'Doctor In The Mirror' author Tuckso offers tips for living longer, healthier lives

[Villages PL]

In a recent lecture, Dr. Reed Tuckson advised Villagers to look in the mirror: "You are seeing the best doctor you will ever meet."

Thank you, Dr. Tuckson, I always suspected as much.

But, seriously, can the same be said for everyone? No, certainly not. He later said that 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic condition, 50 percent have two or more and 36 percent are battling four or more chronic illnesses.

It seems the opening statement was to make everyone feel good about themselves but it was certainly not true. It's more like those in the mirror are their own worst enemy.

[2BNTV]

I totally agree with Dr. Tuckson.

You are your own best health advocate.

Some people don't ask their doctor the right questions.

Some people don't follow their doctor's advice.

Some people bury their head in the sand and hope if they ignore their condition, it will go away magically.

Don't complain if you are not doing what needs to be done, to help resolve your condition.

As my doctor said when I went for a meet and greet. "I don't care what the charts say, tell me what is going on with you". You know better than anyone else. I would be a fool not to listen, to this learned man, and follow his advice but the final judgement is on us. He can only advise.

Some people don't even consider what a doctor says when it comes to eating, losing weight, stop smoking, etc.

There are people who take their health seriously. I like to think I am one of those. :smiley:

[graciegirl]

In a recent lecture, Dr. Reed Tuckson advised Villagers to look in the mirror: "You are seeing the best doctor you will ever meet."

Thank you, Dr. Tuckson, I always suspected as much.

But, seriously, can the same be said for everyone? No, certainly not. He later said that 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic condition, 50 percent have two or more and 36 percent are battling four or more chronic illnesses.

It seems the opening statement was to make everyone feel good about themselves but it was certainly not true. It's more like those in the mirror are their own worst enemy.


Do you think you have any chronic conditions or illnesses, VPL?

[Abby10]

I totally agree with Dr. Tuckson.

You are your own best health advocate.

Some people don't ask their doctor the right questions.

Some people don't follow their doctor's advice.

Some people bury their head in the sand and hope if they ignore their condition, it will go away magically.

Don't complain if you are not doing what needs to be done, to help resolve your condition.

As my doctor said when I went for a meet and greet. "I don't care what the charts say, tell me what is going on with you". You know better than anyone else. I would be a fool not to listen, to this learned man, and follow his advice but the final judgement is on us. He can only advise.

Some people don't even consider what a doctor says when it comes to eating, losing weight, stop smoking, etc.

There are people who take their health seriously. I like to think I am one of those. :smiley:

Now that is one good doctor, 2B. One that I would consider for myself. As a retail pharmacist, I always tell my patients/customers that NO ONE knows your body like you do. Pay attention to what it is saying to you and if you think something is wrong keep pressing for answers despite what test results, etc, say. The problem with a lot of people is that they are afraid to speak up or question their doctor. I hope by encouraging my customers in this way that it gives them a voice to speak up. It goes without saying that this is beneficial to the doctor as well. The more information he has to work with the better he can analyze the situation and hopefully come up with the right diagnosis and/or plan of action. A doctor who listens and really gets to know their patients can often make a world of difference in the health of their patients.

[zcaveman]

All my mirror tells me is to get a second opinion.

Z

[Villages PL]

All my mirror tells me is to get a second opinion.

Z

Now that's funny! :1rotfl:

[Villages PL]

Do you think you have any chronic conditions or illnesses, VPL?

Not that I am aware of and my doctor has been trying hard to find something with lots of different tests over the past few years.

At the end of my last visit he said, "Obviously you have been taking good care of yourself."

[Villages PL]

I totally agree with Dr. Tuckson.

You are your own best health advocate.

Some people don't ask their doctor the right questions.

Some people don't follow their doctor's advice.

Some people bury their head in the sand and hope if they ignore their condition, it will go away magically.

Don't complain if you are not doing what needs to be done, to help resolve your condition.

As my doctor said when I went for a meet and greet. "I don't care what the charts say, tell me what is going on with you". You know better than anyone else. I would be a fool not to listen, to this learned man, and follow his advice but the final judgement is on us. He can only advise.

Some people don't even consider what a doctor says when it comes to eating, losing weight, stop smoking, etc.

There are people who take their health seriously. I like to think I am one of those. :smiley:

It seems you are not taking it the way he said it: He said, "You are seeing the best doctor you will ever meet."

One can't have it both ways. Either you are your best doctor or the PCP you go to is your best doctor.

Although I agree with a lot of what you said I think you might be reading something into his statement that he didn't say.

Perhaps he should have said: "Each person has the potential to be their own best doctor."

[2BNTV]

It seems you are not taking it the way he said it: He said, "You are seeing the best doctor you will ever meet."

One can't have it both ways. Either you are your best doctor or the PCP you go to is your best doctor.

Although I agree with a lot of what you said I think you might be reading something into his statement that he didn't say.

Perhaps he should have said: "Each person has the potential to be their own best doctor."

Since I didn't attend his seminar, I took the statement at face value, in that everyone should be their own advocate. Nothing more, nothing less. Not everyone pursues their health issues vigorously. Should people in general do all they can to better their health, and the answer is yes!!!

It is a combination of both. No one knows their body better then they do, but one has to allow the knowledge of a trained doctor for input and solutions.

It's funny how people sense, when they are about to expire. My old doctor told me that my mother was going to live a long time and she was 93.

She didn't agree and passed the next day. In this case, she knew better.

[Villages PL]

Now that is one good doctor, 2B. One that I would consider for myself. As a retail pharmacist, I always tell my patients/customers that NO ONE knows your body like you do. Pay attention to what it is saying to you and if you think something is wrong keep pressing for answers despite what test results, etc, say. The problem with a lot of people is that they are afraid to speak up or question their doctor. I hope by encouraging my customers in this way that it gives them a voice to speak up. It goes without saying that this is beneficial to the doctor as well. The more information he has to work with the better he can analyze the situation and hopefully come up with the right diagnosis and/or plan of action. A doctor who listens and really gets to know their patients can often make a world of difference in the health of their patients.

I agree with most of what you have said. But I would like to add something to it. Sometimes doctors don't allow enough time for questions and sometimes patients wouldn't know what questions to ask even if they had more time.

The part about paying attention to what your body is saying: Lots of people feel great after eating a meal consisting of pizza, hamburger and fries etc. and desserts like ice cream, pie or cake. That's what they are paying attention to. They often think, "If it makes me feel so good, how can it be bad for me?" I understood what you meant, I'm just saying that listening to one's body can also work in harmful ways.

I'd like to see you start a club in The Villages called, "Ask a pharmacist". :)

[Villages PL]

Since I didn't attend his seminar, I took the statement at face value, in that everyone should be their own advocate.

It's not at face value if you keep substituting the word "advocate" for doctor.

Nothing more, nothing less. Not everyone pursues their health issues vigorously. Should people in general do all they can to better their health, and the answer is yes!!!

If not everyone is doing it why did he include everyone?

It is a combination of both. No one knows their body better then they do, but one has to allow the knowledge of a trained doctor for input and solutions.

I agree, it's a combination of both. But that was not included in his opening statement. That leaves it open to people learning by reading books written by medical doctors, nutritionists etc.

It's funny how people sense, when they are about to expire. My old doctor told me that my mother was going to live a long time and she was 93.

She didn't agree and passed the next day. In this case, she knew better.

[CFrance]

Give up, Joe.

[dbussone]

Not that I am aware of and my doctor has been trying hard to find something with lots of different tests over the past few years.



At the end of my last visit he said, "Obviously you have been taking good care of yourself."


I would recommend a new physician, or are you self diagnosing? In either event a new physician is in order.

[dbussone]

I agree with most of what you have said. But I would like to add something to it. Sometimes doctors don't allow enough time for questions and sometimes patients wouldn't know what questions to ask even if they had more time.

The part about paying attention to what your body is saying: Lots of people feel great after eating a meal consisting of pizza, hamburger and fries etc. and desserts like ice cream, pie or cake. That's what they are paying attention to. They often think, "If it makes me feel so good, how can it be bad for me?" I understood what you meant, I'm just saying that listening to one's body can also work in harmful ways.

I'd like to see you start a club in The Villages called, "Ask a pharmacist". :)


Or you start a club called: "let's ask someone who really knows!"

[Cisco Kid]

My mirror broke when I looked into it.

[dbussone]

My mirror broke when I looked into it.


Couldn't be your avatar that caused that. ::jester::

[2BNTV]

Give up, Joe.

Your right!!!! :smiley:

[Villages PL]

Or you start a club called: "let's ask someone who really knows!"

Or: Let's ask someone who really knows about drugs!!

Or: Take Drugs & Be Healthy - Sort Of.

Or: Don't Worry, Be Happy With Drugs.

;)

[Villages PL]

Some people don't even consider what a doctor says when it comes to eating, losing weight, stop smoking, etc.

Once again I agree with you up to a point:

What do medical doctors have to say about eating, other than to tell you what foods don't go with certain medications?

Medical doctors are not licensed dietitians.

In the lecture I mentioned above, Dr. Tuckson didn't give any specific instructions on what constitutes a healthy diet.

One of his statements went like this: "Whatever it is that causes you to exercise or to eat properly, whatever that dream is, please protect it."

Did you see "eat properly"? That's all you're likely to get, if you're lucky....not even a whole sentence devoted to the subject of eating properly.
And, "eating properly" is not likely to be defined by a medical doctor. They are not licensed dietitians.

I'm still not sure what the heck he meant: Perhaps he meant: "Look in the mirror and you will see the best lifestyle doctor you will ever meet." (or, lifestyle advocate?)
But if that's what he meant, why didn't he say that? :shrug:

[graciegirl]

Or: Let's ask someone who really knows about drugs!!

Or: Take Drugs & Be Healthy - Sort Of.

Or: Don't Worry, Be Happy With Drugs.

;)

If only you would see that some drugs are helpful. That no matter what people eat and how they take care of their bodies, they get sick and they age and the drugs available make their life better and fend off other illnesses. You seem to believe because you do not take medicine you win some kind of competition. I know that two medicines would make your life and ours so much easier.

You have had difficulties with your prostate, but didn't say if your doctor wanted to test you, or IF you told your doctor. I am sure, because you eat a low fat plant based diet and your BMI is low that you are ahead of the game. That you are healthier than most of us. But I am also pretty sure that we aren't getting the whole story on suggestions your doctor is making..

[Villages PL]

If only you would see that some drugs are helpful. That no matter what people eat and how they take care of their bodies, they get sick and they age and the drugs available make their life better and fend off other illnesses. You seem to believe because you do not take medicine you win some kind of competition. I know that two medicines would make your life and ours so much easier.

My suggestions were lighthearted suggestions with an icon wink at the bottom. At no time did I say that drugs are not sometimes needed by certain chronic conditions.

About, "Winning some kind of competition." Do you really hate the thought that I'm healthy and doing well? The competition is with mother nature. And I tell people I'm drug-free since I learned that more and more people claim to be healthy but forget to mention they are taking drugs.

You have had difficulties with your prostate, but didn't say if your doctor wanted to test you, or IF you told your doctor.

That's old "news". "Have had" is correct. Of course I told my doctor and no special test was recommended.

I am sure, because you eat a low fat plant based diet and your BMI is low that you are ahead of the game. That you are healthier than most of us. But I am also pretty sure that your doctor may want to smack you.

What ever gave you that idea? Perhaps you are "projecting". In other words, you are the one who wants to smack me. ;)

Stubborn is a very difficult condition to overcome. I have it myself.

In my everyday life I consider myself to be easy going, not stubborn. Even when it comes to eating I'm willing to bend the rules just a little when I go out to eat once or twice a month.

[Barefoot]

What do medical doctors have to say about eating, other than to tell you what foods don't go with certain medications? Medical doctors are not licensed dietitians. And, "eating properly" is not likely to be defined by a medical doctor. They are not licensed dietitians.

My family doctor is a highly educated and intelligent woman. She isn't a licensed dietitian.
However she has lots of good information to offer about the newest facts regarding healthy eating.
Perhaps your own personal doctor can't offer you good information. But that doesn't mean the medical profession is devoid of proper information.
I consider having a low BMI and leading a drug-free life to be a gift from God.
I would never criticize anyone who takes drugs. I totally support people who take drugs to improve their life or rectify medical problems.

[Villages PL]

My family doctor is a highly educated and intelligent woman. She isn't a licensed dietitian.
However she has lots of good information to offer about the newest facts regarding healthy eating.

So she's practicing without a license?

Perhaps your own personal doctor can't offer you good information. But that doesn't mean the medical profession is devoid of proper information.

There are always exceptions. For example, I went to a lecture by a man who had multiple degrees. (M.D., nutrition etc.) But exceptions don't make the rule.

I consider having a low BMI and leading a drug-free life to be a gift from God.

What about those who have a high BMI and take lots of drugs, did God do them wrong?


I would never criticize anyone who takes drugs. I totally support people who take drugs to improve their life or rectify medical problems.

I would never say never. Of course I would never do it to be mean or embarrass someone but I might state circumstances where people could get off drugs by following a healthy diet. So I don't support the use of drugs in all situations.

P.S. My doctor said he studied nutrition in college but didn't say whether or not he had a degree in nutrition. But even if he does have a degree, it could be 1) as much as 25 years old and somewhat outdated 2) unused knowledge gets forgotten anyway and 3) why would he want to open up a conversation about nutrition when he's already pressed for time and won't get paid for the extra effort? It doesn't make much sense.

[dbussone]

My suggestions were lighthearted suggestions with an icon wink at the bottom. At no time did I say that drugs are not sometimes needed by certain chronic conditions.

About, "Winning some kind of competition." Do you really hate the thought that I'm healthy and doing well? The competition is with mother nature. And I tell people I'm drug-free since I learned that more and more people claim to be healthy but forget to mention they are taking drugs.



That's old "news". "Have had" is correct. Of course I told my doctor and no special test was recommended.



What ever gave you that idea? Perhaps you are "projecting". In other words, you are the one who wants to smack me. ;)



In my everyday life I consider myself to be easy going, not stubborn. Even when it comes to eating I'm willing to bend the rules just a little when I go out to eat once or twice a month.


Being healthy and having to take drugs appropriately are NOT mutually exclusive. For example, it is possible to take insulin and be a healthy diabetic.

[dbussone]

So she's practicing without a license?



There are always exceptions. For example, I went to a lecture by a man who had multiple degrees. (M.D., nutrition etc.) But exceptions don't make the rule.



What about those who have a high BMI and take lots of drugs, did God do them wrong?




I would never say never. Of course I would never do it to be mean or embarrass someone but I might state circumstances where people could get off drugs by following a healthy diet. So I don't support the use of drugs in all situations.

P.S. My doctor said he studied nutrition in college but didn't say whether or not he had a degree in nutrition. But even if he does have a degree, it could be 1) as much as 25 years old and somewhat outdated 2) unused knowledge gets forgotten anyway and 3) why would he want to open up a conversation about nutrition when he's already pressed for time and won't get paid for the extra effort? It doesn't make much sense.


Your view of physicians is twisted. They are not, for the most part, money grabbers. I had an appointment last week. My doctor was an hour late for my appointment. He was late because he is a caring person who had just spent 1.5 hours with a distressed patient and his spouse. I didn't mind his lateness at all and told him it was not necessary to apologize. I go to him because he is a compassionate and empathetic human being.

[Villages PL]

Being healthy and having to take drugs appropriately are NOT mutually exclusive. For example, it is possible to take insulin and be a healthy diabetic.

Again, you missed the point of what I said. There's a difference between being healthy and being at your best despite having a chronic condition like diabetes. (But often it's not chronic and can be reversed through diet and exercise.)

There are many instances where people take drugs when they don't need to if they would just choose a healthier lifestyle.

[Barefoot]

So she's practicing without a license?
Of course my family doctor is a licensed medical doctor.
She is young, highly intelligent, and definitely a proponent of healthy eating.
She is very advanced in her thinking, one of the reasons I chose her.
I too enjoy a drug-free retirement. However I don't feel superior to those who need drugs to improve their quality of life.
My family doctor is certainly qualified to discuss ideas for healthy eating.

[Villages PL]

I don't think dbusonne's view is twisted. I don't think he is having reading comprehension problems. :ohdear:

Of course, because you work as a team. I get that.

Remember my question? If having a low BMI and not having to take drugs is a gift from God, then what happened to those who have a high BMI and take lots of drugs? Did God do them wrong?

[Barefoot]

Of course, because you work as a team. I get that.

If two people share a belief, yet they've never met, are they working as a team?
P.S.
We are wildly off topic here. Let's talk about tips for living a longer, healthier life.

[Barefoot]

Is her medical doctor a licensed dietitian?


Of course my family doctor is a licensed medical doctor.
She is young, highly intelligent, and definitely a proponent of healthy eating.
She is very advanced in her thinking, one of the reasons I chose her.
I too enjoy a drug-free retirement. However I don't feel superior to those who need drugs to improve their quality of life.
My family doctor is certainly qualified to discuss ideas for healthy eating.

VPL, I've already replied to your question (and I don't know why you are asking CFrance about my doctor).

[Barefoot]

Remember my question? If having a low BMI and not having to take drugs is a gift from God, then what happened to those who have a high BMI and take lots of drugs? Did God do them wrong?

I ignored your question because it is off topic. It's about religion, not health.

[Villages PL]

I consider having a low BMI and leading a drug-free life to be a gift from God.

If it's off topic, why did you make the above statement in the first place?

My question was: What about those who have a high BMI and take lots of drugs. Did God do them wrong?

[Villages PL]

My family doctor is a highly educated and intelligent woman. She isn't a licensed dietitian.

My believe my question to you was: Is she practicing without a license?

[Villages PL]

We are wildly off topic here. Let's talk about tips for living a longer, healthier life.

Okay, sounds good. I believe a longer healthier life must begin by living a healthy lifestyle. It's not likely that most people will get that from a medical doctor. The main job of a medical doctor is to diagnose and treat illness.

How do they treat? Mainly by prescribing medication or recommending a specialist who will perform an operation etc.

Therefore lifestyle is important so you don't get to the point where you need medication or an operation etc. And that's because all medications have side effects and hospital operations are not without risks for complications.

[Villages PL]

Okay, sounds good. I believe a longer healthier life must begin by living a healthy lifestyle. It's not likely that most people will get that from a medical doctor. The main job of a medical doctor is to diagnose and treat illness.

How do they treat? Mainly by prescribing medication or recommending a specialist who will perform an operation.

Therefore lifestyle is important so you don't get to the point where you need medication or an operation etc. And that's because all medications have side effects and hospital operations are not without risks for complications.

Don't give up. Here's the beginning of a conversation you said you wanted. Now it's your turn. What do you recommend for a longer healthier life?

[CFrance]

Don't give up. Here's the beginning of a conversation you said you wanted. Now it's your turn. What do you recommend for a longer healthier life?
Who are you talking to here? You quoted yourself.

I believe a longer, healthier life includes being happy and free of addictions and obsessions. Some people need meds to achieve that state.

[graciegirl]

Your prostate is not off topic. You started a whole thread about it. https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/medical-health-discussion-94/prostate-bladder-symptoms-132168/

My question is, did you tell your doctor what you told all of us? Because it is a health problem and even if your symptoms have disappeared, you have a health problem...and I remember you saying that you would not have a colonoscopy because of the risk, so you cannot know whether you are healthy or not if you do not allow your physician to do tests and to know just what is going on with you.

It appears to be YOUR opinion that you are healthy. Does your doctor know of the issues you shared with us, or did you say....that's over, no interest to the doctor. Do you know what your PSA is?