Take Control of Wellness and Health
It is Not a Doctor's Responsibility to Make Patients Better
Oct 23, 2009
One would assume that the primary issues that most of the clients of a wellness coach would be the issues that most people already realize they have: maintaining work/life balance, setting and meeting realistic weight loss goals, or stress management. That is not the case.
In fact, the most common challenge most coaching clients face is that of determining answers to questions of control and responsibility in terms of healthcare. Most patients have assumed they know the answers to questions such as "Who is in charge of my wellness?" or "Who is responsible for my health?"
Patients Unconsciously Decide that Doctors Are Responsible
Melody Mayo, M.S., N.C.C. is the wellness coach for the Life University Center for Health and Optimum Performance just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Wellness coaches act as advocates for people who are interested in achieving optimum levels of health, generally on a holistic or whole-body (and whole-person) level.
Mayo observes that many people relinquish the responsibility for - and the control over - their own health to healthcare providers, doctors, chiropractors and others in positions of authority. As a coach, Mayo herself has been given this responsibility. "It seems like most people are not willing to see coaching (or any other type of health care service) as a base to jump off of so they can take responsibility for their health."
This is not a conscious decision. If someone asked any of these patients who is responsible for their well-being, they would respond that they themselves are in charge. However, on a subconscious level, they have ceded that control to their healthcare providers. They do not make decisions on their behalf, but trust those in positions in authority to tell them what is best.
Patients might demonstrate this loss of control in one or more of the following ways:
- Taking prescribed medications or remedies without questioning side effects
- Agreeing to procedures without attaining a second opinion about a diagnosis
- Calling the doctor or coach frequently with questions to avoid making a decision
- Feeling angry with the health care provider if they don't feel better immediately
- Feeling cowed and unwilling to ask questions while in an appointment
- Feeling helpless in terms of their state of health, wellness or decisions
"In this day and age, we have so much information (and misinformation) at our disposal!" Mayo reminds her clients. "It is always in our best interest to research as much as we can so we can tailor the questions we ask our healthcare providers."
How to Take Control - Patients Should Consider Doctors Part of a Team
Imagine a committee or board. The patient sits at the head of this committee, and is in charge of selecting the right members for the team, delegating responsibilities, and demanding timely reports from the members.
When patients see their primary care providers, specialists, dentists, optometrists, trainers, coaches and chiropractors sitting at this table, they are better able to take advantage of each individual's special talents and expertise.
Though many doctors are beginning to see holistic causes and effects in their areas of specialty, it is still relatively common for doctors to focus in on one area of the body - one system, one set of symptoms and diagnoses. Because this is frequently the case, the patient must be willing to accept the responsibility for thinking of himself or herself as a whole person, and facilitate conversations amongst members of this virtual team.
Patients can do this by sharing lab results, file information and potential diagnoses at their doctor's visits. Patients might ask questions that help healthcare providers see the bigger picture.
Patients who feel a greater sense of control over their health and well-being tend to eat more nutritiously, exercise in moderation, and seek stress-relief and relaxation on their own.
"When we blindly take the advice doled out to us, it is much easier to get caught in a vicious circle that never really gets us to where we want to go." says Mayo. As she guides her clients toward the goals they have set for themselves, Mayo frequently reminds them that they are the experts in their bodies, they are the experts in their lives.
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