Here are some helpful pointers for making one of the most important choices you’ll ever have to make. Google “Interviewing a Doctor Checklist” for help in deciding whether the doctor you chose remains your choice after you talk with the physician.

Generally, a primary care physician is a family practitioner or general practice physician. They are trained to treat all aspects of a person’s health and well-being even though they have not specialized in a specific field. They treat the elderly, adults, children and newborns. If a specialized physician is indicated, a family practitioner will make a referral.

The first choice: Get a recommendation. The best way to begin the selection process is to get a recommendation from a nurse. Nurses get to observe performance in ways the rest of us never do. If you can’t ask a nurse, next best is to get a recommendation from a friend. Another doctor can make a suggestion, but you need to be sure the recommendation is on the basis of professional skills, not his golfing partner. You might want to ask if he has actually referred patients to the recommended physician and had feedback. You can also get recommendations from the web, newspaper ads or from flyers delivered to your door, but they are generic and don’t use them unless you have no other options.

Will the doctor accept your insurance plan? Once you have a physician’s name, call the doctor’s office to check whether your insurance company is accepted by the physician and/or if the doctor will accept Medicare payments and/or the supplemental policy if you have one.

What does the state say? States have a web site that will reveal complaints and licensing data. Check the State Medical Board web site for this type information and a listing of complaints.

Does the doctor have Board Certifications? Having certifications says the doctor has taken additional training and has been examined by his peers, a good indication of professionalism. Check the State Medical Board-web site for a listing of specialist certifications. See a listing of the 150+ specialties and sub-specialties at the ABMS Member Boards web site.

Where is the doctor’s office located? Is it convenient? Easy to find? Accessible? Served by public transportation? Is there parking? If treatment requires frequent office visits, then distance and convenience are important factors.

How long do you have to wait for an appointment? Appointment delay is an indication of the number of patients the doctor has and can indicate the doctor is overworked.

How can you get in touch with the doctor when the office is closed? Are there physicians to cover the “on-call” hours?

In what hospitals does the doctor have privileges? Are you comfortable with the possibility of being treated at one of “his” institutions should the need arise? The size, location and reputation of the hospital should play a large role in your decision to choose or not choose a specific doctor. If treatment may involve a specialty hospital, does the doctor have privileges there?

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Learn how to prevent and get rid of muscle cramps.

If you’ve ever had muscle cramps, you know they can be extremely painful if not debilitating. Muscle cramps range in intensity from a mild ache to a severe pain.

Contrary to what we have been lead to believe, no one is certain what causes muscle cramps.
There are two scientifically respected theories about exercise and muscle cramps. The first, and most popularized, dehydration or the Electrolyte Imbalance Theory. It states that a muscle may cramp when water and electrolyte levels are depleted, making cramps more likely in hot or high humidity conditions.

Although there is significant evidence to support this theory it does not explain why a cramp can occur when fluid levels are maintained. Studies show that even when electrolytes are replaced at the same rate of loss cramping still occurs in almost 70% of athletes. So while dehydration is implicated for muscle cramps in high temperatures, why do athletes experience them at colder temperature?

This brings us to the second way a muscle may cramp, known as the Neuromuscular Theory. It is physiological in nature. The body has specific protective mechanisms involving the connection between the brain and muscular tissue. Our muscles are guarded by receptors, known as muscle spindles and the golgi tendon organ. Imbedded in our muscles, these receptors protect against over-contracting and over-stretching by sending electrical signals to motor neuron in the spinal cord. During normal contraction these signals are balanced.

However muscle fatigue can cause confusion in the receptor signals causing inhibition of the over-contracting mechanism, resulting in a cramp.

How do I prevent muscle cramps?

Preventing Electrolyte Imbalances

1. Hydration – Keep fluid levels up, especially in events lasting longer than 3 hours.

2. Nutrients – Keep electrolytes balanced with proper levels of calcium and potassium.

Preventing Neuromuscular Imbalances

1. Train adequately for the conditions.

2. Stretch the affected muscle(s) regularly for balanced receptor function.

How do I get rid of a muscle cramp?

1. Lower the intensity of exercise, or stop completely.

2. Try to stay relaxed and gently stretch the area.

3. Apply a firm pressure to the ends of the muscle (acts as a ‘reset’ button for the confused receptors).

1. Don’t let stress hurt you and your family
Stressful way of life are not just bad for your health but also can affect your relationship with your family. Pinpoint the things that you think are causing you stress and formulate a plan to prevent it from affecting your life. This can prevent you from being sick and helps make your relationships stronger and happy.

2. Promises are meant to be broken
If you really want to get fit and have a sexy body, don’t just ask yourself to workout but have guts and the will to do it. Most people are making promises regarding losing weight and other health related body fitness but the thing is, it were all meant to be ignored and the promises became overrated. Want to lose weight? Act now and promise later!

3. Don’t be fooled by hefty product advertisements
Health products that are available in the market are commonly labeled as “less fats” or “no cholesterol” and other sorts of encouragement. Guess what? These products are still bad for your health. Less fats doesn’t mean that there is 100% no fat in your favorite products. Fats are just lessened but there are certainly have fatty contents.

4. Processed foods are the most dangerous foods
Foods that came into any types of process are bad for your health. This includes ham, hotdogs, bacons, potato chips, hamburgers and canned goods. These processed food products can cause cancer, heart diseases and many other sickness known to man. So if you want to have a healthy year, avoid processed foods.

5. Any physical activity is good for your health
Having time to get a good workout or just a simple exercise can be a daunting task for most busy people. Good thing that any simple physical activity is a great alternative for regular exercise. A simple 15 minute walk can strengthen your immune system and will lessen your risks of different cardiovascular diseases. House chores, biking or a simple car wash are all good for your health.

6. Natural is still the best
Natural foods are known to have more beneficial health effects. It is still much advisable that we consume natural products than artificially made foods such as fruit juice drinks and canned fruit cocktails. Fruits and vegetables can easily be bought in any local market, why eat artificial foods if you can eat natural products which are better health wise? You decide!

7. Consult your doctor often
People are dying because they don’t get early medical treatment for their unknown diseases. Remember that even cancers are curable if detected at an early stage. Medical attention must be your priority always. Make sure to visit your physician at least twice a year for regular total body check up.