REAL Health Care Reform

In the midst of an ever changing landscape in our great country, few thoughts of change stir the proverbial pot like Health Care Reform. For many, this is an uncomfortable topic, much like sitting at a restaurant watching another family's children have a food fight. You know you should do or say something to the parents about the kids' behavior, but in reality, what good would it do since behind the closed doors of home, nothing would change.

To me, Health Care Reform must begin by changing the mindset of Americans from thinking that someone else is responsible for me and my health, to taking full personal responsibility for it. In comparison, when was the last time you expected State Farm or GM to pay to have your oil changed in your car, or the weekly car wash in the winter to get rid of the damaging salt build up or the turn signal bulb that burned out? Sometimes I sit back and scratch my head and wonder where America went wrong? When did we begin to believe that someone else is responsible for my well being? So with that, I believe, the first and most crucial step in Health Care Reform is the re-emergence of personal responsibility.

Secondly, Insurance Companies and the decision makers in those companies need a complete make-over. Nearly everyday in my practice a patient is denied coverage for necessary services by a nurse with lesser training and education than me, or, worse yet, a paper pushing numbers cruncher whose statistical analysis says my recommendations don't fit within "their established treatment parameters." But once again, I don't blame the insurance industry for this as they are a business trying to make a profit. In my opinion, the root of the problem here is the "profit." People, we must remember that the insurance industry is not out for our best interests when it comes to our health. Their decisions are made based on numbers, data and the bottom line: profit and loss.

It is for these two reasons that I feel that REAL Health Care Reform will only come our way when the business of health care becomes exposed for what it is, business. Let me expand on this idea. When was the last time you made a trip to the grocery store and paid only 20% for the food in your cart? Have you ever gone to Macy's and bought a $1800 suit because your clothing deductible was met? I know it sounds crazy, but that's the reality we face. The business of Health Care has been cloaked in a gown of royalty that appears to make it exempt from standard consumer/business practices. But here is the kicker. Behind the doors of all the large clinics and medical facilities and hospitals is a person with an MBA operating that facility like a standard business. Looking at bottom lines, services rendered, payroll and the likes and is establishing policies and procedures to increase the utilization of the products and services offered to patients to increase revenue. The crazy part about all of this is that these policies are built on the predication that someone other than the person receiving the products and services will pay the bill! People wonder why the cost of health care has gone up...it's right there.

Unfortunately there is more to get to, but not enough time to do so today, so be sure to check back for Part II on REAL Health Care reform when I offer my unique solutions.

Please be sure to check back regularly for more insights. In the meantime, why don't you stop by my website at www.lifequestchiro.com and explore! Be Well!

Living in the Middle

What goes up, must come down. At least that's what the song says. If you were to chart your emotional tenor on a graph everyday for the next 20 years you would be able to look back and see just how much fluctuation there is in your life. You would also see that immediately following the most spectacularly elated and exciting times in your life would be some of the most depressing and gloomy times.

We live in a balanced universe. For every high, there must be a low. For every up, a down. Every positive has a negative. The true master of their life lives in the middle. Never letting themselves get too high or too low because they know the cost of doing so. The master doesn't let herself get caught up in the positives, but sees the whole picture. Let me give you an example.

Remember when you met your spouse or significant other? All you could see were the positives. If someone would ask you why you liked her, you could write a book. If they asked about her flaws or faults, the response is generally "there are none." All you were focused on were the positives. Meanwhile, she was still a controlling, spend-happy, "it's all about me" little daddy's girl. But you just didn't see it. Now, years later, the infatuation and elation is gone and all you see is the negative. What happened to the beautiful, funny, sexy, adventurous woman you met 10 years ago? Where did she go?

She's still there my friend, you're just not looking with the same set of eyes. The master lives in the middle seeing both sides of the equation, the positive and negative. If you are struggling right now, take a step back and ask yourself, "Where is my focus?" Are focused on all the negatives right now? Get out a pencil and paper and draw a line down the middle. On one side write all of the positive words that you could use to describe the person, situation or event you are dealing with. Once you are done, switch sides. Keep writing until you just can't find anymore words. Make sure the list is balanced with same number of positives and negatives. When you are done, sit back and truly feel what you feel now. I guarantee you won't feel the same as when you started!

Please be sure to check back regularly for more insights. In the meantime, why don't you stop by my website at www.lifequestchiro.com and explore! Be Well!

Fear and Guilt

Have you ever met someone that knew exactly what to say all the time? If you were talking about motorcycles he would expound on his favorites, or in conversation about eating right she had all the information on the tip of her tongue. These are the same people that dream big and make great plans yet never end up getting anywhere. If they are in business, they can present the most creative and exciting business plan that will knock your socks off. If she's a stay at home mom, she has the best kids that ALWAYS eat right, take naps when they are supposed and never sass back. I know you know the type. If you are like me, I am sure you have wondered on many occasions why the reality that they live does not match the conjecture that they spew.

I know you've seen her dragging her kids around the mall with them misbehaving terribly, or better yet, with an ice cream cone in one hand and cotton candy in the other. Well one principle I have learned over the years is that "actions never lie." If you want to know the truth about someone, watch what they do and ignore what they say. An authentic person who is true to herself and those around her will live the tale she tells. Others, who are less authentic, will draw 2 separate pictures- one in words and the other in actions. So why is that? Is it really that hard for some people to be authentic and honest? YES!

For most, the inability to appear less than or inadequate stirs up deep feelings of fear. These folks are paralyzed by the thought of not appearing as if they have their poop in a group. They are more concerned about an image that they hold of themselves rather than reality. The fear of being "found out" drives them to deeper and greater separations from the truth.

For the rest, it is the guilt of making a mistake in the past that motivates them. "I'm never going to let that happen again" is the mantra that runs through their mind, and, ultimately controls their life. Guilt is a powerful force that can and will move a person to lie, cheat and steal to maintain their self-percieved image.

If you know someone whose actions are not congruent with their words, be a friend and tell them. Most are unaware, oblivious to this simple truth. Awareness is the key to losing the "false front" and finding your true authentic self. Remember, fear and guilt are not real, but imaginary evils that exist only to protect our shallow ego. Becoming authentic with yourself and those around you can transform relationships, mend old emotional wounds and get you back on the path to your best life!

Please be sure to check back regularly for more insights. In the meantime, why don't you stop by my website at www.lifequestchiro.com and explore! Be Well!

Who Is Responsible For Me?

Change. It seems to be a popular word today in our culture. I read about the need for change in newspapers and on the web, and hear about it from TV and talk radio. Things must change. Things have to change. This is the mantra of 2008-09...change.

While society screams for change, I sit back and ask myself, "what needs to change?" Better yet, "who needs to change?" Of late I've come to the conclusion that each of us must begin to accept responsibility for our own lives. We cannot possibly expect someone else to "change" my life, my experience here on earth. No one is responsible for my health, happiness, well-being, success or failure...no one but ME!

When was the last time you took inventory of your life and truly accepted the responsibility of the choices you've made in the past 3-5 years? When was the last time you looked in the mirror and said "NO MORE!"? Everyday I meet people that expect someone else or something else to make them feel better. We have become a society of dependents, requiring someone else or something else to solve our individual problems. And, to top it off, the vast majority of the folks want it to happen now!, not tomorrow or heaven forbid in a week or two.

Many of the health conditions people deal with on a daily basis have stemmed from choices they have made in the past and when confronted about those choices, most choose not to accept responsibility. It's my Dad's fault, it's my genes, it's because of where I live. People are very creative when it comes to deflecting responsibility.

The real truth is that YOU are responsible for YOU! If you are overweight, only you can change the way you eat and exercise. If you have headaches, only you can make the decision to quit popping pills and get the proper treatment. If you have high blood pressure, only you can decide to quit smoking, eat less and exercise more. No pill, potion, lotion or person can "change" you. It is all up to you!

I tell my patients everyday that the desire for the results of the change being made in your life must be greater than the desire for the change itself. Why do you want to be fit? Why do you not want to have headaches? Why do you want to sleep better at night?

The moment you decide to take responsibility for not only your health, but your life, your life will improve.

Please be sure to check back regularly for more insights. In the meantime, why don't you stop by my website at www.lifequestchiro.com and explore! Be Well!

Your Perception Creates Your Reality!

Have you ever wanted a new car? I mean really wanted a new car? I have. I spent hours online researching, shopping and learning all that I could about the car I wanted. I finally found the perfect one...and bought it. I was so excited. It was exactly what I wanted right down to the color, the options and the price I was willing to pay.

I drove the car home from the dealer on a Saturday afternoon with a big smile. The next day, while running errands in town, I saw another car exactly like mine. Then I saw another car, exactly like mine...and another. Before too long they were everywhere. The amazing thing is that before I got the car, I never saw this make, model and color package...ever!

So what changed? Did a dozen people follow my lead and buy the exact same car the same week I bought mine? Hardly. What changed was my perception. My excitement and enthusiasm for my new car changed what I "saw" around me. I know you have had the same or similar experience whether it was in regards to a car, or a pair of shoes, or a coat or a person. As our perception of life changes, so does our experience and reality. The same is true for your health!

When you get excited about changing your life or your health, the way you "see" life changes based on your perceptions. You see food differently. You see exercise differently, you see people differently. Change begins with excitement and enthusiasm for the newness!

This time of year many people begin to think about change as they reflect on the past year. What are you going to change? What are you going to get excited about? Get excited about creating a new life and a new you and opportunities to create that change will begin to show up. Your perception creates your reality! Start "seeing" yourself as healthy, fit, abundant and happy. Change your perception and you can change your life!

Please be sure to check back regularly for more insights. In the meantime, why don't you stop by my website at www.lifequestchiro.com and explore! Be Well!

Dad...I miss you!

3 years ago February, I lost my Dad to cancer. I struggle with that loss daily because he truly was my best friend. I had the good fortune of spending plenty of time with him while he was sick so I did have a chance to say all the things I needed to say. It has helped immensely in the grieving process. I bring up my Dad today because on Saturday, I got to fulfill a lifetime dream that he and I had...watch our favorite Nebraska Cornhusker football team play at home in Memorial Stadium.

As far back in life as I can remember, Dad used to tell me how one day we would go to a game together and watch Big Red destroy their opponent. Unfortunately, time ran out for him and we never made it. But I do know that he was with me this weekend, I could feel it.

I, like many folks, find myself saying "someday" to a lot of things that could happen today. Life moves fast, especially as you get older and have more responsibility in life. I admit, there are some things that can and should wait, but others must be acted on immediately because time truly is of the essence.

Everyday in my office I meet people that say "yeah, I know I should have been here 6 months ago" or something to the like. Your health, and life for that matter, is to valuable to ignore, put off or postpone for a "better" time. If you are questioning a health issue, don't wait or ignore it. My Dad had a small persistent cough for over 2 years that he attributed to his smoking and never had it checked. I frequently think about how life could be different if only he would have taken time to have it checked. With him, by the time we found the cancer, it had spread from his lungs to his bones and brain.

Don't get me wrong, not every little cough or ache means you are sick and dying, but it is your body's way of telling you there is an underlying problem. And each of knows that if we find a problem early, it takes less time and money to get better. So listen to your body...don't ignore the headaches, the back pain, the tingling in your fingers, the heart burn or whatever your body is telling you.

Life comes at you fast, and leaves you faster. Don't wait until tomorrow to do the things that are important. Thanks for reading today's post.

Please be sure to check back regularly for more insights. In the meantime, why don't you stop by my website at www.lifequestchiro.com and explore! Be Well!

Do You Value Your Health?

In a time when economic woes are abundant, many people are cutting back on the "little luxuries" in life. I've had friends and acquaintances tell me that they dine out less now, take fewer trips to see family, go to the movie less. I've even had folks tell me they've quit buying and taking vitamins because of the "unneeded" expense. As I reflect on these conversations, I soon realize that people's values in life are as diverse as the people themselves.

So I pose this question...What is your health worth?

First I guess you have to have a working definition of health. To summarize Dorland's Medical Dictionary, health is a state of optimum physical, social and mental well being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Webster's summary of health is 100 % function in all the organs and systems all the time. So what is your definition? Does having ones health mean simply to feel good? If so, do you feel good all the time, some of the time or just on occasion? Does feeling good mean not having pain, or not having a fever, or having enough energy to get through the day, or not being in the hospital? I can remember consulting with a patient and asking if he thought he was healthy. He smiled and said "you betcha". Meanwhile I looked at his chart at the 3 blood pressure meds, cholesterol med and sleep med he had listed, not to mention the fact he was 40-50 pounds overweight. So with that, I propose my working definition of health, as a health care provider and human.

To me, to be healthy or have my health means: 1) that I am physically and mentally capable of handling the stresses of life without limitation, 2) that I have the physical and mental energy to to complete the tasks of daily life as well as partake in my favorite rec and leisure activities without limitation, 3) that I am not having to take any specific medication to balance or stabilize a function within my body that, for my age, demeanor and physcial make up, should be normal, 4) that my physical body has the ability to recover properly and quickly in the event of an illness or injury. I know I maybe left a few things out, but I think that covers it for me. If I can do a self assessment and see that I am all these things, then I would say I am healthy.

So, what Value do I place on being Healthy?

To me, from my perspective, being well and having health is a primary objective and ranks at the top of my list in values. Why? Simple. Because if I am not well, not healthy, then I no longer have the ability to be, do and have all the things in life that I want. If I am not healthy then I can't be the best husband, father and boss I can be. If I am not healthy, then truly, all of the other things that I value, have less impact in my life.

So in these tight financial times, don't "skimp" on your health. Continue to exercise regularly, continue to eat right, maintain all of your wellness lifestyle habits like yoga, meditation, etc and stay focused on wellness. So many people depend on you staying healthy and well. It is up to you.

To learn more about our wellness ideas and what we teach those we work with, visit my website at www.lifequestchiro.com.