Give a Skill, Not a Pill

We are currently faced with an epidemic of drug use. I don't mean the rapidly increasing rates of heroine overdoses or the fact that in my own state, a large percentage of marijuana is laced with more harmful drugs to make it more addictive to users. I mean prescription drugs, often prescribed by well-meaning physicians who are trying to help their patients sleep better, experience less pain and reduce anxiety and depression.

This year, I am asking the physicians I work with to "Give a Skill, Not a Pill". I'm asking them to teach people relaxation exercises, to send people to yoga classes, to describe good sleep hygiene, and ask patients to eat their vegetables.

Recently I was reviewing applications for a corporate wellness program I contribute to and realized that over half the applicants are taking medicine to sleep. There are so many other things we can be doing to help with this. My colleagues have to fight with patients every day because patients want addictive pain medications even when the doctor tells them they are dangerous.

Let's get back to basics. Let's work together to emphasize that true change comes from within. Chronic disease is a battle fought in athletic shoes and with a plate full of plant-based foods and lean proteins. A good night's sleep is earned with relaxation breathing and minimal screen time at night. Calm comes from compassion, forgiveness and self-care. Happiness comes from gratitude, service to others and being around people who think you are amazing.

Will you join us?

Together we can change healthcare and accomplish the Quadruple Aim of 1) Better patient experience; 2) Lower cost; 3) Improved health outcomes; and 4) Improved work environment for healthcare providers.

About the Author: Dr. Nicole Eull is a integrative health psychologist and the founder of HodiCenter.com and MySkillRX.com as well as the soon to be launched DocNicole.com. She is the author of Well to Do: A Guide to Take Charge, Set Goals and Improve Your Health available on Amazon.com. Her mission is to provide affordable and evidenced-based tools to help healthcare providers "Give a Skill, Not a Pill."