Sick of Doctors? by Lorene M. Burkhart --- A Review

"How is his coloring?"

I remember the question taking me a moment to answer.  I'd taken my son to the emergency room and the doctor was asking me how his coloring was.  Wasn't the doctor supposed to tell me?

He saw my confusion and explained that I was the one around my son most so I knew best if he looked "normal"  Bells went off in my mind!

This was my introduction to the fact that, as the consumer, I actually was quite capable of being a part of any medical care for my son--and myself!  What a feeling that created.

Why am I telling you this?

Lorene M. Burkhart is trying to get just that point across with her new book, Sick of Doctors?  Then do something about it!  Ms. Burkhart explains how so many doctors have developed an attitude that they have the training so their word is gospel--and the average American has allowed this to become part of the way they also look at doctors.  This isn't what is best, however, as Lorene, explains.

Doctors are, like everyone else, only human.  Ms. Lorene explains how things can cloud a doctors judgment, how it isn't only our right but also our duty to become a part of our own health care.  Using case histories and having conducted a great deal of research, Lorene Burkhart explains, in plain English, how you can take the power that is necessary to receive the best health care possible. 

Today's medical consumers have many options available, both traditional and alternative methods. While I would have liked to see more discussion on how the uninsured and under-insured could take this control, I was able to see that the choices of providers may not be there, but the chance to be an important part of your own health care is still available--and necessary. 

The Resource section at the end of the book offers many very good places to further explore the teachings of this book.  You will come away from reading Sick of Doctors?  Then do something about it!  with a sense of power that will send you on a path toward better health care--and a better chance of leading a healthier life.  With all the changes taking place in this country's health care now, this is a must-read for anyone who no longer wants to feel they have no say in how they can get well and stay well.  You will never again have to be at the mercy of a doctor who leaves you feeling more scared and confused when you leave the office than when you entered.

Sick of Doctors?  rates five colors on the Rainbow Scale.

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Join us on the Sick of Doctors? Then Do Something About It! virtual tour. To learn more about the tour, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/04/26/sick-of-doctors-tour/ . You can also learn more about Lorene Burkhart and the book at http://www.burkhartnetwork.com/ . If you would like to be a host on this tour, contact nikki @ nikkileigh.com

An Excerpt from Sick of Doctors

As promised, today I am sharing an excerpt from Sick of Doctors? Then do something about it!  Tomorow, I share my review :-)

Sick of Doctors?


Then do something about it?

A Prescription for Patient Empowerment

An excerpt from pg. 194

… at the beginning of the twentieth century, doctors across the United States enjoyed a prominent status within their communities and earned a respectable income. Most had long-term relationships with the families they treated; they traveled to patients’ homes for most services and often charged fees in keeping with the family’s ability to pay, at times even accepting bartered goods in exchange for their services. Those were the days before the AMA emerged and the government set rules and regulations for medical practitioners. By the time World War II ended, medicine had become more “industrialized,” moving away from home-based care and offering physicians more prestige, power, and wealth than ever before. Salaries skyrocketed, third-party payer insurance buffered most patients and doctors from the charges for medical services, and powerful corporate interests stepped in to help drive profits even higher. The number and types of doctors we saw grew larger while our appointment times grew shorter.

A great number of Americans began to resent the almost factory- like approach to health care that over time became the norm. The good old family doc went the way of the dinosaur, and we were left to deal with the dreaded Doctor God. The cycle was still in motion. Insurance oversight eclipsed doctors’ authority and medical institutions scrambled to compete for shrinking payment dollars. Health maintenance organizations, with their managed-care approach, limited health-care access for many Americans and completely transformed the medical workplace and the doctor–patient relationship. Insurance costs skyrocketed and more and more Americans found themselves without coverage; some couldn’t afford the premiums and others chose not to pay them. Everyone — doctors and patients alike — struggled to find ways to deal with a system that seemed to offer no one the benefits of a sound, affordable, and effective approach to health care.

Where we stand today is in many ways an unattractive spot. Most modern medical facilities are run like any other corporation, with the primary focus on the bottom line. Services that fail to produce sufficient revenue are cut and resources are devoted to areas where profits are more reasonably assured. Some doctors feel betrayed: salaries for most aren’t as generous as they used to be, paperwork and administrative duties consume ever more time, and insurance companies — not doctors — call the shots when it comes to determining who is eligible to receive specific treatments.

Furthermore, many experienced doctors are retiring early to avoid the realities of life as an employee of a bureaucratic system. Frustration with poor working conditions, low pay, and flagging morale is taking a toll on other medical staff, too. Nurses also are retiring early and fewer people are entering the field. Couple these trends with America’s aging population and we may be looking at a perfect storm of medical difficulties.

We need to rethink our whole approach to health care in this country, but to a great extent, that kind of change begins one citizen at a time. Fundamentally, we — each of us — will begin the process of reinventing it by changing the way we work with our doctors. Ideally, we will come up with a system that incorporates the best of what has been good about American health care in the past with the rapidly changing benefits of emerging trends and technologies. To do it right, though, we’ll need to avoid the attitudes and practices and prejudices that have made our system so dysfunctional and realize that sound solutions rest on a foundation of personal responsibility — for staying healthy, red-flagging developing medical conditions, and seeking prompt treatment for those diseases and illnesses that we cannot ward off.

Questions and Answers with Lorene Burkhart

Yesterday I introduced you to Lorene Burkhart, author of Sick of Doctors? Then do Something about it! Tomorrow, I will be sharing an excerpt from this book, but today I'd like to share some questions and answers that were prepared by Ms. Burkhart.  I also couldn' risist sharing a video with you.  Hearing Lorene speak in her own words is a wonderful chance. 


Why did you write this book?


As a 75-year-old woman who has lived through the evolution of healthcare, I felt I had a unique perspective on the doctor patient relationship. By sharing my experiences as well as researching the state of healthcare today, I created a roadmap for people to take control of their own healthcare and develop positive, rewarding relationships with their doctors.

What makes this book different than others on the shelf today?

There are a lot of books written by doctors or healthcare providers giving people advice on how to navigate the system. Although very insightful, these books are written by people on the inside. I wrote this book from the perspective of the patient, as a consumer of the services provided by the authors of similar books.

What do you want readers to learn from the book?

The book provides readers with an understanding of the evolution of healthcare, how it was and how we got to where we are today. It gives insight into the personalities of those who enter the medical professional and a roadmap on how to take control of their well being. Most people know more about their accountants and even their hairdresser than they do about their doctors or their own medical records. My goal is to empower readers with information to help them become better consumers.

Who is the book for?

The book is for anyone feeling frustrated by their inability to navigate the healthcare system, or anyone who feels they would like to have a better, more productive relationship with their doctor. I especially think women will find this book insightful because they are primary caregivers in our society. People of my generation will benefit from the knowledge and personal experiences shared in the book, too.

We’ve received a great response from medical professionals, suggesting this book is a refreshing reminder of the healthcare experience from the patient’s perspective. Doctors and nurses have told us it’s a must for medical students.

How can someone purchase the book?

The book is on sale now at www.SickOfDocs.com  for $15.95. The ebook is available at Amazon.com, Sony and iTunes for $9.95

Join us on the Sick of Doctors? Then Do Something About It! virtual tour. To learn more about the tour, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/04/26/sick-of-doctors-tour/ . You can also learn more about Lorene Burkhart and the book at http://www.burkhartnetwork.com/ . If you would like to be a host on this tour, contact nikki @ nikkileigh.com

Now, enjoy the video:



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Lorene M. Burkhart Writes a Prescription for Everyone

At a time when health care is on the minds of most of the country, Lorene Burkhart's book, Sick of Doctors? Then do something about it! couldn't have arrived at a better time.  So often, we are led to believe a doctor knows everything about our health and we know nothing.  This is incorrect and Ms. Burkhart has written abook to show you how to empower yourself to obtain the best medical care possible for yourself and your family. 

In this groundbreaking book, author Lorene Burkhart challenges each of us to enter the era of empowered patients by letting go of past practices and embracing outcome-based medical services. Being accountable for one's own body and health is a huge step toward improved medical relationships. She rejects the old authoritarian system of "handing it over" to a doctor as one that is no longer appropriate or wise, and that made its exit when the Internet made its entrance. Using a variety of resources as a guide, Burkhart encourages patients to be their own medical advocates with the ultimate reward being their own good health.

Burkhart’s first two books An Accidental Pioneer: A Farm Girl’s Drive to the Finish and Home on the Farm: If Chickens Could Talk are autobiographical accounts of her youth growing up on a farm in southern Indiana. Full of history, farm recipes and photos of her home, they are treasured by others who also grew up in rural areas of the country and shared similar experiences.

Raccoon Tales Hip, Flip, Skip and Boo and their friend Stu and Raccoon Tales: Hip, Flip, Skip and Boo Go to the Zoo are based on stories Burkhart told her two sons when they were children. Preschoolers love these board books for their colorful illustrations and the fluffy removable raccoon tale attached to the book’s spine. Burkhart has generously donated a large quantity of these books to inner city schools in Indianapolis, sharing her love of reading with the community.

Burkhart Network is committed to philanthropy. A portion of sales from each book title benefits a complementary non-profit cause. To date a portion of book sales have benefitted the United Way, the Indiana 4-H Foundation, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and Indianapolis Public Schools.

The philanthropic culture instilled in Burkhart Network reflects Burkhart’s passion for local and national causes developed during her long career, which she says always boils down to some type of teaching. A trend-setter, Burkhart was a working professional even before most women considered working outside the home. Her professions have included: home economics teacher, radio and television broadcaster (the Martha Stewart of the Midwest), and public relations and marketing executive. She often laughs about being the only woman executive at each job with the perk of having a private bathroom—the ladies room.

When Burkhart remarried in 1985, she decided not to work and discover what else life had to offer. In reflection two decades later, she realizes she shifted from a professional position for pay to a career that offered non-profit causes her time and talents pro bono. She became sought after by non-profit leaders nationally and locally providing advice, leadership and talent to a wide variety of causes. Her civic involvement totals more than 25 boards and organizations focused on a wide-range of causes including arts, girls and women, education, health and elder services.

She continues to pursue new ways to share her time, talent and resources with non-profit organizations. She is a trustee of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, is a board member of Dollars for Scholars (a part of the Scholarship of America), is on the national board of Professor Garfield Foundation and a member of the Purdue University board of the Center for Families. She is completing her third year judging the national college of social entrepreneur competition at Purdue University.

Education and service are the benchmarks of Burkhart’s illustrious life and continue to serve as her guide posts. As a Purdue University alumnus, Burkhart has been instrumental in the success of the school’s most successful fundraising campaigns, leading the way with a $1 million pledge for the creation of the Center for Families within the School of Consumer and Family Sciences. Her many contributions have earned multiple awards and recognition at the local, state and national levels. She says most important to her are the honorary doctorate degrees granted by Purdue University and the University of Indianapolis, where she served as a trustee for 14 years. She also has been named on two separate occasions a Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana Governors for her philanthropic contributions within the state.

For more information please visit http://www.burkhartnetwork.com/
 
As the week continues, I will be sharing a brief interview with Lorene Burkhart, a video or two, an excerpt and a review.  Please return ech day so you don't miss a thing!
 
.Join us on the Sick of Doctors? Then Do Something About It! virtual tour. To learn more about the tour, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/04/26/sick-of-doctors-tour/ . You can also learn more about Lorene Burkhart and the book at http://www.burkhartnetwork.com/.  If you would like to be a host on this tour, contact nikki @ nikkileigh.com

Promises Kept by Cindy Bradford -- A Review

Some pains can be gotten over easily, but others take many years--and often can't be laid to rest until some type of justice has been served.  The latter kind are often so deep, we need the help and love of someone else to push us forward into seeking justice.  Faith is the person who does this for her dad, who suffered physically years ago, and emotionally ever since.  While helping fight for justice for not only her dad, but others who have suffered at the hands of the same villain, Faith must deal with her own demons.  Just when all seems to be resolved, life throws another curve ball.  Will Faith be strong enough to make it through this time?

Cindy Bradford has written a book that touches on a subject that many pass over -- the sexual abuse of young boys by what should be one of the most trusted people in their lives, the local priest.  Her knowledge of the psychological effects that come from this is perfect.  Details overlooked by the average author, such as emotional growth being halted, find their way into the story.  It is obvious Ms. Bradford did her research thoroughly in the emotions behind not only abuse, but also in the emotions involved in all situations faced within the pages of Promises Kept. 

Cindy Bradford doesn't weigh her book down with needless details.  She uses dialogue so well, that you can hear the conversations taking place.  Every word carries the story along, drawing you into the midst of the events.  This is definitely a book that you need to read with a tissue box nearby, you will need them.  It isn't all pain, however; it is a book of hope and healing.  Promises Kept reminds us that it is never too late for justice to be served --  or for love to be revived.  It also reminds us that life isn't always pretty, but often the good can help heal the bad.

Promises Kept is a book that will strike a chord in almost everyone, for its universal themes of love, loss, pain and healing, is something everyone has experienced.  We've all experienced the beginnings that needed endings and the endings that bring beginnings. 

Promises Kept ears six colors on the Rainbow Scale.

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We invite you to join us on the Promises Kept virtual tour and every comment you post on the tour posts – will get you an entry into a drawing for a copy of the first book in this series – Keeping Faith. Visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/03/02/promises-kept/  for the complete schedule. For more details about Cindy Bradford, visit - www.KeepingFaithTheNovel.com  and www.DocCBradford.com/my-books

Taking a Tour With Cindy Bradford

The above video tells more about Promises Kept than mere words, so I wanted to share it with everyone! My original intent for today was to interview Ms. Bradford, but I found so many great questions that she's answered over the past couple of weeks that I thought I would instead share with you the links so you can take the journey of getting to know Cindy Bradford yourself :-) 

First stop on the journey is

http://promo101interviews.wordpress.com/2010/05/13/cindy-bradford/

Don't stop there, however, or you'll miss a lot!  Below is a list of stops on our journey (incluing those yet to come).  Enjoy--and come back tomorrow to read my review of Promises Kept!

We invite you to join us on the Promises Kept virtual tour and every comment you post on the tour posts – will get you an entry into a drawing for a copy of the first book in this series – Keeping Faith. Visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/03/02/promises-kept/  for the complete schedule. For more details about Cindy Bradford, visit - http://www.keepingfaiththenovel.com/  and www.DocCBradford.com/my-books

Promises Kept

I have a wonderful author and book to share with everyone this week!  Author Cindy Bradford has released her second book, Promises Kept! 

 (From Cindy) One cool, crisp morning in Ruidoso, New Mexico, I awoke from a crazy dream, I decided to turn it into a novel. And thus began my literary journey.


I guess all writers start out by drawing from the places they know, hence the setting of part of the book (Keeping Faith, her first novel) in East Texas, where I was born and spent the first nineteen years of my life as the daughter of a school teacher/ mother and school teacher/coach/ father. It was an easy place to grow up, but I couldn’t wait to leave. And leave I did as soon as I graduated from Kilgore College with my associates degree and headed to Baylor University where I earned my B.A. in English and journalism. Vowing to never teach, I spent a very short time in a public relations office and soon knew that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I enrolled at the University of North Texas to work toward a master’s degree, applied for a teaching job near Dallas and ended up staying there for almost twenty five years. In the meantime, I received my Ph.D. from UNT which opened up doors that might otherwise have slammed closed.

Tomorrow, I will share more on Ms. Bradford and on Wednesday I share my thoughts on Promises Kept. Promises Kept is Faith’s story, an unforgettable young woman whose life’s journey has been filled with uncertainty, of searching for people and answers that others take for granted. Compassionate and courageous, she never gives up, showing strength and character beyond her years. It is also the story about the power of the human spirit, of family, friends and love.

After finding the father she never knew until adulthood and graduating law school, Faith focuses on bringing down the priest who abused her father as a child. She wants the cleric put behind bars long enough that no other boy will ever have to fear his touch. She takes on a shrewd Boston lawyer who underestimates her fight for right against a wrong.


The story transforms from the legal battle on behalf of her father into a beautiful love story as she falls madly in love with her colleague, Tyler England. Her fighting instincts are called on like never before. Only this time her intelligence, perseverance and resolve may not be enough.

We invite you to join us on the Promises Kept virtual tour and every comment you post on the tour posts – will get you an entry into a drawing for a copy of the first book in this series – Keeping Faith. Visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/03/02/promises-kept/  for the complete schedule. For more details about Cindy Bradford, visit http://www.keepingfaiththenovel.com/  and www.DocCBradford.com/my-books