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How To Be Your Own Personal Health Advocate

Updated: Jul 30

Are you tired of feeling like a number in the conventional healthcare system? Do you feel like your doctors are not addressing your concerns and needs? Unfortunately, conventional medicine is bound by bureaucracy, rendering it almost helpless to serve patients.


The result is that 6 out of 10 Americans live with a chronic health issue but cannot pursue a path to healing. With a broken healthcare system, it’s time to take the power back from big medicine.


You have the right to health; it’s simply a matter of becoming your own personal health advocate and taking ownership of your situation.


Why it's Revolutionary to Become Your Own Personal Health Advocate

The current healthcare system is often focused on treating symptoms with pharmaceuticals rather than addressing the root causes of health problems. This can result in a vicious cycle of medication dependence while the root cause of the issue continues to go untreated.


By becoming your own health advocate, you can take an active role in your health and well-being. In doing so, you’ll be empowered to make informed decisions about your healthcare and know how to address the root cause of any disease.


The latest figures from the CDC show over half of Americans have at least one chronic condition, while 25% suffer from multiple. At the same time, insurance premiums for family insurance have catapulted 37% from $15,545 in 2015 to $21,342 in 2020.


Taking an active role in your healthcare advocacy empowers you to seek alternative healthcare methods, leading you to strategies and treatments that drastically increase the chances of healing and resolving the root cause of your illness.


How to Take an Active Role in Your Health and Well-being


Becoming your own health advocate doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips to get started:


1. Educate yourself on your health conditions and treatments

This can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare and communicate effectively with your doctors. You can research online, attend webinars or seek advice from natural health experts such as naturopathic doctors.


2. Ask questions and advocate for yourself during doctor's appointments

Don't be afraid to speak up if you have concerns or if something doesn't feel right. It’s essential to have open communication with your healthcare provider.


3. Seek out natural alternatives and complementary therapies

This can include everything from dietary changes to acupuncture and massage therapy. Alternative therapies address the root causes of health problems and complement conventional treatments.


4. Keep track of your health and monitor changes

This can help you identify patterns and make adjustments to your healthcare routine. You can use a journal or an app to track your health data and monitor changes in symptoms, mood, or energy levels.



The Benefits of Naturopathic Medicine for Empowering Your Health Journey

Naturopathic medicine provides a holistic and personalized approach to healthcare. This includes a wide range of treatments and therapies, including:


  • Addressing root causes of health problems rather than just treating symptoms.

  • Supporting the body's natural healing processes.

  • Minimizing the use of pharmaceuticals and their potential side effects.


By working with a naturopathic doctor, you receive personalized care and support for your unique health needs.


Practical Tips and Resources for Advocating for Your Own Health

Here are some additional tips and resources for becoming your own health advocate:


1. Seek out healthcare providers who prioritize patient empowerment and education

Look for doctors willing to work with you to develop a personalized healthcare plan. Naturopathic doctors are experts in natural medicine and can help you develop a health plan tailored to your specific needs.


2. Connect with empowered groups and communities

This provides a valuable source of information and emotional support. There are many online forums and groups where you can connect with others with similar health conditions or concerns. In fact, your naturopathic doctor may give you recommendations for where to start!


Just a word of caution about getting caught in disempowered “support groups”. Some online support groups are a platform for victim mindset and complaining. Advocacy is about finding solutions and empowerment, so be mindful when entering communities and see if they are a good fit first.


3. Keep a health journal

Keep track of your symptoms, treatments, and progress. This will help you identify patterns and make informed decisions about your health.


In your health journal, be sure to include the following information:


  • Date and time of each entry

  • Description of symptoms

  • Any treatments you received

  • Any side effects or reactions to treatments

  • Any lifestyle changes you made (such as diet or exercise)

  • Any other relevant information, such as stress levels or sleep quality


4. Ask questions

Don't be afraid to ask your healthcare provider questions about your health. This will help you better understand your condition and treatment options. Some questions you may want to ask include:


  • What is my diagnosis?

  • What are the treatment options?

  • What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option?

  • What can I do to prevent my condition from getting worse?

  • What lifestyle changes should I make?

  • What can I expect in terms of recovery and prognosis?


5. Advocate for yourself

If you're not getting the care you need, speak up. This can be as simple as asking for a second opinion or seeking a different healthcare provider. Remember, you are the expert on your body and have the right to be heard and respected.


At Resilience Wellness, we want to empower you with the right information for your body so you can become your own healer. We encourage you to pay attention to your body, symptoms, and mind so you can better understand what works for you and what is not.


Naturopathic Healthcare & Advocacy: A Perfect Pair

At Resilience Health & Wellness, we’re passionate about helping patients overcome health issues and reclaim their vitality. We work with our practice members, showing them how to claim their authority and expertise when it comes to their health.


If you’d like to become your own personal health advocate and want to partner with a naturopathic healthcare provider, we invite you to learn more by signing up for our next in-person or online masterclass here.





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