Friday, June 28, 2013

The Fit Physician

Many physicians disagree or argue over what the best forms of treatment are for their patients – However, everyone can agree that agree that regular exercise can save lives. Millions of health studies make the case, prove and show that physical activity is beneficial for your heart, your bones, your joints, your brain, and more. And yet, not all medical professionals will give this advice.
Some doctors might emphasize the importance of physical activity to their patients and why others don’t: Doctors were less likely to promote and advise patients to lead an active lifestyle if they didn’t lead one themselves. It’s been speculated that doctors that typically incorporate daily physical activity into their lives have been found more likely to recommend physical activity to their patients. But if they didn’t practice it, they didn’t preach it!

Physical inactivity is a global problem. 1 in 5 adults is physically inactive and that inactivity is responsible for approximately 5.8 million deaths a year worldwide.

This is why it’s important that health-care providers take the time to recommend physical activity to their patients, because so many do listen to their doctors’ advice. In order for this to happen, it’s suggested doctors must become more physically active themselves.

Some hospitals and health systems in the United States are creating incentives for doctors and nurses to be more physically active. For example, wellness programs offer staff members free pedometers and yoga lessons, as well as access to local fitness or recreational facilities. Hopefully, more hospitals will follow this trend.

Until then, when you go in for your check up, check in with your doctor. Does he or she find the time to be physically active? If so, how? If your physician is overweight, don’t assume they don’t exercise!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

The 411 on New & Popular Health Trends

What’s your Health & Fitness plan? In this post, we explain the most popular of 2013’s newest and resurfacing health trends.

1. Going Gluten-free: Turning to a gluten-free diet has become a popular choice as more and more Americans are diagnosed with Celiac disease or discover that they are gluten intolerant. But the diet is not a go-to weight-loss tool for all. In fact, you may gain weight on a gluten-free diet depending on your circumstances.

2. Your Own Body Weight for Training: Using the weight of your own body is a cost-effective way to work out, but according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, you have to be at a certain level of fitness to get in shape this way.

3. Know a Dangerous Diet When You See One: Each new year brings with it a trendy new fad diet – from the feeding tube diet to HCG. Make sure you know how to tell a dangerous fad diet from the real thing.

4. Energy in a Bottle: Yes or No? Energy drinks promise a quick fix for your fatigue, but consumers are starting to wonder if they’re safe.

5. Cosmetic Surgery Fact and Fiction: Many of us have something we would like to change about our bodies. If you’re thinking about having some “work done,” be sure you know what’s safe and what’s not.