Concierge Medicine goes Back to Basics

So often we are overwhelmed with throbbing heads, broken fingers, aching stomachs and a slew of other problems, which ultimately drive us to see a doctor. But, sometimes we forget that good health requires basic management of our entire system through fundamental practices such as good nutrition, enough sleep and regular exercise.

Lately, we’ve been reminded of the importance of paying attention to some of the basics of a healthy body. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was released this week and cited that more than a third of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation often leads to serious health issues, in addition to how well you function, your memory and your mental clarity. Lack of sleep over a long period of time can have severe affects, which is why personalized physicians work closely with patients to ensure they’re receiving the right amount of sleep.

Another study released this week from the National Academy of Science, as detailed in the New York Times Wellness Blog, indicates that regular exercise keeps rats – and people young and alive. Essentially, rodents that ran on a wheel for 45 minutes, 3 days a week looked much better than the ones that didn’t. After eight months, the sedentary rodents were bald, frail and on the verge of death, while the running rats remained youthful. After a year, all of the exercising rats were alive and all the inactive ones had died. It’s not a far leap to see similar results in humans.

Everyone knows that concierge physicians can provide the most sophisticated medical support in the healthcare industry, but just as important to the patient is that a concierge physician looks after the full picture of a patient’s wellness –head to toe, inside and out. In working with a concierge doctor, as a patient you’ll develop a comprehensive program and routine that outlines a plan for your overall wellness, not just the treatment of a single symptom. This includes weight-loss goals and maintenance, sleep recommendations and solutions, a focus on chronic issues, and ultimately a longer and more fulfilling life.