Forks to Knives.

A recent article in the paper said that studies find stomach surgery more effective than medicine for diabetes. The piece caught my eye, tilted my head, and caused me to pensively utter the word, "interesting". Interesting is my word for a number of things, but I find it particularly useful when I am uncertain that I believe something.  I have no doubt the referenced studies are valid. My concern is that their findings might become the battle cry for surgical interventions to be touted over medical and social solutions for obesity and type two diabetes.  

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has a mixed history when it comes to giving sound advice related to nutrition. You may recall their "American Diabetes Association Deals" where they partnered with a couple corporations to provide discounts on pizza and ice-cream. Then there was the almost famous statement from within their ranks that, "you can't just eat your way to type-2 diabetes" during the "Paula Deen's got diabetes" dialogue. These things make the ADA "interesting" to me, and they remain far from my number one source for good health advice. However, I do appreciate the fact that they do not list surgery as part of the diabetes treatment regimen.

Getting people to modify their diet and exercise plans sounds great, and it works. I have maintained 60-70 lbs of weight loss for the last 10 years sans surgery, but it's not easy, I get that.  The article states only severe cases of type two diabetes will be eligible for the surgery, I get that too.  I also understand that surgeons, while they want to do their part, are not expected to mitigate the myriad of health determinants  that affect their patients every day. Issues such as access to food, stress management, economic development, education, etc. are not handled in the operating suite. We should not be surprised that they want to bring a knife to the food fight (even though mashed potatoes and cream-pies don't need cutting). We do what we know.

Perhaps for some it is time for the knife, and should policy-makers decide that this $20K procedure warrant mass adoption, the surgery will be more widely available.  When that day comes (and presuming we are still concerning ourselves with medical cost containment), I hope said policy-makers consider some balance to their approach.  Promote the surgical intervention and: promote policies to improve access to good food options so that post-operative patients (and their communities) can eat healthier meals. Ensure  the food options available in all communities are varied (like that color-block plate HHS launched last year). Push planners and developers to incorporate elements into their community design schemes that help sustain inhabitants as well as the environment, promoting activity by default by improving walk-ability for example. 

We have been on a slippery slope for a while with this health thing.  Its easy to slide, and hard to stop once you've started.  The right balance gets us to the bottom of the slope on both feet with the least damage done.  Clearing the way is what will cost us, and the political will to do that is yet to be seen.

 Studies find stomach surgery more effective than medicine for diabetes.

Cardio Swag Trainer Sessions, 1st Edition.

Working out can seem more like pain than pleasure, but we all want the results, physically and psychologically.  Having that edge that fitness gives you can reap major benefits for your health and wellness.  I like to call that edge, "CardioSwag", and here in the DMV we have some great "CardioSwag" Ambassadors, people like trainer Shawn Vass. 

Shawn is the founder of Xtreme Acceleration (a DC-based sports performance company). He's a sports management and marketing expert from the DMV, an internationally certified Speed Agility and Conditioning (SAC) coach, and a speed-demon in his own right taking his Twitter name @The_Veyron, from the Bugatti Veyron (the fastest street legal production car on the planet).

He's trained athletes at many levels and in many sports including the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, and the EPL (English Premier League soccer).  Shawn's a great motivator, so I thought I'd ask him to share some of his wisdom with you. 

Remember to consult your physician before starting a work-out regimen or taking any nutrition supplements. 

Dr. V - Thanks for joining me this week.  I appreciate the energy and motivation you provide on Twitter and in person to me and all your clients. Why do you train people?

Vass - "I am addicted to seeing people do better.  Even if it's just a little bit, I thrive on helping people improve.  I love to motivate people, and every person is different.  The challenge of motivating people keeps me going every day."  

Dr. V -  What is the most common misperception people have about training with a trainer?

Vass - "Two things are common misperceptions about training with a trainer: First, that if you have a trainer, you will automatically get in shape.  Self-motivation is the key to getting in shape. A trainer can only do so much.

The second is that a trainer is too expensive.  But it's cheaper than a heart attack, diabetes and prescription drugs."  

Dr. V - Can you give us your top 3 health tips? 

Vass - "1.  apple cider vinegar: 19 of the 21 essential minerals that your body needs, it stimulates your metabolism, suppresses your appetite, and it helps rid the body of fat.  You can take it in pill form, or liquid form when diluted in water.  

2. tart cherry juice: fruit with the highest antioxidant score. take tablespoon diluted in water twice a day.  it helps in every facet of heart health, and is an ant-inflammatory.  

3.  Warm up before your stretch:  if you don't warm up first, you will create micro tears in the muscle fibers. "

Dr. V - If you could remove one obstacle for your clients when it comes to their health, what would it be?

  

Vass - "The biggest obstacle is time, or lack of time.  People always say they don't have the time to exercise, when in reality, if they worked out, they would have more energy every day and would make finding the time to work out a priority." 

That's it for this week. Remember to get motivated, make the time, put in the work, and you'll see the results.  There are no quick fixes for sustained weight loss and improved health.  Cardio Swag takes time and effort, and we are here to help you make it happen.

Peace,

Dr. V  

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"A rich man is one with knowledge, happiness, and his health." C Lo & Common - Gaining One's Definition (G.O.D)