By the way…
We’ve all done it. We’ve all gone to the doctor and just when the visit is ending, just when his hand reaches for the doorknob, we mutter the four words all physicians dread: “Oh, by the way…”
Right away, the pen comes back out, the chart is flipped back open and the backlog in the waiting room begins.
Doctors call it “the doorknob phenomenon.” Physicians chalk it up to their rushed schedules and their patients’ reluctance to reveal embarrassing or frightening symptoms, so they wait until the last possible minute before blurting out what’s really bothering them.
But that’s not to say that doctors are completely innocent here: A study published 20 years ago showed that physicians only waited an average of 18 seconds after asking them what brought them in before interrupting their patients.
Medical schools are trying to address this problem by teaching students how to be better listeners and how to allow patients the opportunity to fully express their concerns. They’re teaching med students not to be quite so focused on writing symptoms in the chart. Instead, they instruct students to face patients, show a sincere interest in learning why they are visiting, and ask the final question, “anything else?”
Sounds good to me! Meanwhile, we patients can do our part by being more prepared during our appointment. Write down questions beforehand, and think through what it is you want to achieve during your next visit. A little thoughtfulness on both sides can build a stronger partnership, and that can mean a world of difference for your health.
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Help for herpes
Q: I suffer from chronic herpes, but the headaches I was getting on Zovirax were just about unbearable. I stopped taking it, but now I’m afraid of having a major outbreak if I don’t start another treatment soon. Is there anything natural I can do to prevent outbreaks?
JVW: Herpes simplex is a common and troublesome virus, but there are ways to get relief without the expense — and side effects — of prescription antiviral medications, such as Zovirax (acyclovir).
In order to get your body to keep the virus in check, you must clean up your diet by eliminating all refined sugar and refined carbohydrates. I also advise herpes sufferers to get tested for food allergies and adopt an allergy-free diet until you are able to desensitize yourself to your major food allergens.
In addition to managing your diet, it is important to start nutritional supplementation to boost your overall immune system. I recommend 2 grams of lysine twice a day between meals, 2 grams of vitamin C four times a day, 250 micrograms of selenium twice a day, one 50-milligram tablet of lithium three times a day, 30 milligrams of zinc picolinate twice a day, and 50,000 units of vitamin A once a day. Although this may seem like a lot, this regimen is often needed for only a few months until your immune system strengthens.
An easy way to get all the above vitamins and minerals, plus some other natural virus fighters is in two herpes virus treatments that I have formulated, called HPX and HPX2. HPX helps prevent outbreaks, and HPX2 treats any outbreak when it occurs. A natural health care provider can help you obtain these products. For a list of such practitioners in your area, visit the American College for Advancement Medicine website at visit www.acam.org.
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What is…herpes simplex, type 2?
Herpes simplex virus, type 2, is a sexually transmitted virus that produces a painful rash on the genitals. After an incubation period of one week, the virus produces itching, burning, soreness, and small blisters in the genital area. The blisters break open, leaving small, painful lesions that heal over within three weeks. Attacks tend to occur after sex, sunbathing, or when the infected person is under stress. About 40 percent of individuals have just one attack; for others, it is a life-long problem, with about four or five attacks a year.
Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing
Sources:
“Curing the doorknob phenomenon,” CBS News (www.cbsnews.com), 3/28/05
