A few thoughts on health care

Don’t worry, I’m not going to get political. At least not right now. Health care is not a political issue; everybody gets sick, and everybody needs to know how to prevent it. That’s why Pathway To Wellness exists.

If you’ve followed Pathway To Wellness for any length of time you’ve probably seen or heard of the “Carpenter Approach;” it’s how we approach health. The brief version is this: Wellness Way Doctors are Carpenters. We examine the structural issues of a home and design a plan of repair that not only solves the immediate issue, whether it be faulty wiring or rot in the wood, but leaves the house stronger for the future.

That’s it in a nutshell.

What much of the medical establishment does is very different. They use what we call the “Fireman Approach.” Firemen put out fires, and they are great at it. When you need them they rush to your need, using everything at their disposal to quell the flames before they spread to other parts of the house or, heaven forbid, other houses.

But once the fire is out, have their picks, axes and water left your home in a livable condition? Unfortunately, not.

It’s time for the carpenter to visit and see what needs to be done to salvage what is left.

So, what has this got to do with health care?

We’ve allowed the wrong people to dictate the terms and “health care” is now a term that no longer means what it should. Usually when you hear it now they’re talking about access to insurance. Or maybe they mean going to a doctor. But are these things really health care?

When was the last time you went to your doctor before you were sick? I don’t mean as a follow up visit where you find out you’re doing okay. I mean, when was the last time you saw a doctor to find out how to prevent getting sick in the first place?

Doctors don’t do that typically. Most doctors take the fireman approach, treating you when you need them- and thank heaven they are there. But is that health care or is that disease care?

Health care is providing for your health, not treating the symptoms of a disease you already have. That means being proactive. And since virtually every ailment known to humanity is caused by inflammation it’s not hard to stay ahead of the disease curve. Get your blood tested. Know what you’re allergic to. Know what toxins you need to be avoiding. Know your body, inside and out.

Health care is about managing your health, not your sickness. Get tested as soon as possible. Talk to a carpenter so you won’t need a fireman.