If you only consult a physician when you have an acute problem, you are not using medical expertise in the best way. I have the very good fortune to have been seeing the same doc for over twenty-five years on a routine basis. He has a good baseline on me, and he thoroughly understands my priorities in life style and health care. It doesn't hurt that he is one competent dude and I have certainly contributed by trying to follow a healthy lifestyle and diet. It really is a partnership kind of thing.

It has paid off for me in the quick and easy resolution of prostate cancer a few years ago, and in catching a serious heart condition in time just recently.