Today's Massage Client: Deluded About Own Health?

There is a disconnect between how Americans assess their own health and the assessment given by their physicians, according to a new national survey.

According to the new GE Better Health Study conducted with Cleveland Clinic and Ochsner Health System, 92 percent of health care professionals give Americans far lower grades, “C” or lower, on managing their personal health than Americans give themselves.

Among the results:

· Most Americans give themselves ”A” or “B” grades, while doctors give Americans low grades on personal health.

· Many Americans say they would rather live in pain than visit their doctor – and prioritize household chores over healthy living.

· Most Americans see health of others on wrong track —but not their own.

· Many Americans have an easier time answering non-health-related questions than facts about their own health.

· Study reveals opportunities for improvement in patient-doctor communications.

“Lifestyle changes that include avoidance of tobacco, regular physical activity, food choices and portion size, and managing stress could decrease health care costs more than 40 percent,” said Michael F. Roizen, M.D. Chief Wellness Officer at Cleveland Clinic. As a starting point, get active!”