Get Fit, Live Longer
There is much discussion in the medical literature about which is more important for a long healthy life, being fit or having a healthy weight. There isn’t a simple answer, so I’d like to thank my colleagues for debating these points with me over the past few days. For sure, FITNESS is VERY important. From…
I Am Grateful for Aleppo’s Suffering
I used to wonder why some humans do not seem to mind inflicting pain on others. Why can’t we all try to get along with each other? Why can’t we, especially if we are religious, practice what we were taught in churches and temples and mosques that everyone should try to be kind and loving…
The Positive Health Benefits of Being Outdoors
Although this post is about exercising and associated health impacts, let me begin by stating that being outdoors is good for your mental wellbeing. Even spending a short time outdoors goes a long way to improve focus, creativity and self-esteem! Perhaps, this is what prompted the great Naturalist John Muir to state “In every walk…
Love is Love!
Two years ago, I wrote a book review on The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor, a Harvard psychologist who cites the seven principles of positive psychology which, he believes, help people succeed at work. Principle #7, on social investment, stuck in my mind as the most important one of all. One sentence in this chapter stood out…
Now More Than Ever Our Children Need a Sense of Calm
In these times of conflict and polarization of our society, we need love and compassion more than ever. It doesn’t matter which side you are on politically; you can’t deny the charged and contentious atmosphere. It’s palpable. I, for one, worry for our children. Children are a lot like animals in their ability to sense…
Do Not Stress Out, We Will Survive!
“When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful, A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical. And all the birds in the trees, well they’d be singing so happily, Joyfully, playfully watching me. But then they sent me away to teach me how to be sensible, Logical, responsible, practical. And they showed me…
The Power of Strength
Here’s what drove home the importance of strength training to me. I was helping my daughter get one last piece of IKEA furniture – I must say we are MASTER IKEA furniture putter-togethers! We were able to get the kitchen table into her car, but then came the chore of carrying it up a few…
To Be Nice or To Be Tough as The Route to Happiness
There are only three more days before the 2016 presidential election ends. As many of us would agree, no matter which political side we are on, we will be relieved of the pain and suffering this president campaign season has caused to our mental health. I even wonder if 2016 president campaign will be known…
What is Lifestyle Medicine – and what can it do for me?
Lifestyle medicine – just the name conjures up thoughts of docs lying on a beach, drink in hand, stethoscope dangling just above the sand, doesn’t it? I just returned from a conference hosted by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine with four other doctors from our group. Even the T-shirt for the event has palm…
Physician Burnout: Confession of a Former Workaholic
Several days ago, I went with many women physician friends to Montgomery County Medical Society meeting. Part of the meeting included a panel discussion of physician wellness. Physician burnout is not a new topic but has taken on a serious toll, with about 400 physician suicides each year. Women physicians have a four times higher risk of…