Access to health care may not be enough to make you use it. Studies show that dread and unease has prevented people from seeking important medical attention in the past. With the mounting importance of good health, everyone needs to be vigilant about their health, going for regular check-ups and doctor’s visits. But what if you are too scared to go?

There are four common fears people have around the health industry: the fear of the dentist, fear of hospitals, fear of anaesthesia and the fear of needles. These fears are very common and often originate from childhood experiences or irrational fears.



Fear of the Dentist: About 50% of people avoid the dentist out of fear, but oral care isn’t nearly as uncomfortable as it used to be. With modern advantageous, even the dreaded root canal is virtually painless. To ease away the fear of dentists, start taking children at a very early age (two years old) and make sure that it is a positive experience. Try to take your mind off things by taking your iPod along, chatting up (or at least making eyes at) your dentist or his assistant or try some anti-anxiety medication.

You might also be relieved to know that the dentist’s drill and scalpel will soon be replaced by hard- and soft-tissue lasers, taking away that awful noise from the experience.



Fear of Hospitals: The fear of hospitals can be crippling, like it was for Richard Nixon, former US president, who feared that he wouldn’t get out alive. While Nosocomephobia is the official term for the fear of hospitals, many who don’t fit the definition are afraid of hospitals. While their fear may not cripple them, it will lessen their visits and treatment options.

To become more comfortable with the experience of being in a hospital, determine which hospital you want to use. Do some research on local hospitals and review their services, staff, facilities and what other people think about them. Then make a decision based on this research and start going to this hospital.

The other, easier-said-than-done method to deal with this fear is simply to refrain from getting sick. Practice great personal and household hygiene, eat healthily to boost your immune system and stay safe.



Fear of Anaesthesia: Anaesthesia is a lot safer than it was in the past. Only one in 200 000 to 300 000 people die as a result of anaesthesia, as opposed to one in 10 000 in earlier years. According to John Dombrowski, a practising anaesthesiologist in the US, “A person is 40 times more likely to be struck by lightning than he or she is to die from anaesthesia-related complications.”

To improve your own chances of surviving anaesthesia, stop smoking, lower your blood pressure and manage stress effectively and healthily.



Fear of Needles: Almost a quarter of the population are very afraid of needles and getting injections, but unfortunately this is a very effective and widely used medical practice. With a little help, you can overcome your fear of needles.

Sufferers from this fear can look forward to the age of micro-needles, but the method is in testing phases at the moment. Hundreds of tiny needles administer the medication, with the entire patch dissolving directly into the skin.

Until that time comes, manage your pain, both physically and mentally. Keep your eyes averted during the procedure, have a friend hold your hand, and try to control your breathing. By controlling your breathing, you are controlling your body’s entire state of mind. You can relax by taking deep breaths and focusing only on your breathing.





A great man once said that bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but rather the knowledge that something else was more important. And your health is much more important!