Mature Life Features

. . .by our parents, teachers and philosophers through the ages that

nothing is impossible.

They’re all wrong. I do it every day.

Misdiagnosis Can Kill

Estimates run wild, but anywhere from 40,000 to 250,000 people die each year from having their medical issues misdiagnosed by the medical profession. These errors are not limited to rare diseases but are rife among the most common maladies, ranging from fractures to high blood pressure.

Errors in three major maladies account for half of all the disabilities and deaths caused by diagnostic errors. These are cancer, infections and vascular events, ranging from blood clots to stroke.

To help avoid such mistakes, learn to take care of yourself. Write down a timeline and symptoms of your condition when you meet with your doctor. As the patient, you’re the customer, so ask questions before you buy what you’re being told. Ask for a second opinion that will either confirm or correct the original diagnosis.