As stated in Meh-n, while I often prize members of the gender for their "minimalist" conversations, it can become an issue when conveying information that is important and has to qualify as a "blog post". So, in order to draw out a bit more information from my father on topics addressed in the above post, I figure I'd conduct an interview. Herein lies both questions and responses. Enjoy!
What intrigued you to go into the medical field? What were some of the aspects you enjoyed about the medical practice and what were some frustrations, if any?
I knew I wanted to be a doctor when I was 5 or 6 years old. Just knew it. Beyond that, there was the desire to help and serve people and to ease their suffering. Plus, I was academically inclined and had a fascination with biology and medical topics. Least of all, but something I was aware of, I knew that medicine would allow for a relatively secure and comfortable economic situation for a family.
I'm currently reading Always Hungry? by Dr. Ludwig who states that when he was a student, "medical schools focused almost exclusively on drugs and surgery, although lifestyle causes most cases of heart disease and other chronic disabling conditions." Do you agree with this statement? If so, what are some effective lifestyle practices to maintain health in one's life?
Sounds like an interesting book. He’s correct that diet and lifestyle [have] a profound impact on our health and longevity, in general. Obviously, there are other important factors including genetics, social interactions and who we hang out with (think beer-guzzling, TV addicts versus people who exercise and enjoy nature, friends, and family), and the events and circumstances of life. It has been estimated that 80% of cardiovascular disease could be reduced or prevented by healthy lifestyles. Other diseases which are preventable — or at least reduced — by healthy living are cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
Healthy lifestyles includes eating fresh foods rather than fast foods and/or salty foods, restricting the intake of saturated and trans fats, restricting sugar intake to 30grams/day, exercising regularly, engaging in social interactions with friends and family — studies show a high correlation of health, including mental health, for people who enjoy and engage in social interactions, trying to avoid exposure to chemicals and toxins in the home, workplace, and in general, no more than one alcoholic beverage per day, not smoking, avoiding illegal drug use, and cultivating and practicing gratitude daily — many studies have shown the benefits of this for emotional and physical health. Serving and helping others is also a shortcut to happiness and well-being. Filling our lives with love and kindness for ourselves and others, rather than with stuff, is important and adds meaning to our lives.
In your medical opinion, what are some preventative techniques people can employ to keep them and their loved ones healthy before medical intervention? Do you think preventative measures need to be increasingly addressed in the medical field?
First questions is answered above. Second question — Yes.
Any additional comments?
Taking time for quiet reflection, taking walks and just enjoying the scenery while the mind “wanders”, and meditating daily have also been shown to be of great benefit — both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, the food industry and commercial side of our culture often encourage unhealthy life choices. A person has to decide for themselves whether they will go along with this or choose a healthier way of living. That’s your choice and mine.
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