Take Charge of your Health

As the days get colder and shorter, take the time to enjoy the seasonal changes outdoors.

You are busy taking care of everyone else. Do you ever take time for yourself? For your aches and pains? For your headaches? For your backache? Sciatica? For your arthritis? For managing your stress? The answer is most likely “No”. My answer to you is make the time because there is only one of you and it’s time to take charge of getting you better.

There are numerous ways you can take care all of these ailments through seeing an alternative/ complimentary health care provider.

Seeing someone for your aches and pains will help to increase blood flow, decrease tension in muscles and joints, and improve your overall mood, health and well being.

Some therapies include acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine, chiropractic, homeopathy, naturopathic medicine, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, traditional Chinese medicine and yoga.

There are many complementary health care providers out there. It is essential to conduct your own research to find the most suitable professional for your needs. So who do you see and what do you look for?

Word of mouth can be a huge resource. Ask people in your network of family, friends and colleagues or utilize social media. Search company websites and become familiar with different theories and what practice styles are out there for your problem. Also look at provincial professional associations to gain more insight on the profession.

If you’re still not sure, call or email a clinic that may interest you and ask them your questions or if they can help with a certain condition you have. Some practitioners may even offer a complimentary consultation where you can go into the clinic and meet with the health care provider to discuss if they can help you, if a combination of therapies will be best or recommend a different type of therapy.

You may be under care of a medical doctor. They can also refer you for, although a referral is not always necessary. For some conditions, multiple therapies can be used in conjunction to help you get better (ex. MD, Physio, RMT, Chiro).

There is a cost involved to go seek care. However, the cost to you may be minimized in many ways. Extended health benefits cover most of these therapies. There is also coverage if you have a current ICBC or WCB claim. You may be eligible for MSP subsidy. The RCMP and DVA also provide full coverage for treatments.

Some clinics will directly bill your insurance plan and other clinics will issue a receipt so to you can submit to your own plan for reimbursement. In the case of extended health, it’s always best for you to check your own plan as you will get a better understanding of what you are covered for.

The first step is making an appointment. Be sure you adhere to your treatment plan given by your health care provider for the best outcomes. Having regular treatments will give you a better quality of life, you will have more energy and will play a huge part in being healthier.

Allocate your time now and make that investment in your health.