I mentioned in my
last newsletter that I am starting a program in the office for patients
who are required to do a pre operative program (most insurance
companies now require this). In an attempt to
make it as convenient as possible we will be doing this on Tuesday
mornings (9-12) and Thursday evenings (from 5pm-8pm). Hopefully this will accommodate most people's schedules. You can call the office or email Dominga (dominga@gsbwc.com) to sign up or get more information.
"Waiter, there are calories in my coffee"
In addition to ranting about the insurance companies (always fun) one of the purposes of this newsletter is education. There is a growing movement to include calories on the menu boards of chain restaurants. Since
the average American eats one third of their calories away from home
this is obviously important. Most restaurants are opposed. Why is that, you ask? Most
restaurants know that consumers would be shocked if they knew the
number of calories in the sandwiches and drinks they order out. That
Starbucks venti Strawberries and Crème Frappucino (750 calories... that
is not a typo), Burger King Double Whopper with cheese (990 calories). Keep in mind that the average person only needs between 1800 and 2200 calories per day.
My purpose in bringing this up is that you are much better off
preparing your own foods if possible and if not be sure to read the
labels. Currently there is no legislation in
New Jersey
about this issue; however you can go to the following website to
encourage the health department and legislature to take action
(takeaction.cspinet.org/campaign/menugov).
I also wanted to share some wellness facts I've come across which I think maybe of interest. (from the
University of
California, Wellness Letter)
Weight loss products are the Number 1 type of consumer fraud in the
U.S. according to a report by the Federal Trade Commission. About 5 million Americans fall for these scams each year. These products include dietary supplements, nonprescription drugs, skin patches, creams, wraps, and even earrings.
To lower your cholesterol, eat beans. In
a study in the Journal of Nutrition people who ate half a cup of cooked
pinto beans daily lowered their cholesterol by 8% over 12 weeks. Beans
are also a great food after bariatric surgery, lots of protein, low fat
and easily tolerated.
The
death rate from heart disease in the U.S. has fallen a remarkable 50%
since 1980, but the downward trend has stopped in younger people, according to recent report from the Centers for Disease Control. The authors of the study felt this could be a result of increasing obesity, diabetes, and hypertension among young adults.
A recent report from the World Caner Research Fund (www.dietandcancerreport.org) found a convincing connection between excess weight and cancers of the colon, rectum, esophagus, pancreas, and kidney, as well as breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
I bring these
items up to congratulate all of you who have done the surgery that the
weight you have lost is one of the best things you could have done for
your overall health. To those of you still on
the fence I would encourage you to take the leap as the evidence of the
benefits of weight loss surgery are simply overwhelming at this point.
For all of you who live down the Shore my next patient seminar will be at the Rte 37 Holiday Inn in
Toms
River on March 29th at 10am. If you have any friends, co-workers, or relatives who would like to find out more information let them know.
End Quote:
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal"
Henry Ford
Don't let all the obstacles the insurance companies throw in your way make you take your eye off the goal, which is your health.
Until we talk again
Michael Bilof
drbilof@gsbwc.com
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