Archive for the ‘new paradigm’ category

Is A New Health Care Paradigm Needed?

August 9th, 2011

It may be time to move away from the traditional health care model that some describe as sick-care. In the old model’s place, a new model would emerge. One based on wellness. Individuals would take responsibility for their own health care decisions. In this new paradigm, the Internet would play an important role in providing needed information.

Modern medical science has provided us with unprecedented opportunities for prolonging life, but it is a sad observation these extended years have too often come with little consideration for quality of life or cost. Too often, there has been no emphasis on wellness. There is reason for people to be concerned about health. This concern is for both longevity and quality of life.

It has also become ever apparent to a growing number of observant people that the cost of health care in the United States has reached unprecedented levels. This ever increasing economic burden threatens to destroy the health care system that has long been the envy of the world. It is not clear how long the current health care system can survive. More than a few experts are suggesting changes and believe that significant changes must occur. These experts tell us that health care will soon be unaffordable and already is for many. Such experts suggest a new health paradigm is required, but what should this new paradigm be?

Certainly, a significant part of any necessary change is to move away from a health care model almost completely structured around sick-care to a new model that places the primary emphasis on wellness (prevention). It seems intuitive that it should cost less to prevent a major disease, like cancer, than to treat it. If we foster wellness (prevent sickness and disease), then, quality-of-life should follow.

Such a new paradigm requires individuals to take charge of their own health. Are you ready to move to a new wellness paradigm, take charge of your health and not leave it entirely to the “health professionals”? Are you ready to form a partnership with your physician and other health care providers? There is an increasing number of people who would say, “Yes.” This sounds well and good; however, there is a “catch.” The adoption of this new paradigm requires individuals to be more informed than ever about their bodily functions. They must also have access to information that may have historically been uninteresting.

As people begin to adopt this new health paradigm, how do they begin to answer all the questions? Where do they find information that will be useful in sustaining their part of the new health partnership? Information about natural supplements that are known for their anti-aging properties, may be helpful. These anti-aging natural supplements may add years to one’s life, but their real value may be in their ability to add to your quality-of-life. Perhaps added years will be an extra bonus! How does one go about finding such articles?

The new wellness paradigm requires access to information about body function, nutrition, minerals, enzymes, other anti-aging natural supplements, disease and similar topics. The Internet can play a significant role in filling this need. Web sites dedicated to relevant wellness information can be a valuable health information resource for those willing to embrace the new health paradigm.

Target Breast Health With a Mammogram

August 8th, 2011

When it comes right down to it, being afraid of breast cancer is far more dangerous than the disease could ever be.   Each year millions of women stand up and dare cancer to deprive them of their lives and happiness.  Every woman that gets negative results can have peace of mind knowing that they do not have tumors that might begin the process of invading other organs.  By contrast, every malignant finding represents a woman that will need to undergo life saving surgeries and treatments.  It is vital to understand that early diagnosis of breast cancer means full lifetime survival and a normal life for the majority of women.

Today, there are many people concerned about the quality of health care in the United States, as well as the cost.  Uncategorically, when it comes to breast health screening, there are plenty of funds available.  Regardless of whether or not you have health insurance, all women over 40 years old are eligible for free or reduced rate screenings.  In addition, if you have a family history of breast cancer, you can take advantage of certain programs in order to get screening at age 35.   If you do a web search on Breast Health Partnership, you should be able to locate a funding unit for your local area.  No matter what other people try to tell you, there is no financial reason for a woman to go without a yearly mammogram.

Even though mammograms are relatively painless, you will still need to be prepared for them.  Among other things, you should not use creams, powders, or makeup in the area that will be scanned.  You should also avoid wearing necklaces or any other type of jewelry that might leave a metallic residue on your skin.  When you schedule your appointment with the testing facility, they will tell you how many hours you should go without wearing these items.  In most cases, this is all you will need to do in terms of physical preparation.

As may be expected, you will also need to prepare yourself mentally for getting a mammogram.   Consider a situation where you are naturally shy, or you feel uncomfortable about exposing private areas to strangers.  While you may already know that medical practitioners are trained not to see your body in a personal way, it can still be difficult to overcome your personal instincts.  It is important to realize that the average technician most likely performs 50 or mammograms each day.   In most cases, they will not remember much of anything about you, let alone what you look like with your clothes off once you leave the room.

When you go to the facility, you can also ask to work with a different technician if you do not feel comfortable with the one assigned to you.  That said, if you spend just a few minutes talking to the technician, you will most likely forget about all of your concerns.  You can also have peace of mind knowing that the exam only takes a few minutes.  Once it is over, you can walk out of the testing facility and go on with your life.  On the other hand, if you do have a malignant tumor, it can, and will spread to many other parts of your body.   At that point, no amount of begging will save your life, let alone help you get off the hook because you felt embarrassed at the thought of taking a simple mammogram.