Remember
when it was considered rude to question your doctor? Back then you would ask
“Doc what should I do?” and he (when doctors were generally men and women
nurses) would tell you and you did it. But the relationship between doctor and
patient has changed - for the better.
Today
the relationship has progressed where the doctor gives you advice and YOU
decide in consultation with your doctor what to do. But this puts more
responsibility on you. You are no longer a backseat passenger. You are now helping
drive your medical care.
In
the video presentation, “4 Questions You Should Always Ask Your Doctor”, neurosurgeon
Christer Mjåset points out in the United States, an estimated thirty percent of
all medical spending does not add value to your medical care and is
unnecessary.
To
avoid unnecessary treatment, he suggests asking your doctor these four
questions.
1.
"Doctor, is this really necessary?" A basic question - but seldom
asked. The problem is that unnecessary procedures burden an already over
stressed medical system. A good doctor will sometimes say “no”, but the
sensible patient also at times will turn down an opportunity to get diagnosed
or treated – which is difficult when you want something to be done.
2.
"What are the risks attached to this operation?" There is no medical
procedure or operation that is without risks. I remember Dr. Stanley speaking
at the Center ten years ago explaining joint replacements and the risks. His advice
- don’t do it unless your condition is affecting your quality of life.
3.
"Doctor, are there other options?" Alternatives may be just as
effective. Recent research has shown in some circumstances there is no
difference between the effect of operating on the knee and regular physical
therapy.
4.
"And what happens if I don't do anything?" Doing nothing is always an
option, but you should know the consequences.
By
asking these four questions, research has shown that one out of five individuals
will change their mind about what to do - and according to Mjaset benefiting an
already overstressed health care system while keeping you in the driver’s seat
when making decisions about your medical care.
This
sounds like a way to get into the Halloween spirit. The Gorge Winds Concert
Bands presents its October Spooktacular Concert, Sunday Oct. 27th, 7:00 pm at
The Dalles Middle School. And if you dare, wear your Halloween costume! Suggested
donations are: Families $20; General Admission $10; Senior Citizens and Children
13 -18 years old $5; and for Children under 12 admission is free.
As
we head into the second half of Gorge Happiness Month, here are this week’s
suggestions for things to do to help increase your happiness. Oct. 17 – Leave a
kind note in an unlikely place; Oct. 18 – Pet a cat or dog; Oct. 19 – Take a
nap; Oct. 20 - Make plans for something
to look forward to; Oct. 21 – Have a conversation where you listen more than
you talk; Oct 22 – Look at the sky; and Oct. 23 – Walk or drive a different
route.
The
name of the CBS comedy broadcast from 1962 to 1971 that told the story of a
poor backwoods family from the Ozarks who moved to California after striking
oil was the “Beverly Hillbillies”. And the family was the Clampetts. I received
correct answers from Becky Roberts, Barbara Cadwell, Rhonda Spies, Jerry
Phillips, Darcy Long Curtiss, Darlein France, Virginia McLain, Elaine Lee, Lana
Tepfer, Mary Collins, Alse Mattos, Lucille Stephens, Cheri Brent and Claudette Potter
this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week I missed Betsy
Ayres.
This
week I’m raising the ante with a question I think you’ll find more challenging.
Westerns were a popular genre on television, but by the middle of the 1970’s after
Bonanza, Gunsmoke and this series were cancelled, it marked the end of the
traditional Western era. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the
name of the Western series originating on radio in 1930 and broadcast on
television from 1952-1970 featuring true stories of the American West and
hosted by various actors including Ronald Reagan? Email your answer to
mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a box
of Twenty Mule Team Borax.
Well,
it’s been another week, watching the leaves turn. Until we meet again, the
older you get the more complicated life seems.
.
“Don’t
let your mouth write a check that your tale can’t cash.” Bo Diddley
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