Your relationship with your doctor should be a "partnership" focused on improving the quality and quantity of your life. This requires good communication and trust.

We believe that most doctors have your best interest at heart but might not have much experience or knowledge of natural products. In fact, most doctors are trained almost entirely by drug companies, both in medical schools and later in their offices and clinics.

We believe that prescription drugs can be important for certain people with chronic illnesses; however, we also believe that dietary supplements and proper nutrition can complement the traditional treatment.

That's why it is important to ask yourself:

 What kind of a relationship do you have with your doctor? Can you really talk to them?

 Do you feel rushed or uncomfortable during your visit?

 Do you refrain from asking questions because you feel intimidated or don't want to bother your doctor because they seem too busy?

 Do you leave feeling confused about what your doctor has just told you?

If you choose to seek a natural alternative, ours or otherwise, and don't feel you have a good relationship - don't ask - TELL your doctor what you want to do because you only have one heart. Ask your doctor what he or she does to keep their own hearts healthy.

Remember, as the health care consumer-the customer-you always have the right to tell your doctor what YOU want. If you feel that you can't discuss the option of a natural alternative with your doctor and are hearing "My way is the only way," then you are likely with the wrong doctor.

Here are some tips for establishing clear communication between you and your doctor.

SPEAK UP. Tell your doctor that you want to keep your heart healthy and would like help in achieving that goal. Show your doctor VitaHeart™ CHS and any other natural alternatives that you are considering.

BE OPEN. When your doctor asks you questions, answer as honestly and truly as you can. While certain topics may seem quite personal, discussing them openly can help your doctor find out the best options for you to achieve better heart health.

KEEP IT SIMPLE. If you don't understand something your doctor says, ask for an explanation in simple language.

ASK QUESTIONS. It is important to ask your doctor about your cholesterol levels and what you can do to improve them. Here is a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor to better understand your cholesterol levels.

What are my risk factors for heart disease?

Genetic and unavoidable risk factors:

 Does the medical history of my immediate family affect my risk?

 Does the medical history of my extended family affect my risk?

 Is my risk different because I am a woman or a man?

 Does race affect my risk?

 Does age affect my risk?

 If I have any of the above risk factors what treatments should I consider?

Controllable risk factors:

 If I smoke, what influence does this have on my risk?

 If I am diabetic, how is my risk affected?

 Can I reduce my risk by losing weight?

 How does high cholesterol affect my risk?

 How does high blood pressure affect my risk?

 How does my level of exercise affect my risk?

 Does my diet affect my risk?

 Does my stress level affect my risk?

What are my numbers?

 What is my total cholesterol score?

 What is my HDL ("good") cholesterol number?

 What is my LDL ("bad") cholesterol number?

 What is my triglyceride number?

 What is my ratio?

 What should my cholesterol goals be?

 Does family history have any affect on my cholesterol levels?

 How can I achieve healthy cholesterol levels?

What do these numbers mean?

 I need to understand the numbers. It is not acceptable to tell me they are good or bad.

 When should my cholesterol levels be re-tested?

 Do your cholesterol testing recommendations concur with National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines?

 What is my blood pressure?

 What should it be?

 How can I improve it?

 Can additional blood tests be performed to better determine my risk factors? For example: Homocysteine levels, Lp(a), fibrinogen and apoE.

 Are diet and exercise enough to improve my cholesterol levels?

 Can I take a natural product to help me achieve a healthy cholesterol level?