Here we are, on the other side of a once-in-a lifetime pandemic, with a new resolve to live a more healthy life. But, if we’re honest, the odds say many of us have already reverted to our old ways. (French fries are a vegetable, right?) While we look to the advice of health care professionals to help us cultivate wellness every day, it’s reassuring to remember that they struggle with temptation and lack of motivation just like the rest of us. We asked a few local medical professionals what health habit they follow religiously, and where they fall short. Read what they had to say here, and find even more on marinmagazine.com.
Molly Koehler, D.O.
Family medicine, Corte Madera
Best habit: I always start the day with a 30–40-minute workout in the garage. I do YouTube videos along with a stationary bike. My two kids are 5 and 8 years old, so I have to get it in before they get up and the day gets going. I’m also good about not missing story time at night with the kids. That time to reconnect as a family is very important.
What I could do better: I’m terrible about drinking water. I tell all my patients that they need to drink more water.
Corliss Chan
Acupressure and meditation practitioner, MarinHealth Medical Center, Greenbrae
Best habit: Slowing down during the day and consciously paying attention to my breathing, which calms the nervous system, nourishes the brain and helps the organs in the body relax.
What I could do better: Go to sleep by 10 p.m. and remember that everyone is doing the best they can.
Linda Weinman Wolf, MD
Head and neck surgeon (otolaryngology), Los Gatos
Best habit: I started working out with a trainer in 2004, and I’m still working out three times a week with the same trainer. What prompted me to start 17 years ago was that I was in an airport with a friend who was a dancer, and when we got in line, she was able to go under the rope, but I couldn’t. I knew then that I needed to do something. I don’t want to fall, which is a problem as you get older — plus, this allows me to eat anything I want.
What I could do better: I eat at night. If I’m standing and reading something, somehow the cookies move magically from the box into my mouth. Before I go to bed, I think I’ll have just one, but I don’t. There’s absolutely no thought involved.
Mark Jacobs, M.D.
OB/GYN, Mill Valley
Best habit: I try to be really conscious about eating. I’ve trained myself to do that little pause, to take a breath and find that small crack between stimulus and response. I’ll ask myself: “Should I be doing this?”
What I could do better: Eat fruit. I know it’s good for me, but I just can’t do it.
More from Better:
- New Series ‘The Hungry Book Club’ Brings Awareness to Food and Lifestyle Trends Impacting Mental Health
- How to Talk to Hesitant Family and Friends about Getting Vaccinated
- 16 Inspirational Eco-Warriors Fighting for the Environment in 2021
Bonnie Miller Rubin grew up on the North Shore and was a reporter for the Chicago Tribune for 25 years, specializing in health and family issues. She is a regular contributor to The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.
