Monday, October 4, 2010

Are You a Driver or Just a Passenger?

Which Seat Do You Choose?
This post inspired me a while back and has been in the back of my mind ever since.  It  makes you ponder whether you are just a passenger inside your own body or whether you are a driver.  Let me explain what I mean by this.  

I personally feel too many people (myself included in the past) are just passengers inside their own body allowing others to drive them.  People are more than willing to take control of their career.  In regard to health, people blindly let others steer them in whatever way they are told.  They go to the doctor, said doctor does what ever they want to, come to what ever conclusion they come to, and tell their patient to do certain things to improve their health.  You notice how that sentence transitioned the person into a patient.  At this point most people are not actively participating in their health anymore.  In general, the doctor steers the patient to take some medications to help improve the situation.  They sometimes also recommend exercise and diet change.  The patients rarely attempt to steer themselves in a different direction or even consult a map for a more direct and/or safer route.  They allow themselves to be steered and thus become a passenger.

The pill popping is easy and is typically adhered to for as long as the doctor tells them.  Exercise and diet change take some active participation and change by a person.  This is rarely adhered to because people aren't willing to do what it takes to drive their own health.  They want someone to do it for them.

My contention is you should drive your own health.  No one should care about your well being more than you.  Don't be afraid to do your own research.  Become an expert in whatever ails you.  Don't be afraid to question a doctor.  Don't be afraid to get a second opinion.  Find a doctor who is willing and patient enough to work with you toward the common goal of your health.  It is in fact your well being or that of a loved one that is at stake.  You only have one life to live......take the wheel and be the driver of your own health.  


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