Rather than discussing health care from a traditional perspective, today I’d like to share a personal perspective. In my 30’s I was diagnosed with glaucoma. While I was living and working in Beijing, I felt “funny” and scheduled an appointment with an ophthalmologist in my hometown when I was back in the states for a visit. He asked why I was there, as I had 20/20 eyesight. I let him know that my eyes felt “funny” and while it was possible I was adjusting to the pollution and work schedule of a 24 hour clock, it seemed more than that.
He conducted a series of tests and relayed the news that my eye pressure was over 30 in each eye (normal was 10). The textbook suggested that there were no symptoms associated with glaucoma and he was baffled – my “feeling” wasn’t normal, nor were my results. He had concern that I would not sustain normal vision with the level of eye pressure.
He wanted me to see a specialist ASAP and begin treatment to protect my sight. I traveled to LA, sought care from a specialist there and began visits and treatment before I flew back to Beijing. At this time, I realized that my “feeling” was a guide to pay attention. The “art” of life was leaving me a clue. I took this clue, believing it was up to me to blend art and science to allow for my sustained sight.
I learned a valuable lesson from this experience. Paying attention brought me to care and over time, I sought to bring balance to my health through exploring internal and external reasons for the root of the problem, seeking to “self-correct” in conjunction with medicine. Incredible doctors have helped me along the way and today, I am medicine free and enjoy full vision.
Health Care is in the news today as our country discusses insurance and the impact to families, those providing care for us and those who pay for these services. Yes, this presents an opportunity for us and it is important to be involved in the discussion. What about interactive measures? Are we participants or observers in our own care?
Watching my parents taught me that speaking up, interacting with the physicians and taking actions on my own behalf may be a “generational thing”! I was curious, I asked questions, I sought to understand the “art” of health, along with seeking to understand the nuance of science which wasn’t my forte.
Options abound today for holistic or integrative medicine. Treating the whole body is not a new concept. PBS has written a history of alternative medicine in the US you may read: Brief History of Alternative Medicine in the US
Listen to your body. Understand yourself and your emotions. For me, the blend of art and science is an ongoing practice. Well-being is my version of healthcare.
If you are curious about contingency planning at home and work and why this may benefit you, I invite you to contact The Living Planner. We proactively help you assess your situation in business and home and explore ways for you to protect what is important to you by asking questions. What is your risk? Your plan? Are you ready to be ready?
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