Throughout the month of September the non-profit health organization,
America on the Move, is celebrating the many ways we can lead healthier, more active lives. AOM wants all of us to make September “STEPtember” by focusing on small steps and turning them into daily healthful habits. Health professionals can play a role by helping their clients focus on changes that are realistic and doable, since they are more likely to have long-term success.
But there is something more you can do beyond just helping your clients- you can help yourself as well. Yes, even health professionals can join in the “STEPember” celebration by focusing on ways to improve your overall health and wellness. And there are many compelling reasons why ‘practicing what you preach’ is important. An article in the
Wall Street Journal highlighted a study which supports the link between what doctors do and what they tell their clients. Erika Frank, a professor of public health at the University of British Columbia and a principle investigator for the study says, “If we pay more attention to physician’s health, we’ll have a patient population that is healthier.” In fact, doctors who exercise and watch their weight are not only more likely to counsel their clients to do so, but they are considered more credible as well. According to this article, a group of doctors who have lost weight say it’s made a big difference in their ability to help their clients to the same.
Personally, I would have to agree. As a dietitian I have helped many people improve their nutrition and manage their weight. The process seemed simple enough. However, it wasn’t until after having a baby that I realized how difficult it really was to set realistic and achievable weight loss goals. At first I set some lofty goals, and it was no suprise that I failed to meet them. How likely was I really to go to the gym every day for an hour while juggling a full time career and a new baby? No wonder I failed at first. I decided it was time to put into practice what I was telling clients for years, “Set small goals and make each one realistic.” For my next attempt I set goals that I knew I could achieve. First, I challenged myself to go on a short 15 minute walk after work with my baby and dog at least four days a week. Once I had accomplished that, I moved on to include a yoga class on the weekends. Over time I have increased the minutes of my walks and try to add in an extra yoga session when doable.
This experience, although challenging at first, helped me as a health professional to better promote to clients the effectiveness of realistic goal setting and the importance of
small steps for lasting changes. In honor of STEPtember, I hope that you take a minute to reflect on your current health habits and identify a few small goals you would like to work towards. Start taking those small steps forward and remember that you are not only improving your lifestyle, but becoming a more effective health professional as well.
Ashley Rosales, R.D.
Project Manager
Ashley Rosales, Registered Dietitian
About me:
Ashley Rosales, registered dietitian, received her B.S. in Clinical Nutrition from UC Davis and completed the dietetic internship program at Napa State Hospital. She has a professional background in nutrition for the elderly and has worked in both the clinical and community setting. However, she has found her true calling working in the field of nutrition education where she can empower others to make the best food and lifestyle decisions for their own optimal health and wellness.
Ashley’s fondest childhood memories took place in the kitchen helping her mom and grandmother cook, or around the dinner table sharing laughs with family and friends. As a wife and new mom she loves keeping the family mealtime tradition alive by preparing delicious and nutritious meals at home and she is inspired to help others do the same. She strongly believes that no matter what challenges families are faced with, such as limited time, lack of skills or even economic resources, they can find unique ways to share in a home cooked meal and reap all of the wonderful benefits of family meal time.
Her favorite quote: “We are indeed more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us be much more than what we are.”
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