Be the CEO of My Own Health: Why I'm My Own Best Advocate

"Be the CEO of your own health, but be your own advocate. You need to be your own advocate. If you don't do it, no one will."

That's the core message I want to share with you today. I love talking about health – it's truly one of my favorite topics. And interestingly, as I work with business leaders, their health tends to be the number one challenge in their lives. It makes perfect sense, doesn't it? If I don't have my health, I have one dream, one singular focus: to get it back. But when I do have my health, a whole world of possibilities, dreams, and goals opens up.

This isn't about following doctor's orders blindly. It's about me taking the initiative, asking questions, and sometimes, questioning the answers. It's about realizing that while doctors are incredible and I value their expertise, they're often focused on their specific specialty. They might not be exploring every avenue, every alternative, every potential root cause for me.

My Unexpected Wake-Up Call: A Personal Story

Let me share a personal story that really drove this point home for me. I'm generally healthy – I eat well, exercise regularly, don't smoke, have a healthy BMI, and have no family history of heart issues. So, I was shocked when I decided to proactively get a Coronary Calcium CT scan.

The experience itself was…intense. I walked into this giant room with a machine that looked like a giant cylindrical tube. I lay down on a bed that slides into the machine, and it sounds like I've put my head inside a jet engine. It's not exactly a relaxing spa treatment! They put electrodes all over me, and the whole thing takes about two minutes. I focused on my breathing, got my heart rate down to 52, and tried to stay calm.

"Check, done," I thought. "I'm good to go."

Not so fast.

Three days later, I got a call. The doctor wanted to see me. Not a good sign. When they can't just tell you the results over the phone, your mind starts racing. And, of course, I couldn't get an appointment for two weeks. Enter Dr. Google – a dangerous friend, I know, but I tried to stick to reputable research, not random internet forums.

Then, my results popped up online. I saw a number: 90. Higher was worse. Uh oh. This meant plaque buildup, and in the LAD artery – the "widow maker."

Facing My Reality: Traditional vs. Integrative Approaches

I met with my doctor, and the news was confirmed: moderate heart disease. A trajectory that, according to my naturopath, could have led to a fatal heart attack in three to five years. Scary stuff.

Here's where the advocacy piece became crucial for me. In traditional medicine, the options might have been limited – maybe a stent, maybe not much at all. But my naturopath offered a different perspective: "We can melt plaque. We have a protocol with positive results for people in much worse shape than you. Are you in?"

Absolutely, I was in.

The protocol? A combination of things, including a very specific type of Vitamin E (five different kinds!), adrenal support supplements, and…sardines for breakfast. Yes, you read that right. It's all about boosting my good cholesterol (omega-3s from the fish) and creating an environment where plaque can be addressed.

What I learned, and this was a huge takeaway for me, is that low cholesterol can be just as dangerous as high cholesterol. It can create a "syrupy" environment where blockages are more likely to cause problems.

The Power of Preventative Testing, For Me and Others

I had a similar experience, getting the same CT scan. Thankfully, her results were all zeros – a clean bill of heart health. But the key here is that both of us now have a baseline. We have information. And that's power.

We wouldn't have even known about this test if it weren't for a friend who had gotten it and received alarming results. He could have died. It's a relatively inexpensive test, a couple of hundred dollars, compared to the potential cost – both financial and emotional – of a heart attack.

This isn't just about heart health, though. It's about me being proactive across the board. Am I getting regular checkups? Am I scheduling that mammogram? Am I seeing my dentist twice a year?

I'm often great at taking care of others – my kids, my family, my business. But I need to be just as intentional about scheduling appointments for myself.

Beyond the CT Scan: Other Options I'm Exploring

The CT scan is just one example. There are other valuable preventative tests out there:

• DEXA Scan: This measures bone density, but it can also detect other issues. I know a colleague, a super-fit individual, who discovered cancer through a DEXA scan. Early detection allowed for quick and successful treatment.
• Colonoscopy: This is a routine test performed to screen for colon cancer, usually recommended for people over 45.
• Genetic Testing: Testing can identify potential problems before they occur.
• Full Body MRI Some people get this done so that they have a complete image of their body.

My "Spoons and Knives" Experience: A Lesson in Seeking Alternatives

Another crucial point is to always consider alternatives. I've had experiences where surgery was presented as the only option.

In one case, I was told I needed knee surgery to ever run marathons again. But a friend, a sports chiropractor who practiced Active Release Technique (ART) – let's just call it the "spoons and knives" technique – said, "Give me 60 days. I can fix it."

It was painful. I screamed, cried, cussed, and sweat profusely. But after a week, I was walking better. After 60 days, I was 98% better. No surgery needed.

The point is, there might be another way. It might not always work, but it's worth exploring, especially if I have a window of time before a more invasive procedure.

The surgeon was adamant that surgery was the only solution. But I advocated for myself, gave the alternative a shot, and it paid off.

Taking the Reins: Practical Steps for My Health Journey

So, what can I do today to become the CEO of my own health? And what can you do too?

1. Schedule those appointments: If I haven't had a checkup in a while, I need to book it. Mammogram, dental cleaning, primary care visit – get them on the calendar.
2. Research preventative tests: I need to talk to my doctor (or naturopath) about tests like the Coronary Calcium CT scan, DEXA scan, or others that might be relevant to my age, gender, and family history.
3. Ask questions: I won't be afraid to challenge recommendations. I'll ask about alternatives. I'll ask about the "why" behind a diagnosis or treatment plan.
4. Listen to my body: I'll pay attention to any unusual symptoms or changes. I won't dismiss them.
5. Consider an integrative approach: I'll explore the benefits of combining traditional and alternative medicine. I'll find practitioners who are open to working together.
6. Don't rely solely on Dr. Google: While online research can be helpful, I'll be discerning. I'll stick to reputable sources and discuss my findings with a healthcare professional.
7. Build a support system: I'll talk to friends, family, or support groups about my health concerns. Sharing my experiences can be incredibly valuable.
8. Find out my family history. I will learn about my family's health history, so that my doctor and I have more complete information.

The Bottom Line: My Health is My Responsibility

This isn't about fear-mongering. It's about empowerment. It's about recognizing that my health is my most valuable asset, and I am the one in charge of protecting it.

I hope this has been a wake-up call, a reminder for me and for you to prioritize our well-being. Because when I'm healthy, I can truly live my life to the fullest, pursuing all those dreams and goals that are waiting for me.

I'm going to be my own advocate. I'm going to be the CEO of my health. It's the most important investment I'll ever make. And I encourage you to do the same.