The merry-go-round of medical advice

Between the advice I get from my doctor, the information that I read on the internet, and advice from my friends, I’m really in a quandary as to how to manage my health.

If I do this, then that will happen. If I don’t do that then this will happen. The doctors don’t know everything, and in fact, they often prescribe regimens that could conflict directly with your course of action. Sometimes the advice can be rather confusing. 

It seems like every doctor has a protocol for you to follow to ensure good health. It’s a different plan of action for all of us, but sometimes the advice can be rather confusing. For example:

Stay out of the sun if you want to avoid premature aging of the skin. 

The sun is a good source of Vitamin D and will help keep your bones strong.

If you put on 15 to 20 pounds, your wrinkles will disappear.

Putting on a little extra weight will strengthen your bones since you have osteoporosis.

Every pound over your ideal weight puts eight extra pounds on your weak knees.

I strongly suggest losing some weight because you are on the cusp of diabetes.

You should cut down on your caffeine because it could harm your heart.

Drinking coffee is a good way to fend off constipation.

The reason you have diarrhea is that you drink too much coffee and eat too much fiber.

Consuming more fiber will make you feel full and will balance your blood sugar.

A little bit of red wine is good for your heart.

You should cut down on your wine consumption because your liver levels are high.

Drinking eight glasses of water daily will help flush out your kidneys and liver.

Having too much water before you go to bed will exacerbate your incontinence.

Have you thought about taking calcium to build your bones?

Did you know that calcium can cause constipation?

A good remedy for constipation is eating more fiber.

Passing too much gas could be a sign of something more serious.

Flatulence should be encouraged to keep your colon clear.

Don’t wash your hair more than twice a week to prevent drying of the scalp.

Combing your hair 50 times a day is good for your scalp.

If you comb your hair too much, it could get brittle and increase your hair loss.

You need to work out heavily at least three times a week to keep your muscles strong.

If your body hurts after doing a certain exercise, then maybe you shouldn’t do it.

Don’t sit too long or your muscles may start to atrophy.

Make sure you get up and walk around every 10 minutes so your body doesn’t get stiff.

You need to get your heart rate up to at least 120 to get the full benefit of exercise.

Don’t overdo it when you work out because it could worsen your cardiovascular disease.

It’s important to get out and socialize to feel less alone and isolated.

Exert caution when you are in crowds because you could get Covid.

Anxiety is common among those who are alone too much.

Anxiety can be combated with mindfulness and meditation.

Certain medications, if used properly, can promote a deeper, healthier sleep.

Sleeping pills should be used with caution.

If you can’t sleep, get up and do something else for a while.

Doing puzzles is a good way to stimulate your brain.

Don’t think too much, especially at bedtime otherwise, you won’t be able to sleep.

Melatonin is a good herbal sleep aid.

Many natural substances have not been tested by the FDA.

Studies have shown that melatonin can contribute to memory loss.

Make sure you floss daily to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Sometimes severe infections can result from getting a crown.

Alert your dentist if you’re on osteoporosis meds, as they could affect your jaw.

It seems like there’s an endless merry-go-round of advice out there. What’s a senior to do? Maybe we’re just supposed to roll the dice, live life, and hope that we stay upright.

What do you think?