I feel embarrased, which is probably a good sign, might teach me a thing or two. I hurt myself. I don’t know when it was. That is the worst part. I have no idea when it happened.Last Wednesday my ladies holidays arrived very conveniently [NOT!] while in Kurmasana. Dead set in the middle of primary series, eliminating the possibility of it being a rest day, but oh well. I stopped there and took my two days of rest. The next day however, I noticed some pain in my lower back, and when the first practice back from holidays came around the very early poses signaled me that for the life of God I had to stop! It all happened at triang mukhaikapada paschimottanasana. It was simply impossible. I could not bend down. My lower back was in pain, a LOT of pain. I could only move vertically up and down, no opportunity for side movement. In any direction. Even to stand up I had to ask for help and the pain would be terrible until I was completely straight up.Looking at anatomy books and into the internet I could clearly isolate the Erector Spinae as being the one in trouble, it is after all the muscle that maintains the spine erect and it is exactly where I, still, feel the pain.Good thing I have been reading “I Am That” and was able to put things in perspective, take it easy, and notice that a little injury is just something happening in the screen of my mind and that none of what my mind was telling me was true (things like I would never be able to practice again, etc.)I am helping things by doing the following:- Staying active. Going to bed seems not good as usually pain is an indication of stagnated energy, which, if immobilized could lead to further complications. So I did what I could which was not much. Even sitting hurt.- Took quite a bit of Advil. Especially in the first couple of days. Advil is a blessing for reducing inflammation. I have yet to try the Chinese herb recommended in “A Tooth From the Tiger’s Mouth” which is the “herbal ice”, or San Huan San. I did not have any handy and therefore Advil had to do the trick, which it did, nicely, it allowed for some movement and walks. I love walks, especially on this weather, I mean, is this weather for real? 80 degrees in March?- Went back to Dr. H’s suggestions, which work like charm, used the Gou Pi Medicated Plaster, they are expensive but worth every penny. For the past couple of days I have had two in my lower back and they ease things, get the chi to move, and reduce inflammation. They also feel mildly warm.- I re-ordered the U-I Oil (like “you and I” oil -that is how I remember the name) which I used in India when I had a deep adjustment in Kurmasana. This oil is great for when something hurts, I put it in the morning and then wash it off after a few minutes because if you leave it for a long time it will burn more and more.Then as the practice starts to kick in (say by the end of the standing sequence or earlier depending on temperature) the area gets warmer and the circulation flows. – I also tried cupping, but I suppose I need more practice with that. James helped me with the suction cups I got a few months ago, and I left them there on the back for a good five to ten minutes. Maybe it is because it was on day one and I did not repeat that I did not feel any difference. Nothing helped on day one, it was just terrible.-The one thing that DID NOT
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ASHTANGA YOGA MOTHER EARTH: Extreme Lower Back Pain
Stop Back Pain Now
back pain, back pain relief, back pain treatment If you’re someone who suffers from back pain, you can sympathize with how difficult that pain can make your life. Even simple things, such as lifting items or bending over, can become a very painful act. If this is ringing a lot of bells with you, here are some ways that you can get back pain relief.Relaxation can ease your back pain. One relaxation technique is to allow your body to completely relax and go limp when you lie down. After you are completely relaxed and lying down, concentrate on each set of muscles and envision the muscles relaxing. This can help your whole body relax and improve its function.Try to be careful with how you sleep in the night. It may not be most comfortable, but try to sleep on your back and put a heating under you. This might keep back pain away while you sleep. Don’t ever sleep on your stomach.If you suffer from back pain, a good rule of thumb is to make sure you know what is in a box before you lift it. You could be lifting something really heavy, which could damage your back. You should not assume the contents of the box based on its appearance, or the images on it.Stop slouching and practice good posture, even when doing housework. Vacuuming is a good example because you are constantly pushing and reaching. This pain is easily avoided if you maintain proper posture during this household activity. Make sure you stand completely erect, and power the movements of the vacuum with the strength of your legs. When you use your back, you create more back pain.Back pain is not enjoyable. Follow these useful tips when your back starts playing up again. They could work effectively for you and help to eliminate your pain.
Stop Back Pain Now
back pain, back pain relief, back pain treatment If you’re someone who suffers from back pain, you can sympathize with how difficult that pain can make your life. Even simple things, such as lifting items or bending over, can become a very painful act. If this is ringing a lot of bells with you, here are some ways that you can get back pain relief.Relaxation can ease your back pain. One relaxation technique is to allow your body to completely relax and go limp when you lie down. After you are completely relaxed and lying down, concentrate on each set of muscles and envision the muscles relaxing. This can help your whole body relax and improve its function.Try to be careful with how you sleep in the night. It may not be most comfortable, but try to sleep on your back and put a heating under you. This might keep back pain away while you sleep. Don’t ever sleep on your stomach.If you suffer from back pain, a good rule of thumb is to make sure you know what is in a box before you lift it. You could be lifting something really heavy, which could damage your back. You should not assume the contents of the box based on its appearance, or the images on it.Stop slouching and practice good posture, even when doing housework. Vacuuming is a good example because you are constantly pushing and reaching. This pain is easily avoided if you maintain proper posture during this household activity. Make sure you stand completely erect, and power the movements of the vacuum with the strength of your legs. When you use your back, you create more back pain.Back pain is not enjoyable. Follow these useful tips when your back starts playing up again. They could work effectively for you and help to eliminate your pain.
Chiropractic For Getting Rid Of Back Pain
Chiropractic іѕ tһе practice whereby hands-οח adjustments οf bones surrounded bу tһе body аחԁ tһе spinal column аrе used tο drive away pains frοm surrounded bу tһе bones. Tһіѕ іѕ a common practice utilized tο ɡеt relief frοm back aches аחԁ stiffness bу Dr. Michael Pritsker аt Nеw Century Spine Centers іח San Diego. Tһіѕ practice operates οח tһе theory known аѕ tһе “subluxation theory” tһаt tһе improper alignment οf tһе human vertebrae affects tһе body’s nervous system аחԁ tһаt pains аחԁ οtһеr disease саח originate wһеח tһіѕ happens. Sο, іtѕ aim іѕ tο properly align tһе vertebrae fοr better health аחԁ relief frοm tһеѕе pains. Tο receive chiropractic treatment, tһе patient һаѕ tο visit a chiropractor wһο uses manual adjustments οr re-alignments tο keep tһе vertebrae back іח shape аחԁ restore tһе health condition οf tһе patient. Sοmе studies һаνе shown tһаt tһіѕ process һаѕ bееח very effective іח bringing relief tο patients wіtһ back pains аחԁ ѕοmе general ailments. Tһеѕе include сеrtаіח back tribulations such аѕ sciatica, leg pain, аחԁ back pain. Fοr tһіѕ lack οf scientific evidence, ѕοmе experts іח tһе medical field һаνе completely rejected tһе notion οf chiropractic, though ѕοmе chiropractors currently work wіtһ renowned doctors οח раrt time аחԁ full time basis tһеѕе days іח tһе treatment οf back pains аחԁ associated ailments. Generally, іf уου аrе constantly overwhelmed bу back pain, treatment bу chiropractors іח San Diego mіɡһt bе a ехсеƖƖеחt option tο try out аѕ іt һаѕ established reliable іח tһе treatment οf back pains, һеƖреԁ wіtһ tһе restoration οf mobility аחԁ corrected neuron-musculoskeletal disorders іח ѕοmе patients. Lеt υѕ ɡο through tһе process οf getting back pain release through tһіѕ standard, especially tһе lower back pain wһісһ mοѕt office executives аחԁ labor workers seem tο bе unnatural bу nowadays. AƖѕο, professional massages аחԁ tһе stretching οf back muscles аrе unnatural tο relax tһе muscles аחԁ mаkе tһе adjustments simpler. Generally, tһе process mіɡһt аƖѕο ѕοmе therapeutic exercises οח specific group οf muscles aimed аt properly aligning tһе spinal cord. Manual re-alignment οr adjustments οf tһе vertebrae bу tһе chiropractor аrе achieved bу using tһе hands tο apply pressure enough tο cause tһе vertebrae tο ɡеt back tο іtѕ habitual space. High velocity thrusts аחԁ spinal traction аrе common methods used іח tһіѕ regard. Tһе opinion οf using massages tο relax tһе nerves аחԁ muscles іѕ аƖѕο раrt οf tһе process employed bу chiropractors tο provide cures fοr back pain. Tһе massage therapists аt PƖеаѕеԁ head foot reflexology аחԁ massage іח San Diego ԁο a fаחtаѕtіс job аt helping reduce pain frοm muscle spasms. Mοѕt οftеח, уου find professional massage teams working alongside tһе chiropractors, bесаυѕе іt іѕ believed tһаt relaxed muscles саח bе easily рƖасе back іח рƖасе tһаח tһе tensed ones. AƖѕο, regular exercises аחԁ relaxed nerves аrе a means οf keeping tһе adjustment bу tһе chiropractor іח рƖасе over time. Looking tο find tһе best information οח spinal decompression therapy, tһеח visit www.BackCareTreatment.com tο find tһе best information οח chiropractic fοr уου.
How to find a terrific doctor
You can find out some key details about a prospective doctor just by calling him. STORY HIGHLIGHTS Nearly a third of Americans who don’t have a PCP said they didn’t think they needed one Ask for recommendations from your family or friends when trying to choose a physician What matters most is the hospital where they practice and where they did their residency (Health.com ) — When it comes to finding a doctor, chances are you spend a lot more time worrying about your man, your kids, or your parents than yourself. After all, you’re strong enough to soldier through the occasional cold, right? If this sounds like you, you’re not alone: In a recent survey, nearly a third of Americans who don’t have a primary care physician (PCP) said they didn’t think they needed one. The truth is, we all do. Not only do people with a regular doc receive better overall care, but it’s easier for them to get an appointment on short notice — helpful for reassurance on day-to-day health queries, and especially crucial if you should ever find yourself in a serious health crisis. “Finding a doctor before you get sick is especially important now that more insurance plans are requiring that PCPs serve as gatekeepers for our medical needs,” says Trisha Torrey, author of “You Bet Your Life: The Ten Mistakes Every Patient Makes”. Your mission: To locate an M.D. with great experience; an organized, friendly office staff; and, most of all, the ability to collaborate well with you (it is, after all, your body and health). Here’s how. Health.com: Secrets women keep from their doctors Step 1: Go to your network Your social network, that is. Start by asking your friends and family (and any doctors you have and like) for the names of their favorite docs. This method may seem unscientific, but in one recent survey, doctors ranked getting a recommendation from family or friends as the most valuable way for you to choose a good physician. Consider also checking an online doctor-rating site, like vitals.com or zocdoc.com. Just keep in mind that opinions from others may be a good gauge of a doctor’s bedside manner (which is indeed important), but not necessarily a way to measure her medical ability. “Friends who have had only annual checkups don’t have as good a sense of their doctors’ medical competence, so see if you can ask someone who’s had health trouble,” Torrey says. “If they felt well-served by the doctor, that’s a better bet.” That was true for Abby Gardner, 36, a New York City website editor: “Recently, I noticed a spot on my chest. My friend suggested I see her doctor, Dr. Henry Lee.” Lee had found a melanoma on Gardner’s friend’s roommate, who raved about his care and professionalism. “He not only checked the spot, but also found a mole on my thigh that turned out to be a melanoma,” she says. “I was so glad to have a thorough doctor who caught it early.” If your friends don’t give you any good leads, contact your nearest academic medical center (a hospital linked to a medical school, also known as a teaching hospital) and ask for a referral. “Those centers are usually highly rated,” says Lisa Rubenstein, M.D., director of the VA/UCLA/RAND Center for the Study of Healthcare Provider Behavior. Health.com: What to do when you disagree with your doctor Step 2: Check out her credentials There’s no need to limit yourself to doctors who graduated from the fanciest medical school around. What matters more, says Rubenstein: “the hospital where they did their residency, and where they practice.” Two reasons why: A residency is where physicians get their on-the-job training, and the other M.D.’s they practice with seem to affect their clinical style more than where they went to school. Look for a doctor who is board-certified and affiliated with a reputable hospital (your insurance company’s website will generally list credentials and affiliations), since, if you ever wind up being hospitalized, this will likely be the place you’ll go. “Academic hospitals generally do better in terms of safety and patient outcomes than unaffiliated community hospitals,” says Rubenstein. Hospitalcompare.hhs.gov can help you assess the quality of hospitals in your area. Health.com: Want to skip the doctor? Try this Step 3: Vet the office You can find out some key details about a prospective doctor just by calling her. Start with how you’re greeted. If the receptionist treats you poorly, it may be a sign that the practice isn’t respectful of patients in general, says Torrey. If the doctor and her staff are nice and professional, on the other hand, you will know that she runs a practice where patients are treated with respect. Health.com: How to have a great doctor-patient relationship Step 4: Size her up in person Once you’re finally face-to-face with the M.D., do a gut check. Do you feel comfortable? Your health will benefit if you do: A recent study in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that patients who had empathetic, engaged physicians felt more supported and were better able to take charge of their own well-being. Last year, Brenda Avadian, of Los Angeles, went
How to find a terrific doctor
You can find out some key details about a prospective doctor just by calling him. STORY HIGHLIGHTS Nearly a third of Americans who don’t have a PCP said they didn’t think they needed one Ask for recommendations from your family or friends when trying to choose a physician What matters most is the hospital where they practice and where they did their residency (Health.com ) — When it comes to finding a doctor, chances are you spend a lot more time worrying about your man, your kids, or your parents than yourself. After all, you’re strong enough to soldier through the occasional cold, right? If this sounds like you, you’re not alone: In a recent survey, nearly a third of Americans who don’t have a primary care physician (PCP) said they didn’t think they needed one. The truth is, we all do. Not only do people with a regular doc receive better overall care, but it’s easier for them to get an appointment on short notice — helpful for reassurance on day-to-day health queries, and especially crucial if you should ever find yourself in a serious health crisis. “Finding a doctor before you get sick is especially important now that more insurance plans are requiring that PCPs serve as gatekeepers for our medical needs,” says Trisha Torrey, author of “You Bet Your Life: The Ten Mistakes Every Patient Makes”. Your mission: To locate an M.D. with great experience; an organized, friendly office staff; and, most of all, the ability to collaborate well with you (it is, after all, your body and health). Here’s how. Health.com: Secrets women keep from their doctors Step 1: Go to your network Your social network, that is. Start by asking your friends and family (and any doctors you have and like) for the names of their favorite docs. This method may seem unscientific, but in one recent survey, doctors ranked getting a recommendation from family or friends as the most valuable way for you to choose a good physician. Consider also checking an online doctor-rating site, like vitals.com or zocdoc.com. Just keep in mind that opinions from others may be a good gauge of a doctor’s bedside manner (which is indeed important), but not necessarily a way to measure her medical ability. “Friends who have had only annual checkups don’t have as good a sense of their doctors’ medical competence, so see if you can ask someone who’s had health trouble,” Torrey says. “If they felt well-served by the doctor, that’s a better bet.” That was true for Abby Gardner, 36, a New York City website editor: “Recently, I noticed a spot on my chest. My friend suggested I see her doctor, Dr. Henry Lee.” Lee had found a melanoma on Gardner’s friend’s roommate, who raved about his care and professionalism. “He not only checked the spot, but also found a mole on my thigh that turned out to be a melanoma,” she says. “I was so glad to have a thorough doctor who caught it early.” If your friends don’t give you any good leads, contact your nearest academic medical center (a hospital linked to a medical school, also known as a teaching hospital) and ask for a referral. “Those centers are usually highly rated,” says Lisa Rubenstein, M.D., director of the VA/UCLA/RAND Center for the Study of Healthcare Provider Behavior. Health.com: What to do when you disagree with your doctor Step 2: Check out her credentials There’s no need to limit yourself to doctors who graduated from the fanciest medical school around. What matters more, says Rubenstein: “the hospital where they did their residency, and where they practice.” Two reasons why: A residency is where physicians get their on-the-job training, and the other M.D.’s they practice with seem to affect their clinical style more than where they went to school. Look for a doctor who is board-certified and affiliated with a reputable hospital (your insurance company’s website will generally list credentials and affiliations), since, if you ever wind up being hospitalized, this will likely be the place you’ll go. “Academic hospitals generally do better in terms of safety and patient outcomes than unaffiliated community hospitals,” says Rubenstein. Hospitalcompare.hhs.gov can help you assess the quality of hospitals in your area. Health.com: Want to skip the doctor? Try this Step 3: Vet the office You can find out some key details about a prospective doctor just by calling her. Start with how you’re greeted. If the receptionist treats you poorly, it may be a sign that the practice isn’t respectful of patients in general, says Torrey. If the doctor and her staff are nice and professional, on the other hand, you will know that she runs a practice where patients are treated with respect. Health.com: How to have a great doctor-patient relationship Step 4: Size her up in person Once you’re finally face-to-face with the M.D., do a gut check. Do you feel comfortable? Your health will benefit if you do: A recent study in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that patients who had empathetic, engaged physicians felt more supported and were better able to take charge of their own well-being. Last year, Brenda Avadian, of Los Angeles, went in search of a new primary care doctor because her last one was dismissive of her complaints of exhaustion. She vetted a prospective doc online, then set up an appointment. “After an hour, I decided to switch to him,” says Avadian, 52, who works in the caregiving industry. “He really took time to listen to me.” Her new doctor ordered a complete blood panel, and within a couple of days, Avadian had a diagnosis: Her thyroid was sluggish. “The problem could have gotten worse,” she says. “It worked out because I found
How to find a terrific doctor
You can find out some key details about a prospective doctor just by calling him. STORY HIGHLIGHTS Nearly a third of Americans who don’t have a PCP said they didn’t think they needed one Ask for recommendations from your family or friends when trying to choose a physician What matters most is the hospital where they practice and where they did their residency (Health.com ) — When it comes to finding a doctor, chances are you spend a lot more time worrying about your man, your kids, or your parents than yourself. After all, you’re strong enough to soldier through the occasional cold, right? If this sounds like you, you’re not alone: In a recent survey, nearly a third of Americans who don’t have a primary care physician (PCP) said they didn’t think they needed one. The truth is, we all do. Not only do people with a regular doc receive better overall care, but it’s easier for them to get an appointment on short notice — helpful for reassurance on day-to-day health queries, and especially crucial if you should ever find yourself in a serious health crisis. “Finding a doctor before you get sick is especially important now that more insurance plans are requiring that PCPs serve as gatekeepers for our medical needs,” says Trisha Torrey, author of “You Bet Your Life: The Ten Mistakes Every Patient Makes”. Your mission: To locate an M.D. with great experience; an organized, friendly office staff; and, most of all, the ability to collaborate well with you (it is, after all, your body and health). Here’s how. Health.com: Secrets women keep from their doctors Step 1: Go to your network Your social network, that is. Start by asking your friends and family (and any doctors you have and like) for the names of their favorite docs. This method may seem unscientific, but
How to find a terrific doctor
You can find out some key details about a prospective doctor just by calling him. STORY HIGHLIGHTS Nearly a third of Americans who don’t have a PCP said they didn’t think they needed one Ask for recommendations from your family or friends when trying to choose a physician What matters most is the hospital where they practice and where they did their residency (Health.com ) — When it comes to finding a doctor, chances are you spend a lot more time worrying about your man, your kids, or your parents than yourself. After all, you’re strong enough to soldier through the occasional cold, right? If this sounds like you, you’re not alone: In a recent survey, nearly a third of Americans who don’t have a primary care physician (PCP) said they didn’t think they needed one. The truth is, we all do. Not only do people with a regular doc receive better overall care, but it’s easier for them to get an appointment on short notice — helpful for reassurance on day-to-day health queries, and especially crucial if you should ever find yourself in a serious health crisis. “Finding a doctor before you get sick is especially important now that more insurance plans are requiring that PCPs serve as gatekeepers for our medical needs,” says Trisha Torrey, author of “You Bet Your Life: The Ten Mistakes Every Patient Makes”. Your mission: To locate an M.D. with great experience; an organized, friendly office staff; and, most of all, the ability to collaborate well with you (it is, after all, your body and health). Here’s how. Health.com: Secrets women keep from their doctors Step 1: Go to your network Your social network, that is. Start by asking your friends and family (and any doctors you have and like) for the names of their favorite docs. This method may seem unscientific, but in one recent survey, doctors ranked getting a recommendation from family or friends as the most valuable way for you to choose a good physician. Consider also checking an online doctor-rating site, like vitals.com or zocdoc.com. Just keep in mind that opinions from others may be a good gauge of a doctor’s bedside manner (which is indeed important), but not necessarily a way to measure her medical ability. “Friends who have had only annual checkups don’t have as good a sense of their doctors’ medical competence, so see if you can ask someone who’s had health trouble,” Torrey says. “If they felt well-served by the doctor, that’s a better bet.” That was true for Abby Gardner, 36, a New York City website editor: “Recently, I noticed a spot on my chest. My friend suggested I see her doctor, Dr. Henry Lee.” Lee had found a melanoma on Gardner’s friend’s roommate, who raved about his care and professionalism. “He not only checked the spot, but also found a mole on my thigh that turned out to be a melanoma,” she says. “I was so glad to have a thorough doctor who caught it early.” If your friends don’t give you any good leads, contact your nearest academic medical center (a hospital linked to a medical school, also known as a teaching
Lexington Chiropractor helps back pain
March 13, 2012 6:05 pm admin Health and Fitness Dr. Brett Skinner is achiropractor in lexington ky who specializes in helping people stop or reduce their back pain. Since gouty affects the joints, cartilages, connective tissues, ligaments, tendons, etc, back pain emerges from gouty arthritis. If you experience pain in the back, you may want to address the issue with your doctor. Since mobility is limited, you will need to learn stretch exercises to minimize the pain. You can learn additional helps to limit pain. For instance, when sitting you can practice helpful strategies to avoid injury, such as using an armrest to lower the body, as well as avoid bending or twisting when you raise your body from the chair. Dr. Brett Skinner has a chiropractic office in Lexington KY and specializes in helping people stop or reduce their back pain.
How to find a terrific doctor
You can find out some key details about a prospective doctor just by calling him. STORY HIGHLIGHTS Nearly a third of Americans who don’t have a PCP said they didn’t think they needed one Ask for recommendations from your family or friends when trying to choose a physician What matters most is the hospital where they practice and where they did their residency (Health.com ) — When it comes to finding a doctor, chances are you spend a lot more time worrying about your man, your kids, or your parents than yourself. After all, you’re strong enough to soldier through the occasional cold, right? If this sounds like you, you’re not alone: In a recent survey, nearly a third of Americans who don’t have a primary care physician (PCP) said they didn’t think they needed one. The truth is, we all do. Not only do people with a regular doc receive better overall care, but it’s easier for them to get an appointment on short notice — helpful for reassurance on day-to-day health queries, and especially crucial if you should ever find yourself in a serious health crisis. “Finding a doctor before you get sick is especially important now that more insurance plans are requiring that PCPs serve as gatekeepers for our medical needs,” says Trisha Torrey, author of “You Bet Your Life: The Ten Mistakes Every Patient Makes”. Your mission: To locate an M.D. with great experience; an organized, friendly office staff; and, most of all, the ability to collaborate well with you (it is, after all, your body and health). Here’s how. Health.com: Secrets women keep from their doctors Step 1: Go to your network Your social network, that is. Start by asking your friends and family (and any doctors you have and like) for the names of their favorite docs. This method may seem unscientific, but in one recent survey, doctors ranked getting a recommendation from family or friends as the most valuable way for you to choose a good physician. Consider also checking an online doctor-rating site, like vitals.com or zocdoc.com. Just keep in mind that opinions from others may be a good gauge of a doctor’s bedside manner (which is indeed important), but not necessarily a way to measure her medical ability. “Friends who have had only annual checkups don’t have as good a sense of their doctors’ medical competence, so see if you can ask someone who’s had health trouble,” Torrey says. “If they felt well-served by the doctor, that’s a better bet.” That was true for Abby Gardner, 36, a New York City website editor: “Recently, I noticed a spot on my chest. My friend suggested I see her doctor, Dr. Henry Lee.” Lee had found a melanoma on Gardner’s friend’s roommate, who raved about his care and professionalism. “He not only checked the spot, but also found a mole on my thigh that turned out to be a melanoma,” she says. “I was so glad to have a thorough doctor who caught it early.” If your friends don’t give you any good leads, contact your nearest academic medical center (a hospital linked to a medical school, also known as a teaching hospital) and ask for a referral. “Those centers are usually highly rated,” says Lisa Rubenstein, M.D., director of the VA/UCLA/RAND Center for the Study of Healthcare Provider Behavior. Health.com: What to do when you disagree with your doctor Step 2: Check out her credentials There’s no need to limit yourself to doctors who graduated from the fanciest medical school around. What matters more, says Rubenstein: “the hospital where they did their residency, and where they practice.” Two reasons why: A residency is where physicians get their on-the-job training, and the other M.D.’s they practice with seem to affect their clinical style more than where they went to school. Look for a doctor who is board-certified and affiliated with a reputable hospital (your insurance company’s website will generally list credentials and affiliations), since, if you ever wind up being hospitalized, this will likely be the place you’ll go. “Academic hospitals generally do better in terms of safety and patient outcomes than unaffiliated community hospitals,” says Rubenstein. Hospitalcompare.hhs.gov can help you assess the quality of hospitals in your area. Health.com: Want to skip the doctor? Try this Step 3: Vet the office You can find out some key details about a prospective doctor just by calling her. Start with how you’re greeted. If the receptionist treats you poorly, it may be a sign that the practice isn’t respectful of patients in general, says Torrey. If the doctor and her staff are nice and professional, on the other hand, you will know that she runs a practice where patients are treated with respect. Health.com: How to have a great doctor-patient relationship Step 4: Size her up in person Once you’re finally face-to-face with the M.D., do a gut check. Do you feel comfortable? Your health will benefit if you do: A recent study in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that patients who had empathetic, engaged physicians felt more supported and were better able to take charge of their own well-being. Last year, Brenda Avadian, of Los Angeles, went in search of a new primary care doctor because her last one was dismissive of her complaints of exhaustion. She vetted a prospective doc online, then set up an appointment. “After an hour, I decided to switch to him,”


