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October 27, 2023 16 mins

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Hack the healthcare system and take charge of your wellbeing. Learn the secrets to transform yourself from passive patient to active health advocate—and get better care as a result.

Are you feeling disempowered about your health?

Many of us have been conditioned to believe that doctors know best and we should just follow orders. But the truth is, you are the expert of your own body and health. When you don’t take an active role, you may find yourself feeling disconnected and in the dark about important health decisions.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

•Why you should be at the center of your healthcare universe.
•How to build a collaborative partnership with your doctor.
•What empowerment looks like.


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Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Tamar (00:00):
Are you feeling disempowered about your health?
Do you feel like you're justfollowing doctor's orders
without understanding why?
Then this episode of PivotingPharmacy with Nutri-Genomics is
for you.
I'm Dr Tamara Lawful, doctor ofpharmacy and certified
nutritional genomics specialist.
In this jam-pack episode, I'msharing how you can take back

(00:21):
control of your health andbecome an empowered patient.
The fact is, when you're notactively involved in your
healthcare decisions, you canend up feeling frustrated,
anxious and left in the dark,but it doesn't have to be this
way.
You have the power within youto become the hero of your
health story.
In this episode, I'll show youhow to shift from being a

(00:42):
passive passenger to anempowered driver of your
wellness journey.
You'll learn how to havemeaningful conversations with
your doctor, ask the rightquestions about your treatment
and make informed decisions thatalign with your priorities.
Imagine feeling confident andin control of your health.
Picture yourself working handin hand with your doctor to

(01:03):
develop a tailored plan for yourneeds.
This is a sweet taste ofempowerment and is closer than
you think.
Are you ready to take back yourpower?
Welcome to Pivoting Pharmacywith Nutri-Genomics, part of the
Pharmacy Podcast Network, amust-have resource for
pharmacists, entrepreneursseeking to enhance patient care

(01:24):
while enjoying career and life.
Join us as we pivot intoNutri-Genomics, using pharmacy
and nutrition for truepatient-focused care.
Explore how to improve chronicconditions rather than just
manage them.
Celebrate entrepreneurialtriumphs and receive priceless
advice.
Align your values with a careerthat profoundly impacts

(01:47):
patients.
Together, we'll raise thescript on health and pivot into
a brighter future.
Well, hello, hello, my friends.
Welcome back to another episodeof Pivoting Pharmacy with
Nutri-Genomics.
Before we dive right in today,I have to do something super
important.
I'm beaming right now because Iget to give a shout out to our

(02:11):
stellar listener of the week,danielle Perfetti, who wrote a
must listen to those in thehealth care.
Dr Tamara Lofill provides animportant and professional
insight into how to addresshealth care.
Nutrition and lifestyle changesare essential to getting our
country back on a better path tohealth.
The pill for every ill approachneeds to be replaced with a

(02:32):
personalized food as medicineapproach.
Her knowledge and approach aretruly enjoyable to learn from.
I'm looking forward toadditional episodes.
Danielle, I just want to say ahuge thank you from the bottom
of my heart.
Your words truly resonate withmy mission and vision for this
podcast, your appreciation forthe fresh perspective on health
care, the emphasis on nutritionand lifestyle changes.

(02:54):
It's exactly why I do what I doand, quite honestly, why I hop
out of bed every morning iscited to tackle the day.
And with that, my friend,remember, your voice matters.
Your feedback plays amonumental role in shaping our
conversation, and I love hearingfrom you.
So when you leave a five starreview, you'll get the chance to
be featured as our cherishedlistener of the week, and I'd

(03:16):
absolutely love the chance togive you a personal shout out
right here on the show.
Keep those reviews coming, keepthe conversation alive.
Your thoughts, insights andwisdom they're what fuel this
community.
Today's episode is a treasurechest of insights for all those
struggling with their health,whether it's diabetes,
hypertension or obesity.
Get ready to take some notes.

(03:38):
Now we're treading on a paththat's incredibly important to
me.
We're talking about patientempowerment and how we can
involve you yes, you lovelyfolks in your treatment process.
Now I can already hear some ofyou thinking Tamar, why should I
care about empowerment?
All I wanna do is pop my pillsand get better.
But, my friend, I'm here totell you that your voice, your

(04:00):
involvement and your empowermentmatters.
It's not even a question of whyyou should care, but rather how
much better your journey tohealth can be if you took charge
.
It's about turning apotentially passive experience
into a powerfully proactive one.
So close your eyes for a momentand picture this You're no
longer just a passenger in thebackseat of a moving car,

(04:23):
staring blankly out of thewindow.
Oh no, my friend.
Instead, picture yourself asthe driver, hand firmly around
the steering wheel, gps set tobetter health, and you're
driving down this road yourself.
You see, following yourtreatment process doesn't have

(04:43):
to feel like swallowing bitterpills every day, day in, day out
.
It should be a dynamic dancebetween you and your health care
team, each step you takeechoing your victory.
And that's what we're going totalk about today how to take
that driver's seat, how to steeryour own health towards a
journey of wellness that ispersonal, fulfilling and, above
all, empowering.
Let's dive into thistransformation adventure

(05:05):
together, shall we?
Now?
Why is this topic so important?
Think about it.
We take our health seriously,right, but often we're led to
believe that we're justpassengers in our own health
journeys, that we should simplyfollow what's prescribed and not
question anything.
So let's flip the script levelup from passengers to pilots,
and think about the control, thepower you could have and

(05:27):
navigating your own healthjourney.
A lot of us are brought to thinkthat health care is a take it
and don't ask kind of deal, thathealth care is just a one way
street.
We've all been there, right,sitting in that two white clinic
room holding our breath as adoctor scribbles away on a
notepad, oblivious to this crazytrain of thoughts racing

(05:49):
through your mind.
You might think I'm not sure Iunderstand what he just said.
Why am I taking this medication?
Is there another option?
But what do you do?
You smile, nod and walk awayfeeling anything but empowered.
But you're not alone.
According to a study titled theImpact of Patients'

(06:10):
Participation on PhysiciansPatient-Centered Communication,
a whopping 81% of patients don'task clarifying questions when
they don't understand what theirdoctors are saying.
Yep, you heard that right 81%.
Is it only me, or does thatmake you go?
Hmm, two, and oh, my friend,brace yourself for this one.

(06:32):
A survey by the Agency forHealthcare Research and Quality
says that only 42% of Americanadults feel comfortable asking
their doctor questions about anew medication.
That means not even half of usare stepping up to understand
what's going into our bodies.
Why?
All?
Because we've bought into thiscultural belief that the doctor

(06:54):
knows best, that the doctor isalways right.
Now, don't get me wrong.
Healthcare professionals areheroes.
But in reality you, my friend,are the hero of your health care
journey.
You're the protagonist in thisjourney, not the extra in the
background.
Ok, now, these might be harshwords, but trust me, listening
to this may save you fromfeeling that punch in the gut

(07:16):
later when you let this beliefrun the show.
It's like driving with ablindfold on.
You feel disconnected,powerless and out of the loop.
No-transcript.
It's likely that you don't feelempowered to take control of
your health due to the culturalbeliefs that doctors know best.
See, the mess is drilled intoyou from childhood storybooks up

(07:36):
to Hollywood's latestblockbuster is that you're just
a regular person, not an expert.
After all, med school is long,grueling, tough and tumble stuff
.
Right, that power, thatknowledge, it sits on a pedestal
.
It's a crown that only thosewho fought the good fight
through to sleepless nights andintense practicals can wear.
So let's cut those myths down abit like trim and overgrown

(07:58):
hedge.
Yeah, you've got to clear thepath and see that you're not a
mere spectator in your healthjourney.
You are the star, the actor whoshould be calling the shots
because, come on, we're talkingabout your body here.
Now.
I'm not saying you should startignoring your doctor's advice
or play street pharmacist withyour health.
No, no, that's not the messagehere.

(08:18):
But I want you to grab hold ofthis energy ball I'm tossing at
you and realize that you have avoice, you have a say and you
have the power to make informeddecisions about your own health.
The reality is that you shouldbe at the center of your
healthcare universe.
The fact is that when you don'ttake control of your health, you
may likely find yourselffeeling disconnected,

(08:38):
disempowered and sometimes leftin a dark about what's happening
with your health.
No one wants to be in the darkroom blindly trying to find the
light switch, fumbling around,tripping over obstacles they
didn't even know were there.
It's frustrating, disconcerting, even a text, scary, isn't it?
That is what it's like whenyou're disempowered about your

(08:58):
own health.
But let me tell you somethingthat's not where the story ends.
It's where a whole new chapterstarts.
So you forgot the way to theswitch in that dark room.
Guess what?
You learn to navigate the darkuntil you find it.
Or, better yet, you create yourown life, bring your own
brightness.
Excuse me when I say this.
We've all got an innerresilience that's stronger than

(09:20):
we think.
Yes, it takes time, effort anda whole lot of guts, but finding
that power within you,connecting with your health and
taking back control, it's likewatching a dawn breaking after a
long night invigorating,illuminating and outright
breathtaking.
You should and you can be at thecenter of your healthcare

(09:41):
universe.
You can be empowered and incontrol.
Yes, you heard that right.
Just stick with me for a minuteand imagine a whole new world,
a world where you are not just apassive bystander but an active
participant in your healthcarejourney, a world where, instead
of feeling overwhelmed, you feelin control.
Doesn't that sound amazing?

(10:03):
Now consider your body auniverse, a complex and
fascinating universe.
Do you think anyone can knowyour universe better than you?
Nope, not even the best doctorin the world.
You're the one living in it dayin and day out, experiencing
every quirk and hiccup.
You, my friend, are theundisputed expert of your body,

(10:23):
the center of your healthcareuniverse.
So why not use this expertiseto your advantage?
Why not voice your fears, getyour own treatment and dig
deeper until you trulyunderstand what's going on with
your health?
No good doctor will everdismiss your concerns, and if
they do, well, it's not you,it's definitely them.
Remember, no question is toosilly and, let's face it, it's

(10:46):
your body, your rules.
Now imagine a new landscape,one where you are the
protagonist of your health story.
Picture yourself workingalongside your healthcare
professionals, engaging inconversations, asking questions
and being part of thedecision-making process.
Doesn't that feel empowering?
This works because when you'reactive in your healthcare,

(11:09):
you're no longer just followingorders, but making informed
decisions about your health.
This allows you to gain controland participate in developing a
treatment plan that aligns withyour lifestyle and preferences.
Now I want you to picture this.
You wake up one groggy morningfeeling like you've been hit by
a truck.
You're exhausted, despitetrying to catch some Z's achy in

(11:32):
all the wrong places, and, oh,that dreaded pain on your right
side that's been your unwelcomecompanion for days now.
Sound familiar?
I bet it does.
So we've got two scenarios upfor grabs, and each one will
illuminate the importance oftackling our pain points head on
to truly live our best lives.
Let's dive in.
Scenario one is pretty familiar.

(11:53):
You're stretched thin, barelyholding the pieces together
between family, work and welllife.
Your self-care what self-careStresses are skyrocketing, sleep
and diet are on hiatus and youfeel like you're running on
fumes.
But hey, that's just life right.
So when that pain on your rightside comes at you full force,

(12:14):
you do what most of us do yousqueeze in a quick doctor's
appointment, hoping for a speedysolution that won't demand
juggling your chaotic dailyschedule.
You walk out the doorprescription in hand, but no
real understanding of what wentdown or the possible underlying
causes of your pain.
It is what it is right, butwhat if we took a detour and

(12:35):
peaked at scenario two?
Tune into a parallel universewhere you've been investing in
yourself, reading articles,nourishing your body and
listening to its whispers.
You've sought support andconnected with resources, and
well, dang it.
You're an empowered warrior.
Now imagine stepping into thedoctor's office armed with
knowledge that is stands beyondthe hole.

(12:55):
My side hurts dialogue.
You're ready to dive into ameaningful conversation with
your doctor about your struggleswith stress, erratic diets and
sleep habits, leading to a moretailored solution for your
health?
Can you feel that seismic shift?
Dear friend, it's the energythat comes from being in control
of your life, partnering withyourself and your doctor to
level up and conquer whatevercomes your way Now, don't get it

(13:19):
twisted.
You're not out to undermineyour doctor's expertise.
No surree.
This is about fostering opencollaboration and respect in a
two-way conversation, makingsure your voice is heard and
your experience is known.
Just imagine a difference thiscan make, crafting a game plan
that addresses the pain pointsbeneath the surface, crafted by

(13:41):
both you and your doctor.
That, my friend, is a sweettaste of empowerment and about
as close to magic as it gets.
You're probably saying buttomorrow, in what world, does my
doctor have time to talk to meand listen Really listen to what
I have to say and answer myquestions?
Well, a world in which you areempowered and in control of your

(14:03):
health, a world where you areproactive, curious and stand in
your power.
Remember, health isn't aone-person act.
Never hesitate to ask questions, get second opinions or dive
deep into the information sea.
Knowledge is power, but use inthat knowledge, take an action,
be an advocate for your health.
Now that's next level power.

(14:25):
And guess what?
You've got it in you Power.
My friend is in your hands, youready to seize it and with that
, dear friend, I want to thankyou for joining me on this
episode.
I look forward to seeing you onthe path to health empowerment.
And until next time, staystrong, stay inspired and always
love yourself first, every day.
If you're feeling empowered,great, but there's even more.

(14:46):
I've got a secret weapon totoss your way.
The life balance is in her glow.
90-day health coaching program.
This is a transformative healthand wellness journey that's
tailored just for you.
Imagine unlocking your geneticpotential, improving sleep,
reducing medication usage,gaining more confidence and

(15:07):
boosting overall life quality.
Yes, I'm talking about alife-changing, power-packed,
tailored health journey.
So are you ready to shift gearsand take the driver's seat on
your health journey?
Then don't waste another second.
Visit thelifebalancecom that'sthe L-Y-F-E balancecom and book

(15:28):
your complimentary consultation.
Let's do this because you areworth it and because your
radiant health is just 90 daysaway.
Before I sign off, I would loveto hear your stories of
empowerment as well, so hop onover to our Instagram at Dr
Tamar Lofill and share yourexperiences with me.
Don't forget to subscribe toour podcast, share and leave a

(15:49):
review on this episode.
Your honest feedback helps thisconversation reach and
influence others like you Comingup next week on the show.
We're talking to my dearpharmacists and diving deep into
overcoming obstacles as anentrepreneurial pharmacist, so
you can take full throttle ofyour practice and jumpstart your
career without losing precioustime, money or opportunities.

(16:12):
Now's the time to embracechange, level up, and shouldn't
we all want that?
So see you back here next time.
Until then, always remember inyour journey as a healthcare
professional, always raise thescript on health, because
together we can bring healthcareto higher levels.
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