Where in the World was Dr. Beth?

Last week I had the good fortune to experience continuing medical education in a retreat setting. I would like to share some of my experience with you. The retreat was held at Omega Institute, about a 3-4 hour drive in Rhinebeck, NY. Their website is www.eomega.org. I invite anyone who needs or could use a break from the busyness of daily life to plan a retreat. If not at Omega, I would love to share some other options with you. Omega does close in the winter, but offers retreats in Costa Rica for those so inclined.

My teacher for the week was Dr. Paul Epstein. You can learn more about Dr. Epstein at drpaulepstein.com; and here is a link to a short video where he, coincidentally, discusses the role of mind-body medicine in weight loss: Paul Epstein – How true healing comes from within – Integrative Wisdom. A great article by Dr. Epstein can be found here: Can Illness be an Opportunity?

So what does this all have to do with you and me? The week at Omega with Dr. Epstein mostly reinforced and refined my personal and professional experience: that food, physical activity, medications, surgery, supplements and social contacts all have their place in our moving to and maintaining a healthier weight. But as he says, we can really only expect lasting weight loss when we “connect the cell to self,” because our “biography becomes our biology.”

So as you and I consider the right for you food, physical activity, medical care, etc., let’s continue to include your relationship with yourself, your thoughts, beliefs, feelings and emotions. After all (say it with me now), “Peace of Mind Protects from Piece of Cake”.