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You can help your patients eat better, live healthier
Indiana ranks ninth in the nation for obese adults and 15th in the number of overweight adolescents, according to a report by the Trust for America's Health.
Physicians can play a key role in helping patients adopt healthier lifestyles. Even a three- to five-minute discussion during an office visit can encourage a patient to change behavior. (American Family Physician, March 15, 2003) In fact, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that clinicians screen all adult patients for obesity.
Two physicians who routinely counsel children and adults about healthy lifestyles share some tips that work for them when helping patients lose weight.
Counseling children
 "I didn't know there were so many different kinds of gravy until I came
here," exclaimed Landi Halloran, M.D.
The Greencastle pediatrician champions healthy eating for children in
her community. She participates in public discussion panels and often
talks to schools and parents about menu choices.
Dr. Halloran's method to help families with overweight children begins
with three weekly visits.
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Week one: She discusses growth charts and nutrition, and advises parents to restrict drinks to milk and water. Limited TV and computer time also is recommended.
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Week two: She advises parents to avoid the potato chip aisle at the grocery store and to stop eating at restaurants. She often has to counsel parents on how to cook at home.
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Week three: Patients are evaluated and monthly visits are scheduled.
"I have about a 50/50 success rate," noted Dr. Halloran. "The parents who are really concerned are on board."
Tips for adults
 Being precise in your counsel with adults is the key to success, advised
Deeya Brooks, M.D., a specialist in non-surgical weight loss.
"You don't have to use the word obese with patients," she explained. "For
example, you can talk to them about their weight contributing to their health problems."
Here are tips the Indianapolis physician uses to guide her patients to a
healthier lifestyle:
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Shop the periphery of the grocery store. This keeps the focus off packaged and processed foods.
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Eat only fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains.
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Develop a diet that works for individual patients and requires counting calories. "Don't give sample menus or diets. Teach patients about eating nutritious foods," Dr. Brooks advises.
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For patients who have an aversion to exercise, talk about moving more. "Counting calories can be hard for patients at first, but it gives them a little flexibility," noted Dr. Brooks. "Most people do very well with it."
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Even more about counseling.
InShape Indiana encourages healthy lifestyles
Your patients may find an added incentive to adopt a healthier lifestyle through InShape Indiana's new program, "Ready, Set, Walk!"
The initiative, offered through July 4, encourages participants to incorporate more walking into their daily routines, improve eating habits and stop smoking.
People who sign up for the program receive a free pedometer and a log to record walking distances. Also, e-mail messages with useful information are provided each week.
Get details about the initiative.
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