The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has launched a program to start talking! About what? Natural products of course! It is time we bridge the gap between allopathic medicine and natural products for health.
Time to Talk is an educational campaign to encourage patients—particularly those age 50 or older—and their health care providers to openly discuss the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). When patients tell their providers about their CAM use, they can more effectively manage their health. When providers ask their patients about CAM use, they can ensure that they are fully informed and can help patients make wise health care decisions. Simply put—it’s time to talk!
Guess which age group has the highest use of “natural products?” If you guessed seniors, you’re right! Unfortunately, seniors are the least educated on making the right choice of natural products to improve their health. They NEVER want to stop a prescribed medication and use a natural product instead unless their condition is reviewed by their physician.
On a personal note, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) national meeting starts on March 2 & I’ll be interacting with other members on how to best provide accurate information on CAM use. Can you answer some questions for me?
- Do you tell your doctor about the “natural products” you use?
- Do you wish your doctor would ask you about natural products you use?
- Everything you always wanted to know about natural medicine but were afraid to ask–what’s your question?
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