Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald: Practice Makes Perfect

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Go exercise today

Recently, TheNew England Journal of Medicine said that more than 57% of Americans are at least 10% overweight and that nearly 20% are 20% overweight. This is tragic. All day long, we are in exam rooms, in lecture halls, or with the public, counseling them about exercise, weight loss, and the benefits of a good diet for their pets. How do we stack up on our weight and fitness? Can we still get into that college jacket or are we so heavy that every time we dance, the band skips?

Being overweight is no joke. We talk to our clients, but we don't seem to take our own advice. Significant weight loss and consistent weight therapy does not involve fad diets, harmful medications, and schemes for weight drops that look too good to be true. There is only one secret: We have to burn off more than we put in the cooker. This involves a lifelong commitment to a sound diet, a reasonable exercise and activity program (one that involves raising the resting heart rate for at least 40 minutes three to four times a week), and not only good food but also good eating habits (like not eating after 10 o'clock at night or right before bed). 

Obesity opens the door to a myriad of health issues. Heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis are on the upswing in the U.S. and all can be tied to excess weight. Next time, listen to yourself as you outline the benefits of weight management and healthy eating to the animal's human family. Doctor, heed your own advice! 

Make the time to get in three to four workouts each week. It doesn't matter what you do for your choice of exercise. You just have to move and be active. Your activity must be enjoyable to you, consistently performed, and addictive. If you don't have an hour for yourself three to four times a week, something is wrong. Get active, get fit. Don't just talk the talk in the exam rooms. Be an example to your clients, your staff, and your family. Eat right and encourage your whole staff to do the same.

Regular exercise will make you think better, eat better, sleep better, and be healthier. Don't procrastinate, do it today. Swimming, hiking, tennis, golf, yoga, pilates—it doesn't matter. Get off of the couch and do it. You expect other people to listen to your advice. Now listen to yourself. Go exercise today.

See you next week, Kev