Cultivating a relationship with your provider can be a complex journey. Finding one that you feel is truly hearing you can be like finding the other missing sock that the dryer swallowed. So, what to do? Explore your wellness options in a new way. Many people are making the move away from traditional medical visits to one that feels more personalized and defined. 

Think of your relationship with your health provider like that of a trainer, a jockey, and a racehorse. Your practitioner is the trainer, you are the jockey, and your body is the horse. The trainer’s job is to instill the best habits to produce the finest performance, with the focus on endurance. They correct what is lacking and foster strength and stamina to go the long haul. The jockey’s task is to take the reins daily. Collaborating with the horse, not against it. Riding along, keeping focused on the end goals. The jockey should know every nuance of the creature so well can keep them from hitting the rails with only a slight adjustment of the reins. The horse’s job is to respond, period. The jockey then notes the responses and can make necessary adjustments by collaborating with the trainer. As the saying goes, “It’s the rider, not the horse.” 

When seeking the best provider for you and before making an appointment, ask friends who have had positive experiences. Check the providers’ certifications and licenses carefully to verify their qualifications and ask for references if you feel the need. Call the office and ask pointed questions regarding their experience. Find out what professional organizations the provider belongs to as well. If you are taking an even deeper dive, find former employees on LinkedIn and inquire. 

Remember that relationships are a two-way street to reach realistic and workable outcomes. Keep these tips in mind when visiting your provider: be sure to fill out your health history prior to giving them adequate time to review your health history. Do not be the “doorknob patient” who waits until the provider is leaving the room to ask a question. Be prepared with a brief list of questions ready, prioritizing your main concerns. Ask them how familiar you are with the latest developments in the industry. A good provider will listen and maintain eye contact; ask probing questions and make you feel relaxed. Trust your gut. Be honest with yourself and them as to how committed you are to reaching your goals. Are you ready to make lifestyle adjustments necessary to see real-time changes?  

We are living in a time that offers so many options it can be overwhelming and confusing as to what is best for you. An increasing number of healthcare providers are recognizing the key role hormone replacement therapy plays in supporting overall well-being, as well as its contributions to bone, breast, and brain health. In addition, peptides are showing up as real heroes to help with concerns ranging from improving skin elasticity, suppressing appetites, increasing libidos, and managing conditions such as heart disease, reducing inflammation, and protecting cells. 

Before jumping online and ordering what you think sounds good or whatever your friend, coworker, or favorite influencer is recommending, seek out a provider who has experience and education on the subject. Online health shopping without consulting a qualified provider is like buying sushi from a gas station, it might seem like a promising idea at the time but beware of the aftermath. 

Getting the personalized attention with professional insight is invaluable. Your confidence level will soar when you find a provider who has access to in-depth testing and is truly invested in your longevity. With personalized care, self-commitment, and a body you know is working for you not against you, life becomes an new adventure to be valued and enjoyed.