5 Ways to Partner with your Doctor and take Control of your Health

For many people, the thought of taking control of their own health is a frightening proposition. We often are very comfortable turning over complete control of our health and well-being to another and less comfortable with determining and weighing specific options to maintain or regain our own health ourselves. This is evidenced in our lack of overall knowledge about our condition, the impact and efficacy of suggested treatments, and/or the things that we could do that would serve to either help or hinder our situation. Whether you are consulting a traditional medical doctor or an alternative medicine practitioner, you should become actively involved in the process in order to determine the best decisions for your health. Below, find 5 things that you can do now to work with your health-care provider and take charge of your medical health.

1. Prepare for your doctor visit; write down all of your symptoms. Face it. We all get nervous when visiting the doctor. It's easy to forget things. But if you have a list, you'll be sure to inform your medical doctor or holistic practitioner of any symptoms or reactions that you are experiencing.



2. Understand your diagnosis or evaluation results. At each visit, come prepared with a pencil and paper to write down all key information. Ask questions! Remember, the doctor is there to help you. Find out about your prognosis, alternative treatments or therapies, side effects, etc.



3. Research your condition and treatment. Use the internet or your local library to research and gain a better understanding of where you stand with your health. In addition to medical databases online where you can research both pharmaceutical drugs and herbs, there are also online support groups for every condition imaginable.



4. Get a second opinion. Doctors aren't perfect. If you have followed the previous steps, you should have a better understanding of your condition. You are in a better position to discuss treatment options with someone who may come from a different perspective than your initial doctor.



5. Incorporate preventative health care measures into your daily life. Address your diet, rest, and exercise from a holistic perspective. The old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, is quite apropos when it comes to preserving your health. Staying healthy minimizes your trips to the doctor.

To find out more about natural methods of health and healing with alternative medicine, visit

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To find out about natural health education, visit

Certified Natural Health Professionals - SC Chapter

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Choosing a Holistic Practitioner

In studying natural health, one question comes up over and over again. How does one go about choosing a good alternative medicine physician or holistic health practitioner?


Just as in allopathic medicine, the choice of health care provider is critical to your overall results. If it is a new experience, choosing an alternative health care doctor can be overwhelming. These 10 questions below adopted from the American Holistic Medical Association, can be used to help you find and build a relationship with a practitioner that you can partner with to secure your natural, holistic health.

1. How does this practitioner feel about second opinions or your interest in alternative health care therapies or treatments?


2. How do you react and respond to this practitioner's staff and office? Are you comfortable?


3. Is your personal dignity respected by this practitioner and his staff during examinations and any other interactions?


4. Does this practitioner honor your doubts, anxieties, or fears?


5. Do you feel like a valued partner in managing your health?


6. Does the practitioner himself appear healthy?


7. Are you treated as if this is an important, ongoing relationship?


8. Are you allowed sufficient time between consultation and treatment to allow time to make well informed decisions?


9. Does the practitioner offer you unconditional acceptance and an open mind?


10. Would you recommend this practitioner to another person that you care about?

Use these 10 steps to find a natural health practitioner and lay the groundwork for establishing a healthy relationship with them in securing your holistic health.



To find out more about natural methods of health and healing with alternative medicine, visit

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To find out about natural health education, visit

Certified Natural Health Professionals - SC Chapter

Technorati tags : holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, holistic health, naturopathic medicine, natural health, practitioner

Children's nutrition gets a holistic boost

This week, the national news reported that many of our nation's schools are changing their school lunch menus to offer a more nutrition based, health-oriented meal plan. This major change in direction is based on the unprecedented incidents of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes. Considering the overwhelming evidence supporting the links between nutrition and health, it's amazing that it has taken this long for action to take place in this area. The long-term effect of junk food served both at home and in our nation's schools has been devastating.

Insulin resistance is on the rise and is being seen in younger and younger victims. Cancer rates have skyrocketed and incidents of morbid obesity have soared. Heart attacks are now claiming our youth. Poor food choices ( or lack of good choices as has been the case with school lunches) and lack of exercise due to diminished physical education programs does not allow our children to thrive.

Americans are among the fattest and most unhealthy population on the planet. We are literally eating ourselves to death! Basic naturopathic medicine principles re-enforce the concept of you are what you eat. It's no wonder kids have so many problems with A.D.D., A.D.H.D., allergies and asthma when they only eat hamburgers, french fries, sloppy joes, and soft drinks! When I was growing up, there were generally only one or two overweight kids in the class. Now, it seems that being overweight is the norm.

I applaud the education system for finally recognizing this link and moving to include healthy food choices in its lunch menus and vending machines. By teaching children healthy eating habits, we can solve this nutritional crisis. Hopefully, the next target will be requiring daily exercise by bringing back PE!


Certified Natural Health Professionals nationally offers natural health education on advanced nutrition and have a capstone training seminar entitled "Childrens Nutrition & Vaccinations". To find out more about CNHP and their course offerings and local chapters, click this link:

Certified Natural Health Professionals of South Carolina


To find out more about naturopathic medicine and the impact of nutrition and healthy living, check out

Naturopathic-Medicine.net


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REVIEW: Certified Natural Health Professionals

Certified Natural Health Professionals is a national seminar program where anyone interested in gaining knowledge about natural health and healing can receive guided instruction and attain certification in alternative medicine. A successful candidate must attend and complete 5 institute seminars based on actual theory and techniques used by natural health practitioners. The seminars are taught by competent, "active in their fields" faculty who are both dedicated and experienced. Classes are offered throughout the United States.


I have attained my CNHP status and greatly appreciate the professionalism and care in which the instructors guide you in learning. The course material and supplemental information provided by the instructors is always fresh and relevant. The opportunities for hands-on learning provide a very rewarding and unique experience in natural health education.


CNHP Required Seminars for Certification:

1. Nutrition
2. Body Systems
3. Iridology
4. Body Work
5. Practicum

In addition to the basic seminars, the National Association of Certified Natural Health Professionals offers advanced capstone courses for continuing education. In order to retain one's certification, you must enroll in at least one capstone per year or re-take a basic seminar. Again, as the material is always evolving, this gives you an opportunity to stay abreast of recent developments in holistic medicine.

Each seminar and capstone involves a minimum of thirteen hours of study, classroom participation and/or practical demonstration.

Advanced capstones include traditional naturopathic medicine specialties such as homeopathy, herbology or herbal medicine, dried blood cell analysis, clinical aromatherapy, bach flower remedies, advanced nutrition, enzymes, reflexology, etc.


If you are interested in CNHP courses or attaining your certification, you can check out their website at this address:

Certified Natural Health Professionals

In recent years, CNHP has started to organize itself into state chapters. You can check out the South Carolina chapter to find out more about state and regional chapters.

Certified Natural Health Professionals of South Carolina

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