I personally think it is very important to choose a physician based on their skills, know-how and kindness. Some people choose doctors because they are covered under their insurance plan, others may choose a doctor based on a referral from a friend. Our health should be a top priority in our life. When I think of my health and investing my money into a doctor, I choose to invest my money into a doctor that I believe in and that I trust. If I could not afford to visit the doctor of my choice, I would find a way to make it work, again, I am nothing without my health.
I have an osteopathic family physician and two trusted naturopathic physicians. They are very familiar with the benefits of a plant-based diet, natural supplementation and homeopathic remedies (when "needed"). My doctors talk the talk and walk the walk. Dr. Popper is one of the naturopathic physicians that I firmly believe in and trust. She is doing what she loves; helping people live in optimal wellness and she looks amazing herself!
I can't stand the idea of being under the care of a physician who knows little about the benefits of a healthy diet. I can't stand the idea of being under the care of a physician who is overweight, even slightly, or who takes one, or more medications themselves. If a doctor cannot take care of themselves, why would you trust them to take care of you? What does that say to you about that doctor? Ask any M.D. how many hours of their 7-10 years in college were spent taking nutrition courses. I guarantee they will say that nutrition was a very small part of their education. They are M.D.'s!!! They went to school to learn about medicine and how to treat people with medicine. There is a time and place for medicine, but a healthy diet is the UP MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO TO BE HEALTHY AND STAY HEALTHY, PERIOD.
I know many people who have been raised in the era of thinking medicine is the only way to stabilize high blood pressure, or that medicine can prevent illness through the use of vaccinations, or that chemotherapy and radiation are the only options for cancer treatment. I know people who think a plant-based diet cannot prevent, or reverse cancer. I know people who think that there is no scientific evidence to support the health benefits of a plant-based diet. The doctors who wrote The China Study and appeared in the recent documentary, "Forks Over Knives", are highly accredited, well-known doctors who have presented YEARS of scientific evidence LINKING DIET TO CANCER and they know more than the people I know. Dr. Colin Campbell, Dr. Pamela Popper, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and Dr. Neal Barnard are just some of the many doctors who know what they are talking about when it comes to living a long, healthy, enjoyable life.
So, when you choose a doctor, choose one, or more that you believe in and that you trust with your life. Choose a doctor who is living the life that they speak of.
Consider the following too:
1. Do drug reps purchase meals for the doctor and staff, provide gifts, or provide incentives if a doctor prescribes a particular medication?
2. Will the doctor respect your decision(s) if choose to consume a plant-based diet, opt out of vaccinating and choose to take natural supplements/remedies (if necessary)? Can they provide personal insight on these topics?
3. Can you contact them any time you have a question, or concern? Do you have the ability to contact them in other ways, aside from calling the office?
4. Is it fairly easy to schedule an appointment when needed and will the doctor spend the time to address your questions and concerns?
5. Do they recommend any form of diagnostic testing?
Diagnostic tests are useless in preventing and treating cancer. If we look at most of the scenarios, the quality of life has not improved through the use of diagnostic testing, nor has the length of life been extended. These tests and their treatments, like all medicine, for the most part, only address the symptoms and not the cause of the condition. For instance, too much protein in the diet creates an acidic, inflamed environment in the body, which in turn can lead to the development of cancer. If someone is diagnosed with cancer and opts to undergo chemotherapy treatments and also opts out of making dietary changes, they are not removing the cause of the cancer; a poor diet. Let's not neglect the fact that chemotherapy and radiation are absolutely horrible on the body. A great resource for alternative options to chemotherapy and radiation treatment, along with the truth about many other health related topics can be found on Ralph Moss's website:
Of course the FDA supports PSA tests... they are just another way to make money and keep docs in business! PSA tests are useless!
References:
1. Rosenthal, PH.D., S.M. (2001). Stopping cancer at the source. Canada: Your Health Press
2. Campbell, PhD., T. Colin., Campbell II, M. Thomas. (2006) The China Study. Texas: BenBella Books, Inc.
