Woodbury Bulletin - 04/30/2008
Earth Day, an occasion observed in April to celebrate our planet and to protect the environment, was celebrated April 22.
Since 1970, Earth Day has been an annual event for people around the world. It has become a global celebration with renewed commitment to building a safer, healthier and cleaner world.
Some cities extend the Earth Day celebration to be a week- or month-long event.
All the talking and writing about going and living green during the month of April or the Earth Day celebration is good to bring our awareness to the environmental issues and inspire our appreciation for the Earth and Mother Nature.
But I think April should not be the only time we think about our environment.
It’s not enough to be eco- friendly only one day/week/ month a year. We should take the Earth Day even further. Earth Day should be every day. Green living should be our way of life.
To save our earth and build a better future for our children, we must commit to protect our environment on a daily basis.
Here are eight R’s to help you think green, live green and make every day Earth Day.
Respect
We need to show respect to all of God's creations. Respect our planet Earth and all living things within it, our fellow human beings, animals and plants. We are all dependant on each other. Without an attitude of reverence and appreciation for God’s creation and our planet Earth, no real change can be expected.
Responsibility
Remember that we are stewards of our planet and we should be environmentally responsible. Each of us living on this earth and using the resources has the responsibility for what we use and how we use it.
Protecting our earth and environment is everyone’s responsibility. It is the responsibility of every community, every city and every country no matter where it is.
Rethink
We need to rethink the way we have used and done things in the past. Maybe we can change a habit in order to save money and resources.
If you always let the water run while brushing your teeth, it’s time to think and do it differently. Turn off the tap next time. Remind yourself to do so until you establish the new habit.
Can you walk, bike or car pool instead of driving your automobile solo? Can you plan in advance and do several errands in one trip instead of making multiple trips?
Refuse
Refuse to be a slave to the latest fashion and the consumer culture. Refuse to follow others and do what the society says you should do. Don’t let the TV ads tell you what you need to be happy.
It is our human nature to want to be like others and be accepted and liked by others. We want to keep up with the Joneses. We want to be like others and to do things the way others do. Sometimes it is a good thing to be different.
Reduce
We should do our part to reduce the amount of waste generated. The fewer resources and products we use, the less harm we do to the environment.
Don't print all your e-mails. If you need to keep something, save it electronically. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging wastes.
Reuse
We should reuse existing materials as much as possible. Before we buy something new, think if there are existing materials that can be used as substitutes. If we need something, can we buy it used? If we have something we no longer need, can we give it to someone who can use it?
Repair
This is probably the toughest one to do in the U.S.
We live in the culture and society with a throw-away and disposable mentality. If something breaks or simply doesn’t look good any more, out it goes and we have to buy a new one. A big reason is it’s often more expensive and troublesome to repair it than buy a new one. Besides, we don’t have the time, knowledge and skills to do it like our parents’ generation has done.
My dad is the best handyman I know. He fixed everything in our home when I grew up. He could make a lot of things himself, from big items such as furniture to small items like keys. He fixed bicycles, shoes, pots and pants. Whatever broke, he could fix it and do it himself.
But people in my generation are very different now. Life has become so busy and complicated, often times we only know how to buy which was made very easy with the invention of credit cards instead of how to repair.
Recycle
Recycling, or reclaiming usable materials, is one of the easiest things we can all do for the environment. Please regularly recycle paper, plastic, glass and aluminum beverage containers, etc.
We should all do our part in making our world a greener, healthier and safer place to live, for ourselves and for the generations to come. Only when we as individuals truly embrace and apply a green philosophy, can we make a real difference in the world.
Hopefully, these eight R’s will be a quick reminder to inspire you to live a greener life.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Kindness in words and action
Qin TangWoodbury Bulletin - 04/23/2008
Getting organized is a topic I am always interested in. As I mentioned in a previous column titled “Get organized,” I like to learn new tips and tricks that will help me get organized and make my life easier. And I have learned a lot myself over the years.
Recently when I saw a blurb in the Woodbury Bulletin about the free workshop “Order in the Home” at the R.H. Stafford library, I decided to check it out.
I didn’t expect to learn a lot of new things, but I thought I would learn something nevertheless.
Tuesday evenings after piano lessons are usually the time my kids and I visit the library anyway, so it was very convenient for me to stop by at the workshop.
When I read about the workshop in the paper, I didn’t pay too much attention to the name of the presenter, Kian Dwyer. The name just semed familiar to me.
It reminded me of the book "Living Your Chosen Eulogy” that I read a couple of years ago.
Being a half-hour late for the workshop and without a reserved seat, I was very glad I still found an empty seat in the crowded conference room.
Kian Dwyer was talking about organizing the kitchen and bathroom, giving away and getting rid of excessive stuff, etc.
As I looked closer at her name and saw her face to face, almost within arm’s reach, I kept wondering: “Is this the same person?”
The answer came at the end of the presentation when Dwyer shared a little bit about her background and mentioned that she is a writer.
Yes, I knew Dwyer as a writer.
Dwyer’s first book “Living Your Chosen Eulogy” was published in 2004. The book got great reviews. The second revised edition came out in 2005. I enjoyed reading it and found it very inspiring.
Her second book, “There is an Angel in all of us,” will be published soon.
What I didn’t know was Dwyer has talents and skills in more than one area.
“I don’t do any one job full time. Wearing many hats keeps me balanced,” Dwyer said, “I can make a bigger difference in the world by sharing more than one gift.”
Dwyer is a life and design consultant. Her services include life coaching, interior design for residential and Parade of Homes models.
She is an organization expert and likes to help people bring “Order in the Home;” the name of her business.
Dwyer was born in Iran and was adopted by an American couple at age seven.
As someone who has experienced hardships and health challenges in life, Dwyer has a tender heart for children with special needs. She does workshops in development training for special needs kids and helps with fundraising.
Dwyer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech/ communications with a minor in psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. She is a public speaker and spiritual mentor.
She is also the founder of World Help Organization (www.worldhelporganization.org) which promotes kindness and active giving and living. She gives a percentage of her book proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
The workshop was fun and engaging. Time flew by so quickly. We had to go because the library was closing.
As we were ready to leave, Dwyer surprised each participant with chocolate and a copy of her autographed book “Living Your Chosen Eulogy.”
The title page of my book has her beautiful handwritten note: “Celebrate the gifts we each bring on this spirited journey through life!”
I was really touched by her thoughtfulness and her generous gift for everyone.
At that moment I realized what I learned from the workshop was way more than I expected.
In the end it was not so much about housekeeping tips and “Order in the Home,” it was more about purposeful living tips and “Order in the Heart.”
Dwyer does what she preaches. She gives by not just talking about it, but by actually doing it. That is a more important lesson I have learned and need to learn.
Dwyer has been a Woodbury resident since 1998. Having her living in our community is a blessing.
Through her writing and living she has certainly inspired me to live a more meaningful life. I am sure others will find her inspiring, too.
I would like to express my deep appreciation to Dwyer for the workshop, the book and the life lesson she taught me. Thanks also to the library and librarians for sponsoring and organizing this workshop.
Getting organized is a topic I am always interested in. As I mentioned in a previous column titled “Get organized,” I like to learn new tips and tricks that will help me get organized and make my life easier. And I have learned a lot myself over the years.
Recently when I saw a blurb in the Woodbury Bulletin about the free workshop “Order in the Home” at the R.H. Stafford library, I decided to check it out.
I didn’t expect to learn a lot of new things, but I thought I would learn something nevertheless.
Tuesday evenings after piano lessons are usually the time my kids and I visit the library anyway, so it was very convenient for me to stop by at the workshop.
When I read about the workshop in the paper, I didn’t pay too much attention to the name of the presenter, Kian Dwyer. The name just semed familiar to me.
It reminded me of the book "Living Your Chosen Eulogy” that I read a couple of years ago.
Being a half-hour late for the workshop and without a reserved seat, I was very glad I still found an empty seat in the crowded conference room.
Kian Dwyer was talking about organizing the kitchen and bathroom, giving away and getting rid of excessive stuff, etc.
As I looked closer at her name and saw her face to face, almost within arm’s reach, I kept wondering: “Is this the same person?”
The answer came at the end of the presentation when Dwyer shared a little bit about her background and mentioned that she is a writer.
Yes, I knew Dwyer as a writer.
Dwyer’s first book “Living Your Chosen Eulogy” was published in 2004. The book got great reviews. The second revised edition came out in 2005. I enjoyed reading it and found it very inspiring.
Her second book, “There is an Angel in all of us,” will be published soon.
What I didn’t know was Dwyer has talents and skills in more than one area.
“I don’t do any one job full time. Wearing many hats keeps me balanced,” Dwyer said, “I can make a bigger difference in the world by sharing more than one gift.”
Dwyer is a life and design consultant. Her services include life coaching, interior design for residential and Parade of Homes models.
She is an organization expert and likes to help people bring “Order in the Home;” the name of her business.
Dwyer was born in Iran and was adopted by an American couple at age seven.
As someone who has experienced hardships and health challenges in life, Dwyer has a tender heart for children with special needs. She does workshops in development training for special needs kids and helps with fundraising.
Dwyer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech/ communications with a minor in psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. She is a public speaker and spiritual mentor.
She is also the founder of World Help Organization (www.worldhelporganization.org) which promotes kindness and active giving and living. She gives a percentage of her book proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
The workshop was fun and engaging. Time flew by so quickly. We had to go because the library was closing.
As we were ready to leave, Dwyer surprised each participant with chocolate and a copy of her autographed book “Living Your Chosen Eulogy.”
The title page of my book has her beautiful handwritten note: “Celebrate the gifts we each bring on this spirited journey through life!”
I was really touched by her thoughtfulness and her generous gift for everyone.
At that moment I realized what I learned from the workshop was way more than I expected.
In the end it was not so much about housekeeping tips and “Order in the Home,” it was more about purposeful living tips and “Order in the Heart.”
Dwyer does what she preaches. She gives by not just talking about it, but by actually doing it. That is a more important lesson I have learned and need to learn.
Dwyer has been a Woodbury resident since 1998. Having her living in our community is a blessing.
Through her writing and living she has certainly inspired me to live a more meaningful life. I am sure others will find her inspiring, too.
I would like to express my deep appreciation to Dwyer for the workshop, the book and the life lesson she taught me. Thanks also to the library and librarians for sponsoring and organizing this workshop.
Monday, April 21, 2008
A time to celebrate libraries and poetry
Woodbury Bulletin - 04/16/2008
April 13 to 19 is “National Library Week” this year.
Since 1958, this unique event has been annually observed in the second full week of April.
Sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country, National Library Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.
I love libraries. They are often called the “People’s University.”
A library is the center and the heart of community. It serves as the engine of community education and transformation.
As I wrote in a previous column titled “There is no place like library,” the library has changed my life and therefore holds a special place in my heart.
April is also “National Poetry Month.”
I don’t read and write many poems, but I do occasionally.
One year ago, I shared three poems in this column. I repeat what I said then: I believe poetry is the language of the soul. Poetry flows out of you when you quiet your mind, open your heart and listen to your soul.
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate both library and poetry at the same time than sharing my two library poems this week.
LIVRARY IS
Library is
Where learning begins
And the world, near and far, is explored.
Library is
Where knowledge grows
And generations benefit from it.
Library is
Where unknown becomes known
And mysteries are solved.
Library is
Where you can lose yourself
And also find yourself.
Library is
Where you can be detained
And still go everywhere imaginable.
Library is
Where you can be alone
And still meet others from past and present.
Library is
Where relationships are built
And communities are strengthened.
Library is
Where the hunger of the mind is filled
And food for the soul nourishes.
Library is
Where minds are opened
And opportunities knock.
Library is
Where dreams begin
And lives are changed.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE LIBRARY
What happens in the library
Can be put on hold.
What happens in the library
Can be checked out.
What happens in the library
Can be recalled.
What happens in the library
Provides access points.
What happens in the library
Provides portals to the world.
What happens in the library
Provides food for thought.
What happens in the library
Provides a window to the soul.
What happens in the library
Is often overdue.
What happens in the library
Is often out of order.
What happens in the library
Is often weeded.
What happens in the library
Is often hushed & shushed away.
What happens in the library
Is classified information.
What happens in the library
Is referenced everywhere.
What happens in the library
Is resource sharing.
What happens in the library
Is done with authority.
What happens in the library
Is periodically perfect.
What happens in the library
stays in circulation.
What happens in the library
stays in the catalog.
What happens in the library
stays in the archive.
What happens in the library
stays in the mind.
What happens in the library
Is reMARCable.
What happens in the library
leaves us dewey-eyed.
A note and acknowledgement for the second poem:
I would like to thank my former supervisor Jerry Baldwin for the inspiration. He initiated the idea and gave me the chance to continue what he started.
Some words used in this poem have special meanings in the library. You would understand and appreciate it more if you know more about library functions and services.
April 13 to 19 is “National Library Week” this year.
Since 1958, this unique event has been annually observed in the second full week of April.
Sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country, National Library Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.
I love libraries. They are often called the “People’s University.”
A library is the center and the heart of community. It serves as the engine of community education and transformation.
As I wrote in a previous column titled “There is no place like library,” the library has changed my life and therefore holds a special place in my heart.
April is also “National Poetry Month.”
I don’t read and write many poems, but I do occasionally.
One year ago, I shared three poems in this column. I repeat what I said then: I believe poetry is the language of the soul. Poetry flows out of you when you quiet your mind, open your heart and listen to your soul.
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate both library and poetry at the same time than sharing my two library poems this week.
LIVRARY IS
Library is
Where learning begins
And the world, near and far, is explored.
Library is
Where knowledge grows
And generations benefit from it.
Library is
Where unknown becomes known
And mysteries are solved.
Library is
Where you can lose yourself
And also find yourself.
Library is
Where you can be detained
And still go everywhere imaginable.
Library is
Where you can be alone
And still meet others from past and present.
Library is
Where relationships are built
And communities are strengthened.
Library is
Where the hunger of the mind is filled
And food for the soul nourishes.
Library is
Where minds are opened
And opportunities knock.
Library is
Where dreams begin
And lives are changed.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE LIBRARY
What happens in the library
Can be put on hold.
What happens in the library
Can be checked out.
What happens in the library
Can be recalled.
What happens in the library
Provides access points.
What happens in the library
Provides portals to the world.
What happens in the library
Provides food for thought.
What happens in the library
Provides a window to the soul.
What happens in the library
Is often overdue.
What happens in the library
Is often out of order.
What happens in the library
Is often weeded.
What happens in the library
Is often hushed & shushed away.
What happens in the library
Is classified information.
What happens in the library
Is referenced everywhere.
What happens in the library
Is resource sharing.
What happens in the library
Is done with authority.
What happens in the library
Is periodically perfect.
What happens in the library
stays in circulation.
What happens in the library
stays in the catalog.
What happens in the library
stays in the archive.
What happens in the library
stays in the mind.
What happens in the library
Is reMARCable.
What happens in the library
leaves us dewey-eyed.
A note and acknowledgement for the second poem:
I would like to thank my former supervisor Jerry Baldwin for the inspiration. He initiated the idea and gave me the chance to continue what he started.
Some words used in this poem have special meanings in the library. You would understand and appreciate it more if you know more about library functions and services.
Friday, April 11, 2008
True health care
Woodbury Bulletin - 04/09/2008
In my April 2 column, I shared some personal opinions about doctors and health care. My point is we have to take more personal responsibility and play a more active role when it comes to our health care.
The term health care, as used in our everyday life, is really a misnomer. When we talk about health care, what we really mean is disease care.
The time we need health care, to see a doctor or visit a hospital, is usually when we are sick. Doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies are really in the business of disease care, not health care.
True health care means something different for me. I need health care while I am still healthy, not when I am sick. Health care is to help me stay healthy and prevent me from getting diseases.
I believe true health care is the responsibility of each individual. Don’t give away your responsibility to the doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies or the government.
Here are a few things I know I need or should do to care for my health.
• An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Health care doesn’t begin when I experience health problems. Health care really begins when I am still feeling well. Health care is doing maintenance work to keep myself healthy. I should do everything I can to prevent diseases from happening in the first place.
• A healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle includes a healthy diet and a variety of food in moderation. I eat lots of vegetables and fruit.
I also exercise to keep myself physically fit. I do things that I really enjoy to make me feel energized and happy. I read and use my brain to keep myself mentally sharp.
• The fresh and real food
I make my meal from scratch and eat the real food almost every day. I usually don’t eat fast food, convenient food, preserved food, canned food, or junk food.
A fresh apple is real food, but not sugary apple juice. A fresh tomato is real food, but not canned tomatoes. Once the fresh fruit and vegetables are processed, they lose most of their nutrients and values.
We cannot totally avoid processed food, but we should eat as much natural food as possible. We need to go back to nature and eat what our earth provides and not what our manufactures artificially make.
• A holistic approach
A healthy life is a balanced life in the sense that I should take a holistic approach to living. I should live my life in "wholeness" by taking care of my body, mind and spirit.
I should keep physical body, mental and emotional health, and spiritual well-being in balance. Neglect any aspect of my life can cause disease and is therefore a cause for disease.
• A stress-less life
Stress is a major cause of diseases. In our modern society, it is very unlikely to live a stress-free life. But there are a lot of things we can do to reduce stress in our life.
I try not to over schedule my life. I stay away from television, from materialism, from big ego and pride. Living a simple life is my desire. Doing yoga and reading are helpful activities for stress reduction.
• A closer look
I have learned to take a close look at the food labels when I do grocery shopping. I try to avoid ingredients that are harmful.
Another thing that needs a closer look is our medicine cabinet. When you look at it, you can conclude that Americans are overdosed and over-drugged.
All medications have side- effects. They are not wonder pills. Be aware of the side effects of medications and the interaction of different medications. Some health problems people have are simply the result and reaction of medications.
Drug overdoses and doctor errors are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.
• A natural way
I don’t go to the doctor or take medication at the first sign of any physical discomfort. I believe in the innate healing power of our body. In many cases our body can heal itself naturally if we give it proper nutrients and time.
• An alternative route
If there are options and choices between conventional medicine and alternative medicine for treatment, I should choose the alternative route first. The alternative route could take longer, but it’s healthier and less harmful.
• A healthy dose of skepticism
Have a healthy dose of skepticism is necessary when dealing with doctors. They are only humans and make mistakes. They might not know all or know the best when they give advices.
Sometimes we idolize certain groups of people or professions. We overestimate their abilities and underestimate our own abilities. If I don’t know what the experts tell me, then I should learn about it so I know what’s best for me.
• An inquisitive mind
Learn all I can about diet, healthy lifestyle, medicine, health care, pharmaceutical industry, etc. The more I learn, the more my eyes and mind will be opened. The more I know, the more responsibility I can take for myself, the better choices I can make for my health and disease care.
By implementing these health care practices, I hope I will not need much disease care in my old age, like my late grandparents did.
In my April 2 column, I shared some personal opinions about doctors and health care. My point is we have to take more personal responsibility and play a more active role when it comes to our health care.
The term health care, as used in our everyday life, is really a misnomer. When we talk about health care, what we really mean is disease care.
The time we need health care, to see a doctor or visit a hospital, is usually when we are sick. Doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies are really in the business of disease care, not health care.
True health care means something different for me. I need health care while I am still healthy, not when I am sick. Health care is to help me stay healthy and prevent me from getting diseases.
I believe true health care is the responsibility of each individual. Don’t give away your responsibility to the doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies or the government.
Here are a few things I know I need or should do to care for my health.
• An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Health care doesn’t begin when I experience health problems. Health care really begins when I am still feeling well. Health care is doing maintenance work to keep myself healthy. I should do everything I can to prevent diseases from happening in the first place.
• A healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle includes a healthy diet and a variety of food in moderation. I eat lots of vegetables and fruit.
I also exercise to keep myself physically fit. I do things that I really enjoy to make me feel energized and happy. I read and use my brain to keep myself mentally sharp.
• The fresh and real food
I make my meal from scratch and eat the real food almost every day. I usually don’t eat fast food, convenient food, preserved food, canned food, or junk food.
A fresh apple is real food, but not sugary apple juice. A fresh tomato is real food, but not canned tomatoes. Once the fresh fruit and vegetables are processed, they lose most of their nutrients and values.
We cannot totally avoid processed food, but we should eat as much natural food as possible. We need to go back to nature and eat what our earth provides and not what our manufactures artificially make.
• A holistic approach
A healthy life is a balanced life in the sense that I should take a holistic approach to living. I should live my life in "wholeness" by taking care of my body, mind and spirit.
I should keep physical body, mental and emotional health, and spiritual well-being in balance. Neglect any aspect of my life can cause disease and is therefore a cause for disease.
• A stress-less life
Stress is a major cause of diseases. In our modern society, it is very unlikely to live a stress-free life. But there are a lot of things we can do to reduce stress in our life.
I try not to over schedule my life. I stay away from television, from materialism, from big ego and pride. Living a simple life is my desire. Doing yoga and reading are helpful activities for stress reduction.
• A closer look
I have learned to take a close look at the food labels when I do grocery shopping. I try to avoid ingredients that are harmful.
Another thing that needs a closer look is our medicine cabinet. When you look at it, you can conclude that Americans are overdosed and over-drugged.
All medications have side- effects. They are not wonder pills. Be aware of the side effects of medications and the interaction of different medications. Some health problems people have are simply the result and reaction of medications.
Drug overdoses and doctor errors are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.
• A natural way
I don’t go to the doctor or take medication at the first sign of any physical discomfort. I believe in the innate healing power of our body. In many cases our body can heal itself naturally if we give it proper nutrients and time.
• An alternative route
If there are options and choices between conventional medicine and alternative medicine for treatment, I should choose the alternative route first. The alternative route could take longer, but it’s healthier and less harmful.
• A healthy dose of skepticism
Have a healthy dose of skepticism is necessary when dealing with doctors. They are only humans and make mistakes. They might not know all or know the best when they give advices.
Sometimes we idolize certain groups of people or professions. We overestimate their abilities and underestimate our own abilities. If I don’t know what the experts tell me, then I should learn about it so I know what’s best for me.
• An inquisitive mind
Learn all I can about diet, healthy lifestyle, medicine, health care, pharmaceutical industry, etc. The more I learn, the more my eyes and mind will be opened. The more I know, the more responsibility I can take for myself, the better choices I can make for my health and disease care.
By implementing these health care practices, I hope I will not need much disease care in my old age, like my late grandparents did.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
A health care skeptic’s thoughts
Woodbury Bulletin - 04/02/2008
The headlines in March 18 Twin Cities newspapers reported that a local hospital removed the wrong kidney from a cancer patient. Instead of the cancerous kidney, a healthy kidney was removed.
Thank God that this kind of major tragic medical error doesn’t happen every day in our hospitals and makes the headlines. But one has to wonder how many minor, unreported medical errors do happen every day. I have to admit I am not very optimistic about this.
Through my own experiences and lots of reading, my conclusion is when it comes to my health and health care, I alone have my best interest in mind.
I can’t blindly trust doctors, hospitals, drug companies or even the government. Personally, I have lost much trust in doctors.
When I have doctor visits, I often feel like an object on an assembly line. The doctor can’t wait to get done with me and go to the next patient. The doctor is heading to the door before I can ask more questions.
Six years ago, my then three-year-old daughter suffered some fractures on her left elbow due to an accident. Fortunately, the bone was not broken.
A local orthopedist threatened to turn me over to social workers because I didn’t give him permission to take an X-Ray of her elbow for the third time within a 10-day time period.
I thought it was unnecessary and was concerned about the effects of exposing my little girl to too many X-rays.
The doctor told me if I didn’t give him permission, he would call social services. He probably thought that as a know-nothing looking mom and immigrant I could be easily manipulated and intimidated.
Thank you, doctor! I never went back to him again. My daughter’s pediatrician agreed with me. And my daughter turned out to be fine without that extra X-Ray.
When I asked for treatment advice for a minor problem, my doctor just wanted to give me a quick fix — by using some kind of powerful drug. I would have needed a blood test before taking the drug and then monthly during the treatment for possible kidney and liver damage.
I didn’t want a quick fix. I was more interested in natural remedies that don’t have side-effects like all the drugs have and are not harmful. But the doctor never mentioned anything else except the drugs.
I doubt the doctor knows much about alternative medicine. But I did find the information I needed on the Internet.
Thanks, but no thanks, doctor, for recommending drugs. I have taken the matter into my own hands.
I think most people who want to become doctors have the noble desire to help people and save lives. But our medical schools, our health care system, our pharmaceutical industry are not in the best positions to adequately train and help doctors achieve that noble goal.
Our doctors are mostly trained to treat the symptoms of health problems, but they are probably not all that good at getting to the root causes of the problems and treat and eliminate the problems from there.
Our doctors are specialists and can probably do one or two things in their own specialty very well, but they are probably not all that good at looking at the whole picture of your health and life, and giving you sound advice based on the whole picture.
Our doctors are good at prescribing drugs, but are probably not all that good at looking at alternative ways that have no or less side effects than drugs do.
When you think about it, it is really not in the best interest of doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies to keep people healthy. If everybody is healthy, most of them would be out of job and out of business.
Don’t be surprised when someday you are told by your doctor that your medical condition cannot be cured and you will have to be on medications for the rest of your life. Millions of people in this country are already living under this condition.
You are certainly not happy to hear it. But guess what, you will make someone else happy and profitable.
Please don’t let yourself be easily caught in that situation. Take care of yourself and live a healthy lifestyle.
When it comes to your health care, be very skeptical. Like everyone else, doctors do make mistakes, big and small, due to their lack of attention, limited knowledge and training — or plain ignorance.
I want to end with a joke that has been widely circulated in print and on the Internet.
An old family physician went away on vacation. He entrusted his practice to his son, a recent medical school graduate. When the old man returned, the son told him that he cured Miss Ferguson, an aged and wealthy spinster, of her chronic indigestion.
“My boy,” said the old doctor, “I'm proud of you, but Miss Ferguson’s indigestion is what put you through college and medical school.”
In my next column I will talk about what I think true health care is.
[Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Woodbury Bulletin, its staff or parent company, Forum Communications.]
The headlines in March 18 Twin Cities newspapers reported that a local hospital removed the wrong kidney from a cancer patient. Instead of the cancerous kidney, a healthy kidney was removed.
Thank God that this kind of major tragic medical error doesn’t happen every day in our hospitals and makes the headlines. But one has to wonder how many minor, unreported medical errors do happen every day. I have to admit I am not very optimistic about this.
Through my own experiences and lots of reading, my conclusion is when it comes to my health and health care, I alone have my best interest in mind.
I can’t blindly trust doctors, hospitals, drug companies or even the government. Personally, I have lost much trust in doctors.
When I have doctor visits, I often feel like an object on an assembly line. The doctor can’t wait to get done with me and go to the next patient. The doctor is heading to the door before I can ask more questions.
Six years ago, my then three-year-old daughter suffered some fractures on her left elbow due to an accident. Fortunately, the bone was not broken.
A local orthopedist threatened to turn me over to social workers because I didn’t give him permission to take an X-Ray of her elbow for the third time within a 10-day time period.
I thought it was unnecessary and was concerned about the effects of exposing my little girl to too many X-rays.
The doctor told me if I didn’t give him permission, he would call social services. He probably thought that as a know-nothing looking mom and immigrant I could be easily manipulated and intimidated.
Thank you, doctor! I never went back to him again. My daughter’s pediatrician agreed with me. And my daughter turned out to be fine without that extra X-Ray.
When I asked for treatment advice for a minor problem, my doctor just wanted to give me a quick fix — by using some kind of powerful drug. I would have needed a blood test before taking the drug and then monthly during the treatment for possible kidney and liver damage.
I didn’t want a quick fix. I was more interested in natural remedies that don’t have side-effects like all the drugs have and are not harmful. But the doctor never mentioned anything else except the drugs.
I doubt the doctor knows much about alternative medicine. But I did find the information I needed on the Internet.
Thanks, but no thanks, doctor, for recommending drugs. I have taken the matter into my own hands.
I think most people who want to become doctors have the noble desire to help people and save lives. But our medical schools, our health care system, our pharmaceutical industry are not in the best positions to adequately train and help doctors achieve that noble goal.
Our doctors are mostly trained to treat the symptoms of health problems, but they are probably not all that good at getting to the root causes of the problems and treat and eliminate the problems from there.
Our doctors are specialists and can probably do one or two things in their own specialty very well, but they are probably not all that good at looking at the whole picture of your health and life, and giving you sound advice based on the whole picture.
Our doctors are good at prescribing drugs, but are probably not all that good at looking at alternative ways that have no or less side effects than drugs do.
When you think about it, it is really not in the best interest of doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies to keep people healthy. If everybody is healthy, most of them would be out of job and out of business.
Don’t be surprised when someday you are told by your doctor that your medical condition cannot be cured and you will have to be on medications for the rest of your life. Millions of people in this country are already living under this condition.
You are certainly not happy to hear it. But guess what, you will make someone else happy and profitable.
Please don’t let yourself be easily caught in that situation. Take care of yourself and live a healthy lifestyle.
When it comes to your health care, be very skeptical. Like everyone else, doctors do make mistakes, big and small, due to their lack of attention, limited knowledge and training — or plain ignorance.
I want to end with a joke that has been widely circulated in print and on the Internet.
An old family physician went away on vacation. He entrusted his practice to his son, a recent medical school graduate. When the old man returned, the son told him that he cured Miss Ferguson, an aged and wealthy spinster, of her chronic indigestion.
“My boy,” said the old doctor, “I'm proud of you, but Miss Ferguson’s indigestion is what put you through college and medical school.”
In my next column I will talk about what I think true health care is.
[Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Woodbury Bulletin, its staff or parent company, Forum Communications.]
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