Your Doctor and Anti-Aging
Doctors take a lot of heat from the ‘natural crowd’. Pill pushers. Too quick with a scalpel. Treat the symptom not the problem.
I have to admit I have often thought these things myself. And I do think there is an element of the medical community that deserves this reputation.
Truth be known, most physicians receive little to no education in nutrition or natural healing. They dish out the obvious advice: lose some weight, quit smoking, and get some exercise. But most doctors don’t get too much into the prevention side of things.
Anti-Aging & the Doctor
Challenges for the Doctor
Consider what a typical physician needs to do today just to keep pace with an ever-changing field of medicine. Staying current with the latest in medications, surgical techniques, stains of viruses. Reading journals, attending seminars, continuing education—on top of a patient load and a crazy work life.
In particular, the past year has been incredibly stressful for doctors. Navigating the COVID virus and its world-wide implications has challenged the entire planet—but especially doctors and other health care workers.
All this leaves no time for your doctor to learn the vast information in the world of natural healing and nutrition. And believe me—it is vast. In all my years of pouring over information in the natural realm, the one thing I know best is how little I know.
Does this mean doctors shouldn’t be part of the anti-ager’s arsenal for pursuing longevity?
I think not.
The Annual Physical
Take me for example. I have the good fortune of having an awesome family physician. He is thorough, patient, open-minded, and a great listener. My last annual physical with him was thirty un-rushed minutes of conversation, hearing out my concerns, asking great questions, and discussing the results of various tests.
December is the normal month for my annual physical. However, with COVID, my appointment was bumped to this month. What happens when I show up? An update on my life the past year. I’ll let him know about any physical ailments—injuries, aches, or pains. A full physical exam. Blood pressure, Eyes, ears, lymph glands. Prostate check. And the inevitable discussion of bloodwork. Given I went through a mild bout of leukemia (yes, there is such a thing as ‘mild’ blood cancer) over seven years ago, paying attention to my blood profile is a key indicator for me. If my blood numbers—particularly white blood cell and platelet counts—stray offside, I want an early heads up.
Because of all this, the annual physical is a lock-in on my calendar. I want my doctor on my anti-aging team for many years to come.
Your Own Annual Physical
How about you? You need your own doctor—a good one. And an annual physical. Learn your numbers—your blood pressure and year-over-year weight. Know your blood profile. Your lipid profile. Get a thorough going over. Confide your concerns. All your aches and pains.
As the old saying goes: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Catching a brewing chronic condition early is critical to your future quality of life. Your doctor can help you do this.
This is where you come in. You need to take responsibility for your own health. It’s your life. Step up and own it.
Your Doctor Partnership
This is where you come in. You need to take responsibility for your own health. Educate yourself about longevity. Find trusted sources for anti-aging advice. Start developing good habits.
It’s your life. Step up and own it.
Evaluate your lifestyle. A cold analysis. If you need to change anything, do it.
If a change in mindset is needed, change it.
Looking at the world differently can make a world of difference.
For example, a dear friend of mine, a well-known doctor, was shocked when he dug into the scientific literature on the power of nutritional supplements. What he read shifted his mindset to allow him to use nutritional products to help change his lipid profile. To the point of stopping a seven-year use of statin drugs to control his cholesterol.
Now he walks on both sides of the street: western medicine and natural healing & prevention. He’s proactive about his health—like all of us should be.
Here in the UK, my local surgery has multiple doctors and the chance of seeing the same one is very lucky! So the need to visit the surgery recently for sporadic nosebleeds over the last year resulted in a telecon appointment; since COVID one cannot get a face to face appointment! The days cried chosen for me suggested I get a blood test from the hospital as the doctor couldn’t do it. My records showed I hadn’t had one for 6 years! (My age is 72!) Also I should get my blood pressure checked but the doctor couldn’t do it. So I had the blood test, bought a blood pressure machine and waited the results which reported that I had pre-diabetes and should change my way of life. I should say as a 72 year old I am an active mid/long distance walker, golfer, swimmer, play badminton and keen gardener. My weight is 190lbs and I have all my “marbles”!
So I’ve decided that my change of way of life should be to stop the regular daily cake with my cup of tea and take the nasal medication! So much for doctors!!
Hey Chris. I didn’t know NHS made it that difficult to have your own primary general practitioner (GP as they’re called here in Canada). The consistent interaction with my GP makes for a more meaningful annual conversation for sure. Bloodwork is huge–especially as we get on in years. It likely would have flagged your insulin resistance (IR, which is what pre-diabetes really is) much sooner. Your activity level is excellent. Your IR is likely nutrition-related. Cutting out sugar is job #1 for dealing with IR reversal. And it definitely is reversible without meds. You might find after a year or so with a change in diet you won’t need the nasal meds–with a doctor’s permission, of course. Good luck!