Move it!
Dr. Tim Church, a physician who researches the many benefits of exercise, has a message for us veterinary professionals… there’s a difference between being busy and being active.
“You can be very busy at work, rushing from one exam to the next, and still not make a difference in your physical activity level,” explains Dr. Church. He recommends monitoring daily activity levels and says that if you aren’t taking at least 7,500 steps each day, you are doing yourself a disservice.
“Counting steps is an easy way to make sure you are getting the daily exercise you need,” he says, “If you are below your ideal number by the afternoon, then you can take a 20-minute walk that evening.”
“This doesn’t mean you can’t have a cheat day once in a while,” says Church, “just make sure it isn’t every single day.”
Another problem that we often face is eating candy or cookies as snacks, between appointments, instead of choosing a healthier option. Dr. Church recommends practicing mindful eating, which means you should only eat when you are hungry. And, if you are hungry, choose healthier snacks like fruit or nuts.
“100 calories can make the difference between success and failure,” he says, “some people eat because of stress and not because of hungry.”
Dr. Church also recommends that the vet team work together to make the office a healthier environment. Leave the sugary treats at home and instead have healthier choices available for snacking. That means no candy bowls.
“This doesn’t mean you can’t have a cheat day once in a while,” says Church, “just make sure it isn’t every single day.”
Read more about the many benefits of exercise in Dr. Church’s book, “Move Yourself” available on Amazon Kindle for $10.99 at the time of publication.