By Randall Kenneth Jones
Every year is the same to so many of us. We usher in the New Year by resolving to make positive changes in our lives.
In fact, Baby New Year has little to do with our ability to improve. Babies are a blessing but, considering they can’t walk, the wee ones aren’t in a good position to guide our adult footsteps. And let’s face it, Father Time can be just plain spiteful.
We need more than a dropping ball, confetti, “Auld Lang Syne” and good intentions to keep our New Year’s Resolutions on track.
Pretty much any list of the most popular resolutions contains a boatload (a descriptive word that works well in Southwest Florida) of self-improvement options: eat healthy, lose weight, quit smoking, reduce stress, cut back on alcohol, get more sleep, etc. Each is critical to maintaining positive mental and/or physical health.
The overwhelming popularity of healthcare-themed resolutions should tell us something: most of us understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether we carry our good intentions into February and beyond is another story.
As a 53-year-old man with a plethora of bad habits—and one who often writes about healthcare issues—I have come to appreciate the unparalleled importance of the doctor/patient relationship.
For example, if I lose my willpower—my resolve to improve—my primary care physician, Dr. Michelle Becker of Physicians Regional Medical Group, will keep me on track. That is, if I remain an active participant in the life-altering relationship we have formed over the years.
True, I’m in an enviable position. As one who writes about healthcare, I have more access to talented medical professionals than most. Not to disparage all the extraordinary medical talent in our community; but, as my personal, go-to medical team resides at Physicians Regional Healthcare System, they are always my first stop on the editorial information-seeking highway.
When I first moved to Southwest Florida in 2009, I immediately found myself in the Emergency Room at Physicians Regional Medical Center-Collier Boulevard. What’s more, I had yet to establish any local doctor/patient relationships.
A kind and caring gastroenterologist named Dr. Maria Valdes changed that in a single day.
Lesson: if you don’t have a primary care physician already, please get one now. Physicians Regional Medical Group can assist you with finding a physician—and scheduling your first visit. Call today at 239-348-4221.
My work has allowed me to cross paths with some incredible local medical talent, specifically in primary care. Physicians Regional also boasts the talents of Dr. Doris Corey, Dr. Robert Atkins and
Dr. Elias Shaheen, all of whom have wisely answered my various questions on diet, exercise, internal medicine, cardiac care and more.
Dr. Troy Shell of Physicians Regional’s Comprehensive Breast Center has graciously shared information on women’s breast health. And gentlemen, we each have a responsibility to understand the unique medical needs of our mothers, grandmothers, wives and daughters.
More recently, Dr. Anthony Vernava and Dr. Alexandra Grace successfully guided me through another bout of “tummy troubles.” After all, we Joneses are gastro-intestinal disasters. I have historically chosen to blame genetics, but the Docs (wisely) weren’t biting. Like everyone, I must take responsibility for my actions when it comes to my health. No more blaming my 84-year-old father’s gastric-impaired gene pool.
The Physicians Regional Healthcare System team knows the answers I need: whether I am writing a piece on diet and exercise or in need of a highly skilled firm hand to maintain my resolve to eat better and exercise more.
The moral of the story: our New Year’s Resolutions are important—especially those focused on our health. However, as our resolutions are often an emotional reaction to the season, please get help—seek expert guidance and stay the course.
Though many say the “mother/daughter” or “brother/sister” relationships are the most important, it just might be the “doctor/patient” relationship that ultimately enables the aforementioned familial relationships to flourish over time.
Yes, each New Year feels like a fresh start. In truth, each DAY is a fresh start.
Maintain your resolve. Talk to a physician.
For information on the physicians referenced above, visit PhysiciansRegionalMedicalGroup.com or call 239-348-4221.