We are partly to blame for this as we expect to be fixed rather than taking ownership of our problems. Years ago I went to physio every week expecting them to help me, it never came and eventually I realized it made no difference to their 9-5 working day if they fixed me or left me on painkillers. So I became my own physio, I started studying and taking control. This is why to this day I am passionate about my role as an educator to people who want to learn rather than be fixed.
Initially I started on the fitness, personal trainer pathway and while I now stay far away from it, I do acknowledge that it got me started and taught me a lot of what is wrong with the industry. This was followed by in-depth research and study into nutrition which is where I finally saw huge benefits and to this day its still my passion in life.
Coupled with this ability to build a solid foundation and repair network via nutrition I set about understanding rehab via the CHEK institute amongst others. I also entered more degree course (physiotherapy and osteopathy) but found them to be of a very poor standard so went back to the research and methods which I know work.
From the courses and books to the private consultations I've paid for with some of the worlds best specialists I've spent a fortune to protect the health of my family, myself and my clients. I'm still not there yet and no doubt will continue to spend what ever it costs to truly educate myself. I have my eye on a book that is serious money.
So, I've been there wondering if its worth investing in learning about health versus paying someone for a quick fix. The greatest wealth is health ~ Virgil which is something I have to explain a lot to the overworking businessmen I consult with. Just because you can't (or you have greater priorities such as bigger TV's, new computer games etc) afford multiple sessions with me doesn't mean their isn't a place for you to start engaging in your life and health.
I do this blog for free as I'm promoting myself and what I do, I also want to effect people and hope that a little of what they read makes a difference. I also tweet, retweet on my twitter and put links on my FaceBook fan page. I reply to as many questions as I possibly can (I have asperger's syndrome so will talk about health all day given the chance).
From time to time I suggest books and other learning material which you can buy via my amazon store on my www.healthchek page (link on the far right at the top of this site). So if you really want to start learning at a low cost, buy the books I recommend (not all at once and feel free to ask for a personal recommendation). Buying via my site costs exactly the same as buying via the usual amazon site, I just gets a small (very small) percentage of the sale which goes towards helping me buy more books to keep giving you this resource to build your health. I take the little profit I do make in amazon vouchers so you really are funding more research.
So their you go, the cheapest way to learn is via buying the books I studied when I began. Read, learn, use the knowledge and make the world a healthier place to live in.