![\"gift_gab-doctor-dan\"](\"http:\/\/www.raisingjane.org\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/gift_gab-doctor-dan.jpg\")
Doctor Dan the Bandage Man<\/em> by Helen Gaspard, courtesy of Little Golden Books via Kilmer House<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n My gut reaction to this topic drew me to a recent article by Dr. Lissa Rankin published on the MindBodyGreen<\/a> website.<\/p>\n Dr. Rankin offers tips to help take charge of your health care by being “empowered,” but not “difficult.”<\/p>\n We’ve all heard the adage, “You’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” During a stressful visit to a medical facility, it can be extremely difficult to communicate with personnel without losing your cool.<\/p>\n But Dr. Rankin assures us that speaking up calmly and kindly is often the key to getting attention. That takes true empowerment. Believe that you have every right to know what’s going on\u2014because you do\u2014and voice your concerns with both conviction and compassion.<\/p>\n Of course, there are instances when it makes sense to pack up and take your health concerns elsewhere.<\/p>\n “If your doctor is an ego maniac, I don\u2019t care how skilled your doctor is\u2014find another doctor,” Rankin advises. “If your doctor considers you difficult any time you question an order or ask for a second opinion, your doctor cares more about being in control than doing the right thing. As a physician training other doctors to partner with patients, I guarantee there are wonderful physicians who welcome the partnership of empowered patients and their families.”<\/p>\n Want to learn more? I encourage you to read the full article, “Are You Fed up with Health Care?”<\/a><\/p>\n Remember, our bodies, and our wellness, belong to us.<\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Have you ever felt powerless in a health-care setting? My guess is, we all have. Whether your visit concerned your own health or the health of a loved one, it’s likely that a combination of worry and doubt (How will … Continue reading