Does your doctor tell you to lose weight or stop smoking?
When I counsel patients about lifestyle issues, some of them are astonished that I would bring up such "personal" issues. Uh, I think that's my job. I am hard core about smoking and advise strongly that patients quit. I offer suggestions and encouragement.
Obesity, as well, is a significant cause of a variety of illnesses and for my patient population of breast cancer patients, it is as important to control body fat and to exercise as it is to take one of the hormonal agents to prevent recurrence of cancer. But the same people who complain about the cost of the medication are the same ones who are baffled by the thought of making some changes in their eating and exercise habits and taking control of their own health. I make all sorts of recommendations about how to make small changes over time. I offer resources, positive reinforcement for the smallest effort and still, in the end, they would rather take a pill.
Making healthcare affordable is possible only when we take responsibility for ourselves and do the best we can each day to live healthy, eat sensibly and exercise.
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