January's Snowy Walk With a Doc

The more than 70 intrepid souls braved the snow to join last Saturday’s Walk with a Doc at East Boulder Community Park were rewarded with a gorgeous view of the snow-blanketed Flatirons just after sunrise – an incredible way to start the weekend!

Dr. Andrew McBride of Boulder Creek Family Medicine described “lifestyle medicine,” where medical providers focus on educating patients on how to establish or improve healthy daily habits as a way of preventing the underlying causes of disease.

This approach is increasingly popular at BCH and other medical facilities because lifestyle factors like poor diet choices, sedentary habits and excessive stress contribute to the growing trend of “lifestyle diseases” such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems.

Dr. McBride outlined a few areas where small changes can yield big benefits for your well-being:

• Eat mostly whole foods: Lots of fruits and vegetables! If you eat meat, consider how it is raised and avoid processed meats. Preparing simple meals at home is a great way to take care of yourself.
• Be physically active. Research shows walking daily can decrease the probability of early death, heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, colon cancer and diabetes. It also helps prevent weight gain and falls, and can lower risk for depression and improve brain function in older adults.
• Practice relaxation. Sitting quietly for a few moments and breathing deeply helps release built-up stress. Try gentle yoga or guided relaxation recordings.
• Nurture social connections. Studies indicate that being in loving relationships has multiple health benefits including greater longevity, lower blood pressure, better immune response, improved heart health, and more.
• Make sleep a priority. Try turning off screens and bright lights an hour before bedtime. Make up your own soothing bedtime ritual: perhaps gentle stretches, herbal tea or reading in bed.

You won't want to miss the fun at February's very special Indoor edition of Walk with a Doc! On Saturday, February 9, we will gather at the Food Court at FlatIron Crossing Mall (1 West FlatIron Crossing Drive in Broomfield) from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

• BCH’s Clinical Education team will demonstrate “hands-only” CPR techniques you can learn in just 10 minutes!
• BCH pharmacists will be on hand to answer your medication-related questions.
• Cardiologist Dr. Nelson Trujillo of Boulder Heart will talk about “Heart Health and Plant-Based Foods.”

See you there! Find more details at: bch.org/walkwithadoc.