We all want essentially the same, don\’t we? Health and happiness, on our terms. And when it comes to health, there\’s never been a better time to need medical care. The health care system can offer an endless array of medications, surgeries, imaging tests, and genetic tests that would have been hard to imagine even a decade ago.

But there’s a catch.

The cost of this health care is skyrocketing, and treatments are growing out of reach for many – maybe even you. The money you can save on health care could go toward your many other household needs. What’s more, about $700 billion of the annual healthcare tab in the United States is wasted on unnecessary care, medical mistakes, preventable conditions, and lack of coordination between health providers. That’s about $1,500 for every man, woman, and child in America.

Although we all read a lot about what policy-makers, insurance companies, hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, and the other big players in health care could do differently to cut healthcare costs, virtually no one is talking about what the consumers of health care can do to save money on health care costs. And consumers of health care -in other words, the patients- are the biggest players of all.

Other countries can show us that more medical care doesn’t equal better health. In my new book, I reveal some of the most egregious problems with a medical system gone awry, showing you how to better navigate the changes underway. Using solid research, insiders’ insights, and patient anecdotes, I offer cost-effective and potentially life-saving ways to get more out of health care while using less of it.

It\’s about getting what we all really want: better health (and, hopefully, a better shot at happiness) on our own terms.

Key features of Dr. Cynthia Haines\’ book, The New Prescription:
– Why people with good primary physicians have lower health costs and the ways get the most out of your time with your doctor

– How to avoid falling into the ‘do something’ trap-which health concerns require a wait-and-see approach and which ones people ignore when proactivity is in order

– Preventive tips to avoid costly chronic conditions

– How to treat chronic conditions with less money

Dr. Cynthia Haines, M.D. (Dr. Cindy Haines) is a board-certified family physician and faculty member in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Dr. Cynthia Haines is also the chief medical officer of HealthDay, a consumer news service that provides daily health news to thousands of internet and intranet sites including Yahoo!, MedlinePlus, MSN, and a wide variety of hospital sites. Dr. Haines is also managing editor of Physician\’s Briefing, HealthDay\’s news wire service for healthcare professionals. As the host of HealthDay TV, Dr. Haines\’ daily news reports reach millions of viewers each month. Dr. Haines is also a featured medical editor and/or medical writer on a variety of health information websites.

The New Prescription is Dr. Cynthia Haines\’ first book.

Author Bio: Dr. Cynthia Haines is a family physician and professor. Dr. Cynthia Haines is also Chief Medical Officer-HealthDay. The New Prescription (Dr. Cynthia Haines) is Dr. Cynthia Haines\’ first book. More info at www.drcindyhaines.com.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Dr. Cynthia Haines, Dr. Cindy Haines