Wealthy Living

OUR UNHEALTHY HEALTH ADDICTION

“You look so different, Howard.” I would hear this numerous times over the past few years as I rekindled friendships with people who knew me from years past. As someone who was once overweight with minimal lean muscle mass, I take this comment—intended or not—as the greatest flattery.

I am proud that of the progress I’ve made—not only in the massive reduction of body fat but building lean muscle in the process. Making healthy decisions was not always easy for a variety of reasons. And truthfully, I still struggle with that on most days.

I remember distinctly in medical school attending a cardiology lecture that would change my own perspective in the delivery of medicine. The lecturing cardiologist was a friendly gentleman of rotund stature, reminiscent of Mrs. Potts.

I watched intently as he paced back and forth at the podium expounding away topic after topic. And in between each sentence, there would be the soft whistle of a wheeze, like a steaming kettle with small diaphoretic beads forming at even the slightest physical activity.

The situation at hand, replete with morbid irony, led me to wondering how patients received his medical advisement? And though I do not intend to judge or presume his circumstance, I found my brain jumping to conclusions based on appearance alone. How would patients perceive me if I, their doctor, did not employ the same practices I professed day in and day out?

Obviously, it does not take a medical doctor to determine that physical health is important. But it was through medical school that I learned to appreciate its importance. From the plateau in accumulating muscle mass in one’s 20s-30s to it’s slow declination in decades thereafter, I knew my body was fighting against time.

Muscle mass is a great predictor for bone density in later life, which is then a predictor for fracture risk. As someone who trained in a geriatric subspecialty, falls with resultant fractures were among the highest reasons for loss of independence in older adulthood. More muscle mass also meant stronger tendons and ligaments, which translated into better balance and proprioception—yet another protective factor against falls.

Even with all the advances of modern medicine, there is still no equivalent to the body with which we are born. With age, our bodies natural convalescence only declines—that is a fact of life.

It is prudent to Peter and I to upkeep and maintain our bodies, as a means for extending longevity as well as performing at our highest potential for as long as possible. We are grateful everyday to be physically healthy, even with the most basic bodily functions that support life. It is a blessing to be healthy, something we take for granted when young.

Physical wellbeing has translated directly into mental wellbeing for me. The effects of exercise and healthy eating on mental health are so powerful that it has been a cornerstone of my prescribing practices as a psychiatrist.

Indeed, the medical literature also shows that the effects of physical wellness are far-reaching. That is, people who are physically healthier in later life also age better—cognitively, psychologically, and emotionally.

As a couple working in healthcare, perhaps we view this topic with a particular prescience. We see the illnesses, both chronic and acute, that plague the lives of many. We see up close and personal the impact of disability on so many individuals.

Though we focus on our capabilities and aim to optimize our physical health, we are careful not to overextend ourselves. We resistance train not for ego or to get big muscles (certainly a big bonus), but because it is the most effective way of preserving our health.

We are sure to liberalize and enjoy our diets while being mindful of what we eat. We do what we can on any given day, whether it is 7k or 10k steps, or if we only had time to do half our lifts. We develop recipes with healthier alternatives where possible, and find creative ways of incorporating flavor.

Peter is very simple in that he works by a clear list of priorities. And to him, health ranks among the top of the list; so concrete is this priority that it is the first thing he does in the morning. I’ve preferred afternoon or evening workouts in the past, but have since switched to joining him in the mornings.

Mundane activities like meal prepping and working have been more enjoyable (and held more accountable) when done alongside someone else. We envision ourselves doing this for years to come. As Peter jokingly said to me on our first date: he’s looking for someone to go hiking with at the ripe age of 80 years old.

XOXO,

Howard and Peter