Be Your Own Health Advocate!

Back in 2012 and beyond, I suffered from debilitating hip and back pain.

I took it upon myself to become my own “health advocate” and searched for a practitioner who could help me with the pain, no matter how long it took.

Over the span of two years, I visited about 10 different doctors, until I could find someone who could help me, and she did.

Had I not searched for a healing solution, I’d still be suffering.

Being your own health advocate is crucial because it puts you in charge of your own well-being.

By actively playing detective and seeking information, you can make informed decisions.

It’s important to receive the right care, catch potential issues early, and play an active role in your own treatment and recovery, leading to a healthier and happier life.

“Without doubt, communication is crucial to good health care. When people take an active role in their care, research shows they fare better — in satisfaction and in how well treatments work. A passive patient is less likely to get well” according to WebMD.

Necessary Steps!

Here are a few steps you can take in becoming your own health advocate:

💧 Start out by making sure you understand what your health insurance covers and what it doesn’t.
🔹 Keep your insurance company’s number handy along with with your group number, because they will ask for it.
💧 If you receive a medical bill and don’t understand it, call the insurer and possibly your healthcare provider. You need to understand for yourself why you are being billed
🔹 Write down whatever they tell you for future reference!
💧 If you go the doctor and you don’t understand what they are telling you or why you need treatment, ask questions.
🔹 Bring a list of questions with you to your visit, see sample questions below!

If you’ve seen your doctor and they tell you nothing is wrong with you, and you are still in pain, search for another practitioner who can get you the answers and solutions that you need.

No One Knows Your Body Like You Do!

To my surprise, I recently ran across a video by Susan Sly about being your own advocate.

Susan says in the video that no one knows your body like you do, which couldn’t be more true.

She also mentions that nothing will take you out of your “zen place” like getting sick and that people are walking around not feeling well, which is not normal.

Luckily I have a wonderful Naturopath.

Check out Susan’s very empowering and engaging video below where she addresses this and more:

Susan says you need to be your own health advocate and suggests steps you can take before you see a practitioner if you are not feeling well.

Identify what’s really going on and write it down. Be very specific.
Take responsibility and clean up your diet.
Get exercise and make sure you are keeping your body moving every day, even a daily walk will help.
Get enough sleep.
Find a multi-disciplinary practitioner who combines many modalities to help with your healing,

I’ll say it again, bottom line, be your own health advocate! It’s helped me several times and it could help you too!

Bottom line, be your own health advocate! It’s helped me several times and it could help you too!