Mainstream “Prevention Technique” WORSENING Your Health?!
Dear Reader,
I’m sure you’ve hear the old saying…
Too much of a good thing can be bad.
It’s true – from drinking alcohol, to eating too much seafood – even things like exercising.
But, more frighteningly, it can also be true when it comes to mainstream medicine.
Let’s face it, walking into your mainstream doc’s office should be safe. But there’s one mainstream ”prevention technique” that – if done too much – can put you at a GREATER risk for more pain, suffering, and worse, an increased risk of death.
I’m talking about medical tests.
On the surface, getting tested doesn’t sound like any big deal. Tests are an important part of staying healthy, preventing disease, plus they provide information you and your doc need… right?
Not quite.
A new study found that the risks of medical testing are far greater than you might imagine – especially if you’re one of the older folks.
The new study, published an online journal JAMA Open Network, found that many older Americans are getting screened for diseases (like cancer and heart disease) even when older age or poor health render those screenings risky and pointless!
Here is what they don’t tell you: EVERY screening test has some degree of risk.
What’s worse? Many tests lead to even more testing.
After reviewing the screening histories of over 176 000 patients, the researchers in the study found that many patients were being over screened.
And it’s not just happening occasionally, it’s happening a lot.
Over–screening rates were measured at 60 percent of men and 56 percent of women for colorectal cancer tests and 46 percent for cervical cancer and 74 percent for breast cancer.
The problem with over–screening is there’s always some discomfort for a procedure (even drawing blood) and then there’s the stress and the anxiety of waiting for the results. And the side effects from test increase as we get older.
Worse yet, other tests like X-rays and CAT scans, expose you to radiation which can ultimately damage the cells in your body.
There are also “false positives” where the test tells you that you have a disease when you don’t.
My father is 88 years old and has decided not to go to his cardiologist because none of the tests mean anything to him (he won’t have surgery or take another pill).
Many other older adults feel the same: they are not going through chemotherapy or a surgery – so why risk taking a test?
See, doctors want to feel like as if they’re doing something helpful. Not to mention they’re also worried of lawsuits – both of which drive more testing.
My best advice for anyone is always to have an advocate with you when you step in your doctor’s office. Be informed, and fight for your health care (both what you want to do and what you DON’T want to do).
In the meantime, you kind find out which tests you really do need here, and cut through some of the uncertainty.
P.S. Knowing which tests are safe and which aren’t can be tricky. Do you really need this test? This article discusses the tests you DO actually need, to clear up the confusion. But as always it’s best to speak with your doctor.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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