Today, I heard a terrible story from a patient of mine. Her Mother in law died one week ago from a massive heart attack. The worse part of this story is that this unfortunate woman had seen two different doctors on two different medical visits for the complaint of chest pain.

Those two doctors both fluffed off this lady by diagnosing heart-burn or acid-reflux.

The message for you is that if a doctor minimizes your health complaint, then you need to add your feelings into your story, "Doctor, I am worried that I may have a heart problem. My parents both died from heart disease and I am having trouble sleeping due to this pain. I would feel a lot better if you checked my heart thoroughly."

If your doctor still refuses to check you out full throttle, then disagree assertively, "Doctor, when I told you about my chest pain, I felt as if I was not heard. This makes me feel angry and concerned. I feel that unless my health concern is taken seriously, I find it hard to tell you what is really bothering me. All I ask is that you give me a few minutes more to hear me out and then make a plan we can both agree on."

 In the financial world, cold, hard cash may be king. In the real world, where people matter more than pieces of paper with numbers and pictures on them, what really matters is how people feel; how they are, how they live. Health allows you to enjoy each day to your maximum. Prioritize your health and you will reap the benefits over and over.

 How do you wish to spend your time? If you had the following two options, which would you prefer?

1. Waiting in line 5 hours to receive the latest flu vaccine to stay protected against the H1N1 flu.

2. Waiting in an Emergency Department with many sick and possibly contagious people for 5 hours to see a doctor to assess your flu-like symptoms?

It's your choice.

Take A Flu-Vaccine Day instead of a flu day.

Get diagnosed fast with mdrap and Dr. Grief, M.D.

Learn the tools to better communication with your medical doctor. Three easy steps to a quicker diagnosis.

"I have been and always will be your friend." Which Star Trek movie did this quote come from? Bonus: Who spoke these words and to whom?

If you are burning bridges, losing friends and contacts, feeling alone and isolated then pay attention to this:

It's not who you know outside yourself; it's how well you know yourself!

Spend some time with your best friend... you know who that is.

All in a day's work ( of discovering who you are and what you like)

Stay tuned for more insight on this channel.

 When it comes to your health, do you really want to do what it takes to get well? It seems obvious to you perhaps, but a lot of people prefer that someone else do what's needed. I try to reserve my weekends for long walks, playing in the park with the kids and relaxing, trying not to think of the pressures of the weekly grind. This is my routine. What is your ritual to stay well?