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Role Models |
Los Angeles Times article dated December 2, 2003: “Doctors commit to
walk the talk” Dr. Robert Pallay, a family physician in
Hillsborough, N.J., in reference to the obesity epidemic was
reported as saying that the first step toward improving the nation’s
health is to get doctors to “walk the talk”. That gives them
credibility. He added: “The thought was, if we can work at getting
members of our specialty fit, we’ll have a better shot at convincing
the patients”.
The associated Press, June 15, 2004 article “Obesity order:
“Physician slim thyself” stated that Dr. Michael Fleming, the
president of the American Academy of Family Physicians introduced
himself at the American Medical Association annual meeting as “I’m
Michael and I’m obese” That he went on to inform his colleagues of
his decision to wear a pedometer and take 10,000 steps daily. He
added that it is the same advice doctors give patients and the
message that the Academy was relaying to its more than 90,000 member
so they can be role models.
Dr. John Seibel who also attended the meeting said he gone from a
body mass index (BMI) of 31 to 24. He went on to add “I find it much
easier to talk to my patients about obesity”
The Houston Chronicle October 11, 2004: “467-pound physician heals
self by eating less, keeping eye on the ball”. The article was about
Dr. Nick Yphantides of Houston, Texas. He had gone from weighing 467
pounds to 220 pounds and can now advice his patients to do the same.
He has achieved the weight loss without surgery! He reportedly
consumes a modified low carbohydrate diet rich in fruits and
vegetables, low fat protein and foods that are as unprocessed as
possible. Prior to his weight loss, he reportedly told his patients:
“Do what I say not what I do” Not anymore.
There must be thousands of similar stories around the country. The
community, the patients need to know that there are medical
professionals, including doctors that can relate to the challenges
they face trying to live healthier lifestyles.
Part of the objectives of Walk the Talk America is to create a model
within the Medical community to:
• Position the medical professionals as role models for patients and
the community.
• Educate and coach Americans on healthy and safe methods to reduce
overweight and obesity.
• Stop weight gain among adults and children through advocacy and
education.
• Align with existing credible programs to promote healthy eating
and active living.
• Promote the increased intake of fruits and vegetables among all
age groups.
• Empower individuals to make informed choices to improve overall
health.
This model will eventually be emulated by medical communities around
the country to improve public health.
Our partners in the medical community will lead the way to address
the problem of unhealthy lifestyles in this country in a positive
manner. As stated above, if the medical community can do it, more
patients will be convinced.
So physicians, nurses, dietitians, paramedics, and all other health
care professionals, let’s “Walk the Talk” and start wearing a
pedometer to take 10,000 plus steps daily. It is easy, you can start
taking extra steps at the office, hospital, clinic, nursing home,
retirement center, etc,. Visit the WTA catalog to purchase a
pedometer. We are role models and the public, our patients have been
watching.
”Do what I say, not what I do” has not worked as obesity and other
health indicators are at epidemic levels.
Many of your colleagues are already walking the talk and serving as
role models.
To join other medical communities around the country as a role
model. click here
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