The United States spends more money by a wide margin than any other country on health care.  Our health care system is set up to keep us from dying, not thriving.  Our average life span barely makes it in the top 30 when compared to other nations.  As it stands now, the American health care system is poorly equipped to help us maximize our health span.  Health span is defined as a period of time in which a person is generally healthy and free from serious disease.

Health care costs in America continue to increase without actual positive change in our health status as consumers.  It is imperative that we take a leadership role in our own health care by continuing to be proactive.  Part of being proactive is learning how to care for and manage common non-life threatening injuries and illnesses.  The medical system is not designed to help you to maximize your health and well-being.  It is designed to prevent you from dying and to maximize profits for the corporatocracy that controls our health care system.  It is imperative that we manage our health by learning how to self-treat non-life threatening and non-emergent injuries and illnesses.

6 Reasons Why You Should Self-Treat and Manage Your Health:

1. Money – Health care is expensive. Many of the most common treatments and fancy diagnostic methods are not necessary. Costs are only going to rise more in the future. As this occurs, it will be even more important to be able to take care of the simple common place injuries and illnesses. It will save you a lot of time and money!
2. Empowerment – There is nothing more important than your health. You have control of most of the aspects in your life that affect your health status. Taking care of yourself and your health needs leads to a sense of empowerment.
3. Improved Care – If you understand how to be healthy and take care of yourself, you will be able to assist your medical practitioner in making the best decision on how to manage your care. Remember, it is your body and your health. Being your own advocate will insure that you receive quality care.
4. Quicker Recovery Time – Often by taking out the middle man, you can help to increase the speed of recovery. You can address the condition and help your body to initiate the healing response to insure a faster recovery.
5. Emergency Situations – You never know when an emergency, such as a motor vehicle accident or inclement weather, may occur. You may experience an injury or illness during a camping trip when resources are a far distance away. In the event of an emergency situation, you will be knowledgeable and equipped to take care of yourself and your loved ones. (If necessary, please seek appropriate medical assistance as soon as possible.)
6. Healthy Living – Take the time to focus on your health. Often, small changes in your diet, activity level, and relationships can make a big difference. You can take control of your health and your life! For more healthy living tips, please refer to My Top 10 Anti- Aging Tips and How to Age Successfully.

Taking a passive role in your health is not a wise choice in America’s current health care environment.  Only you are responsible for your health.  My goal is to have a positive impact on the lives of others and on the health care system in general.  I desire to accomplish this by providing useful and practical types of “how to” information. With the cost of healthcare on the rise, I desire to help proactive adults of all ages to understand how to safely self-treat and manage common physical therapy related conditions in a timely manner so they can reach their optimal health.

To accomplish this goal, I need to hear from YOU!  What are your pains?  What injuries are you suffering from?  Please submit your questions to contact@thePhysicalTherapyAdvisor.com.  I look forward to answering your health related questions!  You CAN achieve optimal health!

Get started now by checking out the Resource Guide!  The specific exercise section is full of rehabilitation exercises ranging from low back pain to knee pain.  These .pdf files include photos and detailed descriptions to help you get started.  This list of resources also includes books, products, resources, supplements, topical agents, videos, and web sites that I personally use and recommend to my family, friends, clients, and patients (for use in the clinical setting).

Also, be sure to join our growing community on Facebook by liking The Physical Therapy Advisor!

Disclaimer:  The Physical Therapy Advisor blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice.  No health care provider/patient relationship is formed.  The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at your own risk.  The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Do not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition you may have.  Please seek the assistance of your health care professionals for any such conditions.