Christopher Blair, D.O., M.B.A.
(Citizen's Advocate newspaper September 15, 2006)
it seems, could use more energy. For some, it actually drives them to the doctor in
search of a problem to explain the lack of energy so that it can be fixed. But for every
infrequent patient suffering from an underlying anemia or low thyroid, there is simply no
medical pathology causing their problem.
Fatigue, it seems, causes even more fatigue. Our busy lives demand so much from
us that we just run out of time for reading, or for exercise. We fight the same evening
traffic that we battled in the morning getting to work, only collapse in front of the TV and
try to unwind enough to head off for bed so that we can start tomorrow all over again.
The suggestion I give patients is to make regular, moderate exercise a part of their
routine, with emphasis on the “regular” part. Now, it’s only natural that patients think,
“but I’m too tired as it is. How is demanding even more of myself going to help with
that?” An amazing characteristic of exercise is that it actually gives you more energy.
You run, or treadmill, lift, or yoga and the next day you actually feel more energized,
more invigorated. But it all starts with that first trip to the gym.
I recall a story of two lumberjacks in a contest to cut the most wood. The first
woodsman is determined to win, so he cuts all day with not so much as a break. The
second stops for five or so minutes each hour or two to rest, have a few sips of water,
or just take a break. At the end of the day, the second lumberjack had greatly
outpaced his comrade. When the first asked the second how this was possible, he
responded, “during my breaks, I sharpened my axe.”
Call MedComm Neighborhood Medical Care today at 972-745-4446, and schedule
an appointment with one of our board certified family practice doctors for a
consultation regarding your own exercise tendencies and how you might improve
them. Sharpening your own axe could help you get more done with less, and find that
extra energy, too.