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.

Interested in learning more? Let’s Walk the Talk America!!