Episode 7: Stop Running on Empty — Beth Frates, MD

MedPEP

In this episode Marie meets Beth Frates, MD. Trained as a physiatrist, Beth coaches people to adopt healthy lifestyles, with an emphasis on diet, sleep, stress resiliency and exercise. In this MedPEP episode, Beth focuses on nutrition and healthy eating patterns as critical factors to energize Marie over the course of rigorous days in the clinic. She describes the evidence-based Harvard Healthy Plate - half is comprised of vegetables and fruits, one quarter is whole grains, and the last quarter includes healthy proteins. Beth sings the praises of the health-promoting vitamins, minerals and antioxidants contained in vegetables, as well as the energy-sustaining fiber found in whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa. She underscores the importance of consuming healthy sources of protein such as beans, seeds, nuts, fish and unprocessed, lean meat, all of which sustain energy more effectively than simple carbo-hydrates. Beth engages with Marie in a collaborative and empowering way, enhancing her motivation to make health-promoting changes in her diet, despite her harried work schedule. Beth also introduces the idea of mindful and restful eating, and by the end of the podcast, Marie finds herself close to taking on the challenge of setting aside 15-20 minutes of clinic time to take a restorative lunch break. Marie continues to struggle with putting her own basic needs ahead of the daily demands of her medical practice.

Disclosure Information
The Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and must ensure independence, balance, and scientific rigor in its accredited continuing educational activities.

All individuals in control of the content for an MMS accredited continuing education activity must disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies.

The following individual disclosed relevant relationships with ineligible companies:

• Elizabeth Frates, MD, Scientific Advisory Board, Jenny Craig
  Medical Advisory Board, obVus Solutions
  Owner, Wellness Synergy, LLC

All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the beginning of this activity in accordance with ACCME and MMS policies.