As we get older, we will have common health issues, and we are to expect them along with our doctors. Knowing that a lot can be done by individual and their doctors to offset those upcoming issues with lifestyle changes.

Some time ago I was posting that if you do not trust or find your doctors competent, experienced and your best interest in mind seek another. My reason for this is that it is our lives and we only live them once. Keep searching and don't give up or settle for less.

I received some negative feedback about having to accept doctors in low population areas. I don't agree with accepting sub standard medical care. Over a decade ago I lived in a small city and even though some of my doctors were outstanding could not find the experienced specialists for heart failure who had special training and experience with that specialty.

I asked for and was given a second opinion appointment at Mayo Jacksonville. Even though Mayo was almost 4 hours away I knew I was going to an experienced and patient orinted medical facility. After I had two diffferent appointments with medical specialists I asked to be treated there. I then drove almost 4 hours to and 4 hours back to get that treatment and care I wanted.

In 2015 decided to move to north Florida as found several 55+ communities I loved that had the amenities I really like. I thought (but was wrong) would be cooler in summer. I have been a patient of Mayo Jacksonville since 2006 with medical specialist then then in 2015 all my medical care was there including my primary care (who is outstanding) physician in their community health division. The motto of Mayo is "Patient First."

So if you do not feel you are "patient first" with your doctors keep looking. There are many excellent doctors out there even in small communities. I was seeing a primary care doctor in my small city who in my opinion had no idea what he was doing. Mayo offered back then a search of doctors in your area that were trained by Mayo. I did that and found an outstanding and caring primary care doctor.

Even though I received negative posts with some and mentor saying have to deal with limited numbers in small city or rural area I say keep looking for good medical care and not give up just because you live in a small or rural area. I still stand by that post. You can find good and caring doctors even in rural and small cities.