Be an Educated Consumer of Medical Services
While the internet can be a confusing place to get reliable information, there are websites that you can use to be an informed consumer of medical services. While I don't recommend using the internet as your doctor, you can get reliable information relevant to your health. On this page, I have provided selected resources.
American College of Cardiology—CardioSmart
The American College of Cardiology is the governing body for cardiologists. Dr. Cohen is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and was active in the California Chapter. Patient advocacy and education are one of the college's most important missions.
CardioSmart was designed for the patient to educate her or his self about cardiac health. I recommend that you start your heart education at this site. In addition to the American College of Cardiology, below are additional sites that you may find useful in your inquiry into heart health.
National Library of Medicine—MedlinePlus
Your tax dollars at work, providing you reliable information about many health topics, drugs and supplements, genetics, medical tests, and videos to help your learning.
Lifestyle Management- Nutrition
Lifestyle management is extremely important to your health. Components of lifestyle management include exercise, nutrition, stress management, sleep quality, and community
Useful links:
Lifestyle Management- Exercise
Besides whole-food, plant-based nutrition, exercise is also extremely important to maintain our health. Evidence-based guidelines have been published by the World Health Organization. Click on the image above to see the entire document.
For many, exercise is difficult, but being physically active does not have to be. I advise my patients to consider the purchase of a pedal ergometer. One particularly good brand is made by CUBII.
Supplements
While the scientific literature is not very supportive of the routine use of supplements, I believe they have a role in helping us maintain our health. The source of supplements is important. There are several manufacturers that follow exacting production standards to maintain high quality. For several years I have allied myself with Thorne.
Prepare for Your Doctor Visit
I recommend that my patients keep a health journal they take to every doctor's appointment. It is hard to remember everything. Write it down—your questions, the answers that you get, medical events, instructions. Also, when you have symptoms of concern, write it down including time of day, what you were doing at the time, new medications, or foods you may have just started.