No matter what the outcome is of the House and Senate’s move to resolve health care, there are a few things “We The People” can start doing right away.  In addition to the obvious things like not smoking cigarettes, not abusing food, drugs or alchohol and my favorite, getting plenty of exercise, there are 10 things that The Nation’s February 1, 2010 issue has put together to save money and minimize suffering.  Here’s a recap.

1.  Wash your hands!  It’s the best way to reduce the spread of illness.  The Mayo Clinic provides details at http://mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/HQ00407.

2.  If your meds and conditions are too extensive for a medical braclet write ’em down and keep them with you, especially when you travel.  If there’s an emergency you’ll be glad you did.

3.  Choose your doctor because of the privledges doc has at the best hospitals, not because doc is down the street.  Who are the specialists doc can refer and does your doctor wash hands?

4.  The Surgical Safety Checklist ( http://who.int/patientsafety/safesurgery/ss_checklist/en/index.html ) Yes, this is a real thing.  And, it’s been reducing bad outcomes around the world.  Don’t have surgery without it or a second opinion for that matter.

5.  Pregnant?  Looking for an OB?  Keep in mind that the US does double the rate of C-sections than what is acceptable by the World Health Organization.  Read more at http://thebirthsurvey.com. It’s major surgery.

6.   Beware of MRIs and CAT scans.  They add to costs and radiation exposure.

7.  Most end-of-life care is expensive besides aggressive.  Patients with incurable illnesses often suffer needlessly from invasive procedures.  Think hospice or palliative care for a more humane death while saving in some cases millions of dollars.

8.  Choose dietary supplements carefully.  Look for the USP seal on products.  Check out http://usp.org/USP-Verified/dietarySupplements/supplements.html .

9.  Prepare yourself for catastrophic illness.  Get a health care proxy or some form of advance directive in place.  For info go to http://putitinwriting.org/putitinwriting_app/index.jsp .

10.  Educate!!!  When Japanese public schools began telling students to brush teeth after meals, the decline in tooth and gum disease was dramatic.  Since sex ed is inadequate in most schools talk to your kids about STDs and contraception.  Right now, 1 out of 4 young American women has an STD.  So sad. 

To save money and suffering, take control of what we can do NOW.

By Krista Kurvits