Several months ago, you may remember, I wanted to be a "doctor." Well, the whole reason I wanted to BE a doctor was because I have a passion for prevention. My big idea was that I would change the whole medical community to focus more on prevention. Yeah I always think I can change the world. Apparently, that is "already happening" but certainly not as fast as it should be happening. Doctors would be working themselves right out of a job (although not really because there will always be illness and disease) and (the majority) of docs out there didn't go to med school to focus on prevention. A little bit of an assumption on my part, but I believe I am correct.
I know this because in the 3 weeks I have been a health coach, I have had so many people complain to me that there doctor just put them on this and that pill. For anything. For everything. I will ask if the doctor discussed ways to address the problems without medication (for blood pressure, for instance). An overwhelming "no."
Seriously?
So, kind of funny. I think this means I should just stick to being a health coach (or other jobs focusing on education and prevention) and trying to keep people healthy and away from the doctor. Don't get me wrong, I know that there are doctors who do care about prevention. But really.....that still isn't the main focus. Maybe if I was 22 and not married I might still consider the option more :) But we know enough about how this works, and it's really awesome to (at least try) to empower others to take control of their own health. I've always been about personal responsibility, and that includes health.
The coaching is very challenging, because people don't change overnight. That's for sure. But every day, out of the 40-50 people I am required to talk to (I say that because I dislike that I have a "minimum"), there are a few that really make me feel like it's worth it. Because I have helped them to realize what they are capable of.
