If you’re like the millions of others who like to use alternative or complementary treatments in addition to traditional Western medicine, you may have found some things that help you and make your life a bit easier.

Whether you use herbs or scents to help relax you or acupuncture to help relieve pain, if it works for you and you’re comfortable with it, this is great. The only thing is - have you shared this with your doctor?

It is important to talk to your doctor about using anything to help your health. This isn’t so your doctor feels he or she is in competition with alternative treatments, but so the treatments can be worked together. There are some treatments that can clash - medications you take by prescription and certain herbal products can be dangerous if used together, for example.

  • Here are some tips:
  • Don’t wait for your doctor to ask - speak up.
  • Be sure to tell your doctor about all complementary or alternative treatments you are using, even if they seem insignificant.

If possible, bring a list with you and even labels or brochures of any products or services you’re using.

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Images: iStock

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