I would like to see patients and families become more involved in their health decisions. You need to research health issues and all available options, including natural remedies if you so choose. Some people do not wish to look at natural therapies, and that is totally within your right if you so choose. However, KNOW your options. Become an active PARTICIPANT! You don’t ALWAYS have to take the drugs…

Did you know that 100,000 people DIE each year from prescription drug side effects or misuses? Do you know people have actually died from too much Tylenol? Do YOU know what the side effects of Tylenol are? Side effects can be as mild as a skin rash to as serious as liver failure, and death. One simple natural solution instead of Tylenol is to use certified pure therapeutic grade peppermint oil for fever (great when applied on the feet of children) and certified pure therapeutic grade lavender oil works well for pain, including headaches. My favorite for headaches is to combine a few drops of peppermint oil and lavender oil and apply to the base of the neck, and on the temples. The headache is usually gone in a few minutes.

One of the most prescribed drugs in America is for high cholesterol. Side effects of statin drugs range from mild, to kidney failure and death. The most overlooked treatment for cholesterol control is diet and exercise modification. What percentage of patients is given this option first?

Learn to be a participant and not just a spectator! YOUR health is too important to be just someone on the sidelines watching the game. This is YOUR life. It is the life of YOUR family. Here are a few tips to help you become a participant:

1.       Research all options

2.      Take a list of questions to your physician. Take along a writing pad to write down what is said.

3.      Ask for a second opinion if you and your practitioner cannot agree on a treatment plan.

4.      Invest in reputable natural health reference books. For example, I use Modern Essentials for one of my references regarding essential oils. I have books on herbals, enzyme therapy, nutrition…etc.

5.      Research what other countries are doing. Did you know France has M.D’s that are Aromatherapists? They prescribe a lavender bath before Prozac…

6.      Learn to know the difference between true natural health therapies and scams.

7.      Find a health practitioner who is knowledgeable in western and natural health medicine if natural is where you want to go first. They will usually work with you to help you find your best solution.

8.     Realize you have the RIGHT to be in charge of your health care.

I want you to understand I am not here to discount your health care professional. As a matter of fact I WANT you to see them so you can get a good diagnosis when needed. If you decide to follow the standard pharmaceutical treatments, just be informed!

I don’t diagnose, treat, or promise cures. What I do is share holistic solutions and research found for many common health issues. Then you are informed and you make choices. It’s as simple as that! Living YOUR best life as you head in the right direction on the wellness spectrum.

 

Joyce Harrell, RN, OCN is a Christian holistic nurse who provides natural solutions to common health problems. Joyce utilizes the art of nursing by implementing essential oils, enzyme therapy, vision boards, wellness coaching, and nutritional therapy to help you create an environment for your body to best heal. Joyce is a wife, mother, nana, author, holistic healer, and above all committed to her relationship with God. You can find Joyce at http://www.nursecoachonline.com   or email her at joyce@nursecoachonline.com .