Are you a picture of health? Many Americans these days think they are healthier than they really are, according to a recent survey by GE and the Cleveland Clinic. I had a chance to chat with acclaimed physician, author, and “Real Age” expert Dr. Michael Roizen. He is the Chief Wellness Officer at Cleveland Clinic, in addition to being the co-author of YOU: On a Diet and subsequent books in the series.
In our conversation, Dr. Roizen explains the surprising outcomes of the “GE Better Health Study” survey, which asked more than 2,000 Americans age 18 and older, and more than 1,200 physicians, nurses, pharmacists and dietitians about their healthy living attitudes, behaviors and barriers, as well as the state of the doctor/patient relationship. We share those results below.
Listen now to my interview with Dr. Michael Roizen.
Here are some of the most interesting findings from the “GE Better Health Study” survey:
- 25% of people ask their friends (not their doctor) for medical advice.
- 77% of health care providers say that one-fourth or more of their patients omit facts or lie to them about their personal
health. - Patients rated themselves an “A” for healthy eating, exercise, stress management, and preventive care, but their doctors give them a “C” or worse.
- Nearly everyone (98%) knows that healthy eating, exercise, and stress management are important for health yet they acknowledge they aren’t doing what they should, citing time as the number one barrier.
Based on the survey, it is clear that many people are in denial of their own health behaviors and they aren’t using their doctors as a resource to help them get healthier. Even when people acknowledge the need to change, they fall flat in taking action. Why is it that we ask our friends for their medical opinions? I don’t know about you, but the thought of some of my friends reading a lab report is frightening!
In the interview, Dr. Roizen explains how some people lack the most basic nutrition-related knowledge, like how to cut up fruits and vegetables. (Eek…) He says people should get some basic food prep help if they don’t know where to start. Roizen says online communities are a great place for not only getting information, but for finding a buddy to help you stay motivated along your journey.
Besides all the wonderful recipes and information here at DietsInReview.com, Dr. Roizen also recommended iVillage.com and HealthyMagination.com, which offers the Morsel app, a great tool to help you make small changes, and the Better Health Conversation, which provides a place for dialogue on health and wellness between health care providers and patients.