The health of children today is a growing concern, with rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and early signs of heart disease becoming increasingly prevalent. Recent studies have shown that even children as young as 10, consuming a standard American diet (SAD), exhibit fatty streaks in their blood vessels—a precursor to heart disease. Type 2 diabetes, once primarily an adult disease, is now being diagnosed more frequently in adolescents. These alarming trends highlight the urgent need for better nutritional education and lifestyle changes from an early age.

Dr. Roxanne George's Journey into Lifestyle Medicine

One medical professional who is committed to turning these trends around is Dr. Roxanne George, a board-certified pediatrician. On the most recent episode of the NHA Health Science podcast, Dr. George shared her transformative journey and insights into combating these health challenges with host, Dr. Frank Sabatino.

Initially drawn to epigenetics and cystic fibrosis research during her college years, Dr. George's career trajectory shifted significantly when she moved to Houston. There, she encountered alarmingly high childhood obesity rates, which underscored the inadequacies of current nutritional education in pediatric care.

Discovering the Impact of Plant-Based Nutrition

In Houston, Dr. George discovered the critical need to address childhood obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Her research revealed flaws in traditional dietary recommendations, particularly those promoting dairy consumption for calcium. She found that dairy products were associated with increased risks of cancer, diabetes, and high saturated fat levels. This revelation prompted Dr. George to explore plant-based nutrition as a healthier alternative.

A Personal and Professional Transformation

Dr. George's deep dive into the benefits of a plant-based diet led to a personal and professional shift. Influenced by seminal works like the China Study, she embraced a plant-based lifestyle almost overnight. This shift not only improved her own health but also reinforced her commitment to advocating plant-based nutrition within her pediatric practice.

Addressing Early Onset of Chronic Diseases

Dr. George is particularly concerned about the early onset of chronic diseases among children. The presence of fatty streaks in the blood vessels of 10-year-olds and the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes in adolescents highlight the critical need for dietary interventions. She advocates for a plant-based diet rich in fiber and low in saturated fats to combat these trends and improve long-term health outcomes.

Integrating Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine

Dr. George's practice integrates nutrition and lifestyle medicine into every pediatric visit. While her colleagues may not all be plant-based, they share a commitment to promoting nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Dr. George emphasizes the gradual incorporation of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into meals, making dietary transitions smoother and more sustainable for families.

www.HealthScience.org/podcast/090-Dr-Roxanne-George

Vicki Brett-Gach, a prominent advocate for plant-based nutrition and lifestyle, recently brought her wealth of experience and passion to the NHA Health Science Podcast hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino. Her appearance is an inspiration and she offered practical advice for listeners interested in exploring the benefits of plant-based diets and integrating them into their lives.

Journey to Plant-Based Wellness

Vicki Brett-Gach, a certified Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Educator, has dedicated her career to promoting the transformative benefits of plant-based eating. Her journey began as a personal quest for health and vitality, which she now shares through her coaching practice and public engagements.

Exploring Plant-Based Nutrition

During her conversation, Vicki touched upon several pivotal themes about the plant-based lifestyle.

Energy and Vitality: Vicki emphasized how transitioning to a plant-based diet can significantly boost energy levels and enhance overall well-being. She shared personal anecdotes and success stories from her coaching practice, illustrating the transformative power of nutritious plant foods.

Navigating Challenges: Recognizing the evolving landscape of dietary choices, Vicki discussed practical strategies for overcoming initial challenges when adopting a plant-based lifestyle. She highlighted the increasing accessibility of plant-based options and the growing awareness in mainstream dining.

Community and Support: Vicki underscored the importance of community in sustaining dietary changes. She discussed how online platforms and local gatherings play a crucial role in providing support and sharing resources among like-minded individuals.

Culinary Creativity: As a passionate culinary enthusiast, Vicki shared insights into creating delicious and nutritious plant-based meals. She encouraged listeners to explore diverse flavors and cooking techniques, making healthy eating both enjoyable and accessible.

Read more https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/089-Vicki-Brett-Gach

Dr. Scott Harrington's interest in medicine and healthy living began early in life, deeply influenced by his mother's struggles with weight. Watching her navigate these challenges, he developed a fascination with diet books and a desire to help others achieve better health. However, it wasn't until 2012, after watching the documentary "Forks Over Knives," that his perspective shifted significantly. The film, which highlights the benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet, inspired him to embrace veganism and adopt a more holistic approach to health.

Military Experience and Plant-Based Transformation

As an active-duty Army physician, Dr. Harrington faced personal health challenges, including maintaining his own weight. Despite efforts to manage his weight through portion control and intense exercise, he often felt hungry and deprived. A turning point came when a Special Forces soldier introduced him to the plant-based diet, emphasizing its performance benefits. This encounter, coupled with the influence of "Forks Over Knives," led Dr. Harrington to adopt a plant-based diet, transforming his approach to health and wellness.

Integrating Military Insights into Healthcare

Dr. Harrington's military service, including deployments in Afghanistan, profoundly shaped his understanding of trauma and recovery. He emphasized the importance of normalizing responses to traumatic experiences, such as PTSD, and helping patients view their reactions as typical under extreme conditions. This empathetic approach has been crucial in his practice, allowing him to build trust and provide effective care for veterans and others dealing with significant stress and trauma.

Transitioning from Military Service

After years of long deployments and rigorous schedules, Dr. Harrington sought a change from his demanding life in active duty. Desiring more time with his family and a less strenuous routine, he decided to transition to a career that allowed him to work from home. This shift led him to a telemedicine provider called American Well, similar to Teladoc or Doctors On Demand, where he served as a staff doctor.

The Telemedicine Experience

During his two years at American Well, Dr. Harrington was licensed in multiple states, allowing him to reach a wide range of patients. While the job provided the convenience of working from home, it lacked continuity of care. The nature of telemedicine meant he often saw new patients with minor ailments, leaving him unfulfilled professionally. He found himself yearning for deeper, more meaningful patient interactions and the opportunity to discuss lifestyle medicine more comprehensively.

Learn more at: www.HealthScience.org/podcast/088-dr-scott-harrington