Why Do Doctors Tell Me to Exercise and They Know I Can’t?

Ever hear your healthcare provider say these dreaded words to you?

“You’re overweight and you need to exercise and watch your diet,” Easier said than done, right? Sometimes you might look at the person saying that to you and think to yourself, “YOU need to lose some weight yourself!!”

The stigma of being called overweight, obese, and morbidly obese are clearly enough to not make anyone feel good about themselves. This can then spiral downward into depression, which also adds to the problem. I don’t believe anyone WANTS to be overweight. If you’ve ever been chastised by a healthcare provider regarding your weight, or simply told you need to diet and exercise without any further instructions, you may decide to postpone seeking healthcare or avoid interacting with healthcare providers.

Losing weight is like a two-sided coin. Cutting back on sweets, carbs, and any other vices one might have will surely help with weight loss, but that’s only half of the battle. It’s that other side of the coin that seems to get to most people. That dreaded eight letter word….EXERCISE.

The dictionary defines exercise as “to engage in physical activity to sustain or improve health and fitness.” They key words here are “physical activity.” That can include a plethora of things that one could do. It does not necessarily mean having to join a gym or other fitness classes to engage in physical activity.

As a primary care physician practicing Internal Medicine, I am on the front line when it comes to seeing patients who are struggling with their weight. Being overweight or obese is usually accompanied by other co-morbid conditions including musculoskeletal diseases, such as arthritis. The combination of these two things oftentimes makes it very difficult for patients to feel that they can indeed exercise because of pain.

If we substitute the word “MOVEMENT” for “EXERCISE” we quickly see that engaging in some sort of physical activity can then take on a whole new meaning. If you’re suffering from knee and hip pain, marching in place for 10 to 15 minutes a day and then working your way up in time is a start. To add in a little bit of cardio, take some soup cans and do arm raises. You can also do these things even while sitting. These are forms of MOVEMENT that can be done right in the comfort of your own home.

Don’t let the word EXERCISE stop you from MOVING towards your goal of losing weight and being physically active.

Carla Harwell, MD and Millicent Gorham, PhD (Hon.), FAAN, MBA

Sharing our Story – Movement is Life Media Tour

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Hispanic physicians must take a leadership role for true health equity

Nurse's week

Happy May! As we welcome spring with new bright green grass and colorful, fragrant flowers; it’s time to celebrate two important events. The first of which was Nurses Week (May 6 – 12th).

Nurse’s week  celebrates the many accomplishments of this notable profession. President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation on March 25, 1982 proclaiming May 6, 1982 to be “National Recognition Day for Nurses.” The week ends on May 12th, which is the birthday of the world’s most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale.   While nursing has changed through the years and our roles expanded, nursing is still ranked by Gallup as the most trusted profession.

This year’s theme is:  “Nursing: the Balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit.” Many healthcare organizations recognize the value nurses bring to the healthcare arena by acknowledging their nursing team and recognizing those who have gone above and beyond.  There are over 3.6 million nurses in the United online pharmacy States who serve to heal, educate comfort, console and lead.

The second event I want to highlight is Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14th.  It’s a day where we take the time to acknowledge our mothers and show them how much we appreciate them.  This year make a commitment and have a healthy care conversation with your mom.  Our moms are so busy taking care of others, they forget to take care of themselves.

Women are disproportionately impacted by joint pain and arthritis.  Physician diagnosed arthritis is more common in women and women of color suffer more severe joint pain. Physical activity helps relieve joint pain and improve physical function and can break the vicious cycle.

So this Mother’s Day, forget the chocolate and take a walk with your mom.   It could lead to a longer healthier life for you both.

 

Why I Believe: Tamara Huff

  Orthopedic Surgeon Tamara Huff is an engaging surgeon in Waycross, GA. She is an ardent supporter of creating ways to engaging patients in their health care. Why are you committed to the Movement is life Caucus?   I believe I can contribute and help the Hispanic and Latino Community to get health care and improve […]

Why I Believe: Jannifer Harper

Dr. Jannifer Harper is a board certified Internist and Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Anthem and shared with us her reasons why she is part of the Movement is Life Caucus and our efforts to fight health care disparities

Why are you committed to the Movement is life Caucus?   I am committed to the Movement is Life Caucus because it is our future.

Why are fighting disparities important? To improve the health of our country’s population to in order to leave a healthier buy generic avodart generation for our children.

What is one way to fight unconscious bias? You have to spend time with people who are different than you.

Since the caucus is about movement, can you tell us one thing you do in your health and wellness journey? I enjoy walking and using various fitness apps to track my food intake.

What is one health and wellness resource you value? I value relationships like the ones I have with my family.