be easy for him, as he is a very sociable guy, and much of his work revolves around entertaining.
4. He had to change his diet. More vegetables and fruits, and take it easy on the red meat.
5. He needs to supplement with an ultra pure pharmaceutical grade fish oil, which will support his mood and health. Numerous studies have shown fish oil helps cognitive function and neurological healing.
My friend's body needs some balance.
But he's not getting it by drinking too much, eating like a lion in the wild, not exercising, and staying inside.
The changes his family physician and I outlined will make a big difference in a short time. And that's the key to great health. Getting started now.
He wanted another opinion, and I've never had a shortage of those. At the same time, I am usually very reticent to countermand another doctor's advice, because I don't have the whole story, I haven't examined the patient, and this just generally isn't good practice. But in my friend's case, I made an exception, since I knew him quite well.
I went through a whole series of questions, and he answered everything I asked without hesitation. I thought things over and gave him some advice, and sent him back to his doctor. After seeing his doctor again, telling his whole story, and asking the right questions, he got the same advice I gave him.
And I'm glad he did.
His doctor had prescribed anti-drepressants, and though that works for some, it's not the right call for others.
I advised my friend to get the entire story across. Doctors often only get the story the patient wants to tell, while leaving out critical information. This missing information affects the diagnosis, and what protocols and medications are prescribed.
After listening to my friend for about half an hour, I determined that he had a few things affecting his life that he needed to change.
1. He needed more sunlight, and this is not a joke. Getting some sun is critical for mood and emotion. My advice was to get outside for 20 minutes, once per day.
2. He wasn't getting enough exercise. I advised him to start walking 20 minutes a day to start, and to work toward 45 minutes. When he hits that goal, I'll advise him on what to do next.
3. He needed to cut his alcohol consumption by about 75%. This won't be easy for him, as he is a very sociable guy, and much of his work revolves around entertaining.
4. He had to change his diet. More vegetables and fruits, and take it easy on the red meat.
5. He needs to supplement with an ultra pure pharmaceutical grade fish oil, which will support his mood and health. Numerous studies have shown fish oil helps cognitive function and neurological healing.
My friend's body needs some balance.
But he's not getting it by drinking too much, eating like a lion in the wild, not exercising, and staying inside.
The changes his family physician and I outlined will make a big difference in a short time. And that's the key to great health. Getting started now.
About the Author:
As a doctor and a baby boomer passionate about ultimate health, Dr. Bill takes and recommends this form of pharmaceutical grade fish oil every day.
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