Monday, June 13, 2011

Lifestyle and Health

Call me a realist rather than an eternal optimist.  When I tell my patients to do certain things or make certain lifestyle changes, I try to look inward and see if I could do it myself.  Rather than make a blanket statement with unrealistic expectations, I try to work with my patients to find a plan that's acceptable for both sides.  Let's use dieting as an example.  If someone is 20 pounds overweight, it's obvious that there is a need to lose lots of weight, but most people find it easier to lose 3 to 5 pounds over several months than 20 all at once.  And, it's important that the weight goes away and doesn't come back.  If you look at the big picture, weight-loss is a lifetime process and a person who makes real lifestyle changes is the ultimate winner.  When you approach your own health challenges, be realistic and don't set the bar too high.  We all like success and little victories can be as good as major ones.