A great doctor once told me, "Patients don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." How can we keep our patients healthy?
-Family education and counseling sessions
-Health retreats
-Boarding school for elementary education to keep kids out of unhealthy habits
-City wide health centers for screening and health education
-Government funding of nutrition experts in schools
-Partnering with organic farmer's markets and getting rid of relationships with soda and junk food reps
-Obesity clinics and nutrition guidelines for families
-Partnering with insurance companies to create incentives for people to lose weight, get a colonoscopy, mammograms, annual blood tests, pap smears, encourage pts to quit smoking and get yearly check ups. Lower monthly payments? Lower premium?
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Food for thought: Should Pediatricians be Principles?
What if a doctor became the Principle of an elementary school? Would be see more change?? As obesity is becoming a disease in our nation I think this question is worth pondering. If more health professionals became involved in education, would we be able to see more of an impact on health?
I strongly believe that we are now seeing social stratification account for certain health disparities among low income neighborhoods and communities. Obesity often leads to depression, HTN, diabetes, and increased cardiac risk factors which can be prevented by health promotion and education. Many communities do not have the resources or funds to provide nutritious options to families and local children and I hope to find a way to change this.
With diabetes and atherosclerosis sharply rising in children and adolescents, obesity treatment and prevention is worth the investment from an economic and public health perspective. I think both clinical research and changes to public policy and government regulations are key elements that can help fight this battle. Obesity is a product of so many components such as genetics, diet, level of activity, economic status, and psychological factors that in order to target the root cause we must educate and advocate the importance of behavior modification using teaching to motivate and change individuals for the better. Parents have a direct influence on the health of their children so hopefully we can start break the link between poverty, unhealthy eating, and poor health.
I strongly believe that we are now seeing social stratification account for certain health disparities among low income neighborhoods and communities. Obesity often leads to depression, HTN, diabetes, and increased cardiac risk factors which can be prevented by health promotion and education. Many communities do not have the resources or funds to provide nutritious options to families and local children and I hope to find a way to change this.
With diabetes and atherosclerosis sharply rising in children and adolescents, obesity treatment and prevention is worth the investment from an economic and public health perspective. I think both clinical research and changes to public policy and government regulations are key elements that can help fight this battle. Obesity is a product of so many components such as genetics, diet, level of activity, economic status, and psychological factors that in order to target the root cause we must educate and advocate the importance of behavior modification using teaching to motivate and change individuals for the better. Parents have a direct influence on the health of their children so hopefully we can start break the link between poverty, unhealthy eating, and poor health.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Food for the Body: Roasted Potato Soup
Ingredients
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 small carrot, chopped
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
3 tablespoons butter, cubed
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Directions
In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes, onion, carrot, celery and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender; lightly mash.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir into potato mixture. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add parsley, salt and pepper. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until melted.
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 small carrot, chopped
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
3 tablespoons butter, cubed
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Directions
In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes, onion, carrot, celery and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender; lightly mash.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir into potato mixture. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add parsley, salt and pepper. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until melted.
Food for the Soul: A cup of spirituality
Where Can I find my spirit?
I have been looking for something lately. I am not quite sure what, but I am in the seeking spirit. I went to my place of worship but felt disheartened that it is not exactly what I am looking for at this time in my life. My spiritual needs are different from a few years ago, and I need something different to satisfy me.
Recently my Aunt came to town and told me a quote my Sri Ramana Maharishi: " Let what comes come. Let what goes go. Find out what remain." We had a wonderful 3 hour conversation on spirituality and our belief system. Everything we think in our life is a belief. And a belief comes from the mind, so how can we know it to be true? The truth is we cannot. Everything that we think may not be real because it is in essence just a simple belief. Time is a belief. Religion is a belief. Advaita is a belief. Karma is a belief. God is a belief. We are taught so many things and are expected to follow them without question, without disrupting the so called entropy of it all. But we decided that the only thing we can believe, is our experiences because when something happens to us, we "know" it to be true.
There is a quote by Socrates where he states, "The only thing I know, is that I know nothing." And this statement is one of the most profound to me. The more I try to make sense of the world around me, the more chaos I begin to feel within me. I have now stopped trying to figure out life, free will, fate, and time and just try to be in the present. As my Aunt and so many spiritual seekers often state, that only thing to know is that "I am" or like my Mom says " I am THAT." All we know is that we are here now. We cannot worry away a problem in the future, or think our way into a solution. All that can be done is to be here, now. To be ever present.
My Aunt says that suffering should be welcomed. Suffering is the only thing that can turn us inward toward our higher consciousness. Suffering gives us the opportunity to seek happiness within ourselves, since trying to find happiness in a world where things come and go, is hard. Having equanimity of mind is the best form of spirituality. It reminds me of a quote I once read,
"you gotta take the good
with the bad
smile with the sad
love what you got
& remember what you had
learn to forgive
but never forget
learn from your mistakes
but never regret
people change, things go wrong
just remember
life goes on."
Whatever your spirit is seeking, remember that spirituality comes in many forms. For me I feel closest to God in Nature, or with animals, or when I am doing an act of service. I also like to do activities which keep me present such as: cooking, painting, jogging, writing. Whatever your form of worship, you may not need to go far. Just look inside yourself and the answer might be right there. We are always seeking something external, but more often then not we can just look inward and the answer will come. And right now my spirituality, is finding activities to stay in the moment.....
I have been looking for something lately. I am not quite sure what, but I am in the seeking spirit. I went to my place of worship but felt disheartened that it is not exactly what I am looking for at this time in my life. My spiritual needs are different from a few years ago, and I need something different to satisfy me.
Recently my Aunt came to town and told me a quote my Sri Ramana Maharishi: " Let what comes come. Let what goes go. Find out what remain." We had a wonderful 3 hour conversation on spirituality and our belief system. Everything we think in our life is a belief. And a belief comes from the mind, so how can we know it to be true? The truth is we cannot. Everything that we think may not be real because it is in essence just a simple belief. Time is a belief. Religion is a belief. Advaita is a belief. Karma is a belief. God is a belief. We are taught so many things and are expected to follow them without question, without disrupting the so called entropy of it all. But we decided that the only thing we can believe, is our experiences because when something happens to us, we "know" it to be true.
There is a quote by Socrates where he states, "The only thing I know, is that I know nothing." And this statement is one of the most profound to me. The more I try to make sense of the world around me, the more chaos I begin to feel within me. I have now stopped trying to figure out life, free will, fate, and time and just try to be in the present. As my Aunt and so many spiritual seekers often state, that only thing to know is that "I am" or like my Mom says " I am THAT." All we know is that we are here now. We cannot worry away a problem in the future, or think our way into a solution. All that can be done is to be here, now. To be ever present.
My Aunt says that suffering should be welcomed. Suffering is the only thing that can turn us inward toward our higher consciousness. Suffering gives us the opportunity to seek happiness within ourselves, since trying to find happiness in a world where things come and go, is hard. Having equanimity of mind is the best form of spirituality. It reminds me of a quote I once read,
"you gotta take the good
with the bad
smile with the sad
love what you got
& remember what you had
learn to forgive
but never forget
learn from your mistakes
but never regret
people change, things go wrong
just remember
life goes on."
Whatever your spirit is seeking, remember that spirituality comes in many forms. For me I feel closest to God in Nature, or with animals, or when I am doing an act of service. I also like to do activities which keep me present such as: cooking, painting, jogging, writing. Whatever your form of worship, you may not need to go far. Just look inside yourself and the answer might be right there. We are always seeking something external, but more often then not we can just look inward and the answer will come. And right now my spirituality, is finding activities to stay in the moment.....
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Food for the Body: Neely's Roasted Asparagus Pasta Salad
ngredients
1 pound bowtie pasta
1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
Olive oil, for drizzling
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh chives
1 (4-ounce) container crumbled goat cheese
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Add pasta to a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until al dente. Drain in a colander and let cool.
Meanwhile, slice asparagus on the bias into 1/2-inch pieces. Place the asparagus on a sheet tray and drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place in oven and roast for 10 minutes, until slightly tender. Remove and let cool.
In a small bowl, combine shallot, garlic, mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Whisk in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add chives.
Add pasta and roasted asparagus to a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss. Add the crumbled goat cheese, toss and serve.
1 pound bowtie pasta
1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
Olive oil, for drizzling
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh chives
1 (4-ounce) container crumbled goat cheese
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Add pasta to a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until al dente. Drain in a colander and let cool.
Meanwhile, slice asparagus on the bias into 1/2-inch pieces. Place the asparagus on a sheet tray and drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place in oven and roast for 10 minutes, until slightly tender. Remove and let cool.
In a small bowl, combine shallot, garlic, mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Whisk in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add chives.
Add pasta and roasted asparagus to a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss. Add the crumbled goat cheese, toss and serve.
Food for the soul: Some good wholesome quotes
"If you came to cure the sick, you will be surprised as the sick will help cure you"- Somos Amigos
"Of all forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane"--MLK,Jr.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
-Marianne Williamson
"Of all forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane"--MLK,Jr.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
-Marianne Williamson
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Food For the Soul: The story of a King and his road to peace
There was once a king who offered a prize to the artist who could paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king looked at all the pictures, but there were only two that he really liked, and he had to choose between them.
One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for the peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.
The second picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, and in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.
But when the king looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest.
The king chose the second picture.
Explained the king, "finding peace does not mean running to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace & the greatest treasure of the world."
One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for the peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.
The second picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, and in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.
But when the king looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest.
The king chose the second picture.
Explained the king, "finding peace does not mean running to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace & the greatest treasure of the world."
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