WE THE FUTURE BLOG: Be Healthy - Be a Medical Consumer

By Ilana Slott, Program Intern. June 17, 2010. * *This blog is an opinion piece. Always speak to your doctor about the best medical practices for YOU. * *

“Lose weight fast!” “Decrease your risk of disease!” “Cut your carbs!”  In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with messages about our bodies and our health.  First we hear that soy is good for us, but then we hear it is bad for us.  We hear that diet soda is good because it has less sugar, but then we hear that artificial sweeteners may cause cancer.  We grow up thinking we should be eating 6-11 servings of carbohydrates a day, and then the USDA goes and changes the food pyramid.  With all of these conflicting messages, what are we supposed to believe?

Being an educated consumer is crucial to living well in a society that confuses us with each new claim.  Knowledge is power, and in order to make wise choices about our health, we must be knowledgeable about what we are putting into our bodies.  Our society is becoming increasingly obsessed with health and nutrition, but it is often difficult to determine whether or not the things we are seeing and hearing are true.  I know that I personally cannot always
distinguish fact from fiction.  However, I believe that there is a way to become as well informed as possible with regard to nutrition and health.

In my opinion, the best way to make educated decisions about your health is to seek professional help.  Visit your physician to learn about your body and health needs specific to YOU.  What applies to others may not necessarily apply to you, depending on your physical condition.  If you are unsure or skeptical about what your doctor tells you, it might be wise to seek a second opinion.  Nutritionists can also be an invaluable resource to your personal health.   Consult a nutritionist to see what foods are best for you, and to ask questions about claims made in the media.  Knowing your body and seeking advice from professionals is a step in the right direction in terms of being a knowledgeable, empowered patient.

With all of the mixed messages out there, it can be hard to determine the best foods to eat to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  I am a huge proponent of the idea that each body is unique, and in order to make the best decisions, we must learn what is best for our individual bodies.  The moral of the story: don’t believe everything you hear.  Be smart, and learn what is best for YOU.