My husband is a jerk.

Not really, he’s loving and caring and really flexible with me but there’s one thing that just kills me about him – he think’s he’s super man. Unless he’s about to lose a limb, he will not go to the doctor.

He got into a minor accident driving a moped. It was nothing really big, but it did require a hospital visit. Since it was a “vehicle accident,” that was like a legit reason for him to warrant the hospital visit. He got bandaged up and sent home, no big deal.

A few weeks later, we were having a bunch of people over for a cocktail party and he’s upstairs in bed with bumps and blisters all over his legs. I told him to go to the doctor, but he refused. I tried putting oregano oil on it but it did nothing. We tried everything we could think of. The bumps kept coming back AND he still refused to go to the doctor, for weeks. FINALLY, he couldn’t take the nagging anymore and agreed to go to the doctor. What did he have??? MRSA!!! Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus – An antibiotic resistant bacteria that he picked up while being treated the first time in the hospital.

Diet, exercise, and the right combination of holistic practices can prevent just about any health issue. But sometimes illnesses are too big for essential oils, holistic remedies, exercise  and diet, and seeking professional medical attention is really the smartest thing to do.

My goal as a holistic health coach is to keep you well.

But when illness turns to suffering (especially with kids!) don’t play superman. @hayleyhobson (Click to Tweet!)

Here are symptoms you need to look out for to tell you it is time to go to the doctor:

• Sustained Fever – A fever is part your body’s natural way of fighting infection. But, a temperature of 100.5 or greater that does not go away after three days can be an indication of an infection. I keep peppermint leaves in the freezer for when Madeline has a fever. The cold leaves are soothing and the natural oils in the leaves will help bring a fever down. Remember, what you put ON your skin goes IN your body! When peppermint oil and aspirin or your go-to holistic remedy isn’t bringing the fever down anymore, it is time to seek medical attention.

• Difficulty Breathing – A stuffy nose or chest congestion are different than not being able to breathe. A stuffy nose is easy to deal with – eucalyptus, in any form, will do the trick. If you find yourself short of breath or struggling to take a full breath and if breathing causes pain in your chest, seek medical treatment immediately. And I do mean immediately.

• Vomiting – Vomiting can quickly lead to severe dehydration if it persists. I’ve had stomach issues for years, so I always have coriander oil on hand (even chewing on the parsley garnish at dinner can help!). Fennel seeds are also amazing, just chew on a few when your tummy is not right. For kids, go for ginger and peppermint tea, not too hot. The second I go past “queasy,” I know something is up. If you are unable to hold even water down, you need to get to a doctor to be rehydrated intravenously or it will lead to much more dire complications.

• Pain Swallowing  – A sore throat is not uncommon when you’ve got a cold or flu and is very easy to treat at home. Hot water with honey and lemon is your first and best option. Gargling with sea salt can also do the trick. Some people go with apple cider vinegar and honey, but for me, that’s like drinking salad dressing and I just can’t do it! A throat tickle is manageable, but severe and sustained pain caused by infections like Strep may require antibiotics. AND if you are on a course of antibiotics, follow your doctor’s instructions to the LETTER. Antibiotic resistant infections, like my husbands MRSA case, are no joking matter.

• Persistent Congestion and Headaches – Headaches are really common and the best natural remedy is just to slow down and close your eyes. You know those peppermint leaves I keep in the freezer? I’ll lay down with a few on my forehead and take a time-out. If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, a small jolt of caffeine can sometimes  do the trick for you. Persistent migraines or headaches might be pointing to something more serious, so don’t wait to investigate that.  Allergies and colds can lead to sinus infections, which are very difficult to kick naturopathically. I love my neti pot, and it’s great for keeping allergies and minor colds at bay. I‘m prone to sinus infections. At the first feeling of stuffiness, I attack that fast with lavender and lemon and I start feeding myself really really well. The second it turns from sniffles to a sinus infection, I’m done for, so I do everything I can to stop it in its tracks.

My goal for myself and my clients is wellness and I’m not here to disrupt your medication or medical attention. It is a known fact that 90% of the viruses and illnesses that we are exposed to daily are preventable by eating the right food and natural medicine, and if we’re using both of those there’s a lot we can prevent. I know that there are many chronic illnesses and diseases that generally do better when under the care of a western medical professional. I am happy we live in a place where we have medical care at our disposal when we really need it. Holistic health practices can keep you from needing to go to the doctor, but if you’re not getting better, don’t tough it out, don’t be a jerk, get the medical attention you need.

Hayley Hobson is an author, speaker, business coach, yogi, Pilates instructor, and holistic nutritional expert based in Boulder, CO. Her unique and intelligent style promotes strengthening while softening—empowering her clients to heal not only their physical bodies but their hearts and minds as well. To learn more about her nutritional courses, events, and custom programs, visit hayleyhobson.com or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.