“That physician will hardly be thought very careful of the health of his patients if he neglects his own.”
Galen (130-200)
One would think that physicians with all of their medical background and knowledge would take better care of themselves. In many health related areas, this is not true. Studies have suggested that doctors do not live as long as many of their patients, or the general population. Doctors should actually live longer since they have, more so than any profession, abandoned smoking, they tend to exercise (not as much as they should), and they do not abuse drugs or alcohol. All of that should add many years to their lives. However, regularly skipping meals, missing sleep, and working long hours under high stress levels can take its toll over time silently damaging your health.
Physicians and other health care professionals must realize that it is never too late to make changes that will extend their lives. Not only will it help them and their families but their patients will benefit. Their doctor will be around longer for them and more importantly the “healthy” doctor may actually give better advice.
Interestingly, your doctor’s health, or lack thereof, can be dangerous for your own health. Your doctor should be an important health compass for you, always pointing you in the right direction. Studies have shown that doctors who are either overweight, smoke, or don’t exercise are less likely to counsel their patients on those very important topics. Also, patients, even though they are not consciously aware of it, are less likely to take healthy lifestyle advice if dispensed from an “unfit” doctor.
I am not saying you need to find a doctor with “six-pack” abs and “buns of steel” but you should expect one who doesn’t just fix things when they break but constantly looks for ways to keep you healthy and prevent problems. Hopefully you will grow old together.
FitTip
If your doctor is not talking to you about prevention and healthy lifestyle ask them why. Learn the many positive aspects of exercise and healthy eating, living and the dangers of smoking, being overweight and other negative lifestyle factors. If they don’t seem interested, maybe you need to find that fit doc.
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