Do Not Do What I Did

Do Not Do What I Did

Laurence Gayao MD

Promoting preventive care is a proactive approach to maintaining good health, and it’s encouraging that more practitioners and medical institutions are emphasizing its importance. In fact there are now preventive medicine specialists that focuses on the health of individuals and defined populations in order to protect, promote, and maintain health and well-being, and to prevent disease, disability, and premature death. Regular check-ups with experienced physicians can indeed help detect  health issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and better management.

What Not To Do

Sadly, I have to be candid that as a physician I learned my lesson the hard way. In 2004 I noted in my thyroid the right was larger than the left. I rationalize that I have seen so many folks with very large thyroid goiter when I was living in the Philippines. They usually were benign and I couldn’t recall any were malignant. I year later, I attended an alumni reunion and three surgeons saw me, all told me you need to have surgery. One of them volunteered to do the surgery. After a few months he did the surgery and to my chagrin the swelling was a malignant mass. Because of the delay in the surgery, I had two more surgeries after for cancer recurrence and several radiation treatments throughout the last 18 years. I also just had another surgery lately to help my speech and prevent aspiration of food and liquids as result of injury during my last thyroid cancer metastasis surgery. All these could have been avoided if I had early diagnosis and surgery!

Another aspect of my health journey I would like to share is what lead to my coronary heart disease. In three decades working as an emergency medicine physician, I covered for multiple Emergency Medicine groups covering as an emergency room physician for hospitals all over Texas. I would log 160-190 hours month. During most of that time I had four of my children attending private schools so I had earn more to cover their expenses. I really didn’t mind working that much because I enjoyed the work the challenges that came with it. I was young and being sleep deprived and having to work day or night did bothered. Hospitals usually provided unlimited free food. During that period I had no time for exercise. I thought I would not develop coronary heart disease because blood cholesterol and triglycerides were always normal. Guess what in August 30, 2023 coronary artery bypass graft for 4 vessels that were blocked. I did not have a primary physician during that time for periodic health check ups.

My journey would hopefully serve as a powerful reminder for both healthcare professionals and the general public about the significance of timely medical attention and proactive health management. It underscores the need for individuals, even those in the medical field, to prioritize their own health and not overlook any concerning signs or symptoms.

The notion that sharing your story can be the final stage of healing is rooted in the therapeutic process. In many cases, recounting personal experiences can provide closure and empowerment, not just to the individual sharing but also to those who may resonate with the story. Speaking openly about my struggles can be validating. It acknowledges the challenges I’ve faced and the strength it took to overcome them. It also validates the experiences of others who may have gone through similar situations, helping them feel less alone.

What To Do

For healthcare providers, consider incorporating additional information in your message to encourage individuals to schedule routine check-ups, such as mentioning specific preventive screenings, vaccinations, or lifestyle choices that contribute to overall well-being. Providing details on the benefits of preventive care, such as reduced healthcare costs and improved quality of life, can further emphasize the significance of this approach.

To healthcare providers, exert time and effort let your patients be informed that your practice offers a more comprehensive and appealing call-to-action for potential patients.

Prioritize Your Health with Preventive Care!

Take charge of your well-being by scheduling routine check-ups with experienced physicians. Here are some essential components of preventive care that can contribute to your overall health:

1. Comprehensive Health Screenings: Regular screenings, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and cancer screenings, can detect potential health issues early on. This proactive approach allows for timely intervention and better management.
2. Vaccinations for Disease Prevention: Stay up-to-date on vaccinations to protect yourself and those around you from preventable diseases. Immunizations are a crucial part of maintaining a healthy and resilient immune system.
3. Lifestyle Choices for a Healthier You: Make informed lifestyle choices to enhance your well-being. Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, engage in regular physical activity, and prioritize sufficient sleep. These habits contribute to a healthier and more vibrant life.
4. Regular Dental and Vision Check-ups: Don’t forget about your oral and visual health! Schedule routine dental check-ups and eye exams to maintain optimal dental hygiene and vision, preventing potential issues from arising.
5. Mental Health Check-ins: Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health. Schedule regular mental health check-ins with our compassionate professionals to address any concerns and promote emotional resilience.
6. Women’s and Men’s Health Exams: Tailored preventive care includes screenings specific to gender. Women should schedule regular mammograms and pap smears, while men should consider prostate screenings. These exams contribute to the early detection of gender-specific health issues.

Remember, preventive care is an investment in your future well-being. By taking proactive steps today, you can enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling tomorrow. Schedule your check-up with our dedicated team, and let’s prioritize your health together!

Benefits Of Preventive Medical Care

Preventive medical care offers a range of benefits that contribute to overall well-being and can lead to better health outcomes. Here are some key advantages:

1. Early Detection of Health Issues: Regular check-ups and screenings can help identify potential health problems before they become more serious. Early detection often allows for more effective treatment and management.
2. Cost Savings: Preventive care is generally more cost-effective than treating advanced or chronic conditions. By addressing health concerns early on, individuals may avoid expensive medical procedures and hospitalizations.
3. Improved Quality of Life: Proactive health measures, such as vaccinations and lifestyle modifications, can significantly improve overall quality of life. Preventing diseases or managing them in their early stages can help maintain physical and mental well-being.
4. Reduced Morbidity and Mortality: Preventive care can decrease the risk of developing certain diseases and conditions, ultimately lowering morbidity and mortality rates. Timely interventions and lifestyle adjustments can prevent the progression of illnesses.
5. Enhanced Long-Term Health: Engaging in preventive measures, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful habits, contributes to long-term health and well-being. These habits can prevent the onset of various chronic conditions.
6. Better Management of Chronic Conditions: For individuals with existing chronic conditions, preventive care plays a crucial role in managing these conditions effectively. Regular monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans can improve overall health outcomes.
7. Promotion of Healthy Behaviors: Preventive care often involves education on healthy lifestyle choices. This can lead to the adoption of positive behaviors such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, promoting long-term health.
8. Increased Productivity: By maintaining good health through preventive measures, individuals are more likely to stay active and productive in their personal and professional lives, reducing the impact of health-related absences.
9. Enhanced Well-Being Across the Population: Widespread participation in preventive care contributes to the overall health of communities and populations. This can lead to a healthier and more resilient society.
10. Personalized Health Plans: Preventive care often involves creating personalized health plans based on individual risk factors and health history. This tailored approach can address specific needs and contribute to more effective healthcare.

Encouraging individuals to prioritize preventive care through regular check-ups, screenings, and lifestyle modifications is a proactive strategy for promoting health and preventing the onset of diseases.

drgayao.com

I came out of medical school in 1971 and after residency in Family Medicine at Texas Tech University Health and Science Center I practiced for forty over years traditional medicine in the specialties of family and later in emergency medicine. All along I accept being called a health care provider. Most of what I did however was acute intervention of the results of illnesses that were mostly brought about by an unhealthy life styles. If the patient had high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, congestive heart failure, and other illnesses I prescribed them medications and mentioned that they needed to loss weight and exercise, in a perfunctory manner. Patients kept on coming back mostly getting worse with time. There was no systematic effort to alter the life styles that lead to these problems.Early in my career I studied on my own exercise physiology and nutrition, and diligently applied it till I got too busy in my profession and I gradually gained weight and eventually had elevated blood sugar and hypertension just like most of my patients. I after retirement I got back into the fitness program and delved into study of life style induced illnesses. It has made me realize as expensive and highly technologically advance our health care is, it has basically is neglecting promoting health as evidenced by the fact we in the US have the highest per capita expenditure for healthcare but our life expectancy is among the lowest among developed countries. Health business is misdirected in its focus and it is one of the largest industries in the US, good for profit for providers but bad for consumers. I now desire to share as much as possible the gospel of a healthy life style which is the key health and happiness.

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