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Healthy Blogger Q and A: Dr.J!

June 25th, 2008 by hungry waif
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We've had loads of fun food/health/fitness bloggers chat with us and today we are very lucky to have Dr. J answer some light-hearted questions.  Dr. J has a column on calorie lab (the dr will see you now) and is an all around very cool guy.

So what made you decide to become a Doctor?
As a young child, wanting to be a doctor and an artist is all I can remember! My father is a doctor, so I was exposed to that at an early age. I also remember watching and liking television shows that were all about doctors and medicine, so that may have been a factor. I originally was struck by seeing people with physical deformities!  I remember wanting to straighten them out. I eventually learned that it was not that easy, however, I have been fortunate to do some straightening of less severe deformities and have found it even more rewarding than I could imagine as a child!  Although there are many excellent ways to contribute to society, for me, being a doctor is the most wonderful way I can imagine!
 
What's the biggest health myth out there that you'd  like to clear up?   
I rarely use the word metabolism! I can't say the term is a myth, but I think the concerns over the effects of dieting on metabolism are vastly overstated. I just don't believe all the "this slows your metabolism, this speeds up you metabolism," is as influential as some people think. If you are not living a fit and healthy lifestyle, there are a lot more important things in your life that are negatively affected. Do not be overly concerned about the effects of dieting on your metabolism. Instead, focus on eating a healthy diet, exercise, and working with your stress. The M word will take care of itself, and you will be a lot happier.
 
What's your favorite healthy food product?
Air popped popcorn! It's whole grain, has Native American roots, good with movies, and shares well with others. 
 
What's the biggest misconception about doctors that you'd like clear up or settle?
People feel that doctors can cure anything!  Maybe surgeons can separate you from your disease, but medically, very little can be cured! If you want a healthy life, prevention is the key. Don't stray too far from health. The recuperative powers of the human body are amazing, but even those have their limits!
 
If you could be any cartoon character, who would you be?
I'm already a cartoon character! (http://calorielab.com/news/2008/02/22/dr-j-fitness-fanatic-in-the-reality-ray/) However, if I could be someone else I'll pick Mighty Mouse!  He flies, saves the day, and I would still be involved in medicine by getting to be in all kinds of interesting laboratory studies.