Avoiding doctor rarely pays off

<p>Top 10 reasons to avoid going to doctors:</p><p>10. It's a waste of valuable time.</p><p>9. It's embarrassing and humiliating.</p><p>8. It's easier to use the Internet and figure it out my self.</p><p>7. It costs money I don't want to spend.</p><p>6. I'll get sick from the other patients in the waiting room.</p><p>5. I already know what the doctor is going to say , so why bother?</p><p>4. I don't want a pre-existing condition in my medical record.</p><p>3. She'll give me tests or medicines I don't want to take.</p><p>2. He will tell me to make changes I don't want to make.</p><p>1. She might find something wrong with me.</p><p>David Letterman could come up with a hundred more reasons, no doubt. And while it's true that we want to avoid pre-existing conditions for insurance purposes, and we certainly don't want to find anything wrong with our bodies, complete avoidance of doctors rarely pays off in the long run. When you are feeling horrible because you are sick or injured, it's usually pretty clear you need to see a doctor. But preventative health care is easily avoided, often to our own downfall.</p><p>Allow me to compare your health care to the maintenance you do for your car or truck.</p><p>Most of us are not mechanics and don't handle our own car care. But we love our vehicles, and we keep them running at all costs. Shouldn't we do the same for our bodies? It takes time and money. But, just as with your car, taking time for preventative maintenance can help you avoid a breakdown at the most inconvenient and unexpected moments. Diabetes, hypertension, some cancers and lung disease are all silent conditions that can be managed well if identified early on; they can be fatal if ignored.</p><p>Expect some wear and tear, treat it while you can, and keep your body running as long as possible with good maintenance. Find a doctor's office that runs efficiently and make your own health care enough of a priority to take a few hours occasionally to get the repairs you need.</p><p>Embarrassed? Find a doctor you trust, and allow him or her to take care of you. You won't die of the awkwardness you feel in the exam room, but you could die if you don't let anyone examine you. Sure, you might be asked to lose weight. Again. You might be advised to quit smoking. Again. And this time it might make a difference.</p><p>So you think the Internet can take the place of a good doctor? How can someone who has never seen you or touched you possibly know what you have or what you need? The Internet has resources that can complement your physician's care, but personal care is invaluable when done by an experienced and attentive doctor.</p><p>In addition, thinking you know what the doctor will say is giving yourself undue credit for years of experience and training. A good physician will surprise you with new information and recommendations you may not have thought about. Choose a doctor who occasionally astonishes you with expertise and common sense.</p><p>Of course, you don't have to see doctors. You don't have to take medications or get recommended tests. You can make these personal choices and take responsibility for the outcome.</p><p>You can fill your gas tank week after week, never taking the time to change the oil or get tune-ups or lube jobs, so it's no surprise when the car quits running. Then you just get yourself a new one.</p><p>But in spite of all the advances in medicine today, your body is not replaceable. Fuel it well, get the maintenance and repairs you deserve, and work with a doctor you trust. Preserve the life of the vehicle you live in.</p><h3>WEB HELP</h3> <p>How often should I have a checkup</p><p>www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002125.htm</p><p>What can I do to keep myself healthy?</p><p>familydoctor.org/175.xml</p>