Every person should adopt a healthy lifestyle. Should we forever avoid the deliciousness of ice cream on a hot summer day? No. But nine times out of ten we should pick a healthy food instead. If we miss a day of exercise, should we be outcast from society? No. But we should find ways to stay active each day, even if it is just walking or biking instead of driving. Even if we may choose not to be a marathon athlete or a strict vegan, there are minor (and dramatic) lifestyle changes that can and should be made.
As a health care professional, I think it is important to model the lifestyle I hope my patients to aspire to. Certainly, a day in the life of a doctor is certainly full. But so is the day in the life of a stay-at-home mom or a construction worker or a teacher or student. I do believe that overweight doctors can still provide excellent care. I also believe that the vast majority of persons benefit intellectually as well as physically from regular exercise. Sound nutrition and physical active can only benefit.
In conclusion, I think it is the small things that are most important that a physician model. Taking a walk in the mornings. Limiting portion size. The small changes that can prove great benefit and cost little. We not only become healthier in the process, we also bring credibility to the feasibility of a simply healthy lifestyle.
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