"Medicine is only palliative. For behind disease lies the cause, and this cause NO DRUG can reach." DR. SILAS WEIR MITCHELL
Many patients ask me, do I need to take this medication for the rest of my life? Everyday? My answer is usually no. One of my passions is to help my patients reach that goal. Not to need medications for life or reduce the number of necessary medicines. Some medical conditions will require you to take medications for life, like hormone imbalances like hypothyroidism. Yet, other medical conditions can be placed in remission. This means the illness is dormant, not necessarily "cured."
Working to achieve remission of a disease or reducing the number and amount you take of medications takes consistent and small changes in your day-to-day behavior. You will need support, not only from your doctor but also from family and friends. The community you surround yourself with can either help you develop consistent new health habits or can derail you and unmotivate you.
Working towards remission of certain medical conditions, like diabetes, elevated blood pressure, and cholesterol, will require a behavior lifestyle in nourishment, movement, sleep, and stress. These can be challenging since, many times. Our current Western culture does not promote and facilitate health. Yes, some of these behaviors are imposed. The environment in which you live will impact your capacity to choose to bike or walk to get a coffee versus taking a 5-minute drive. However, being mindful of what choices are under your control can help you stay focused on the goal.
Also, you should see your doctor often to help you achieve this goal. I always say every 2-4 weeks. I am aware that when you go home, you are the one doing the hard work. The one who is cooking more, moving and sweating, disconnecting from the world's chaos, and turning lights off earlier than many. But together, you and your healthcare team can achieve the goal of curing the cause of many chronic medical conditions: day-to-day behavior. Remember, illness is not your failure. You can heal for real and rewrite your health story.
If you believe this is possible, please share this blog with others. Together, we can heal! There is hope.
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