More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
Giving the Gift Of Health To Dad
When thinking about what to get Dad this Father's Day, consider his future and get him the gift of good health. A study released by Reuters showed that one in five Americans postpone receiving health care, with male patients making up the majority.
But skipping much needed health care can have drastic results. Many doctors are now reporting that those patients who do show up for appointments have more severe problems due to their delay. While Dad may think he is saving money by cutting preventative services out of the budget, delaying can actually cause a pile-up of sequential events, according to the American Public Health Association (APHA).
During their 129th annual meeting, members of the APHA gave a report using two case studies to demonstrate how delaying health care causes the need for more costly health services such as hospitalization, emergency room visits, and rehabilitation. These were simply the short-term costs. In the long term, delays created a more dependent daily life, as Dad may find himself unable to participate in work, leisure and home life roles, and require increased dependence on family members for assistance.
While it is important to seek medical assistance immediately at the onset of new symptoms, preventative medicine can actually be the most cost-effective way to assure a long, healthy life. While research conclusively shows services rendered before there is a significant problem are the most effective treatments for diseases with a strong hereditary connection, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, Dad may still wait until onset before he seeks help.
Preventing the progression of an illness not only saves money, but can be a comforting event. For example, many patients may think of massage only for times of relaxation. But did you know that every massage therapist in the State of Maryland is licensed to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions, decreasing the need for costly back, hip or knee surgeries?
In 2003, the World Health Organization published an analysis that showed acupuncture has been proven to be beneficial in treating over 95 common diseases and disorders.
What better way to tell Dad you value him than to give him the gift of health with a massage, acupuncture treatment, or just an annual check-up with his physician?
