How High Cholesterol Became My Wake-Up Call:

A Doctor’s Journey to Better Health

Physicians are Terrible Patients

Being diagnosed with high cholesterol might have saved my life. Hyperbole? Maybe. But then again, maybe not.

Here’s the truth: despite practicing medicine for nearly a decade, I haven’t always been the best patient. That’s not uncommon among healthcare professionals.

There’s an inside joke amongst doctors and nurses that we often make terrible patients. Some of that is on us—we know too much and sometimes think we can “handle it.” But some of it is due to the relentless demands of our jobs.

How My Schedule Kept Me From Getting Care

I’ll never forget when I was in residency and developed a tooth infection. It got so bad that I needed a root canal. But because of my work schedule, I had to wait six agonizing weeks to take care of it—by using my vacation time, no less. That’s the kind of chaos that can make self-care feel impossible.

My Cholesterol Levels Were Extremely High

Fast forward to now. I recently got my labs done, and let’s just say the results weren’t stellar. My cholesterol was high, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Call it a slap in the face or a wake-up call, but it was a moment of clarity.

This time, I decided to follow my own advice. No excuses. I immediately made significant changes to my diet, cutting out trans and saturated fats as well as processed foods. And you know what happened?

The Results

Within days, I noticed a boost in energy. My body was running cleaner, and it thanked me for it. My sleep improved. My focus sharpened. The weight started to come off—nearly 20 pounds in four weeks.

But beyond the physical changes, something else happened: I felt a renewed sense of purpose, a commitment to prioritize my health in a way I hadn’t before.

So, did being diagnosed with high cholesterol save my life? Only time will tell. But what I can say for sure is that it’s given me a second chance—a chance to live a healthier, fuller life.

Life is Short, Don't Put it Off

If you’re hesitating to make a change, don’t. Take the leap. Start now. Every step, no matter how small, gets you closer to where you want to be. In medicine, there’s a saying: “It’s never too early, but it’s often too late.”

Let this be your wake-up call. Don’t wait for tomorrow when you can start today. You deserve to feel better, live better, and thrive. Take control of your health—it’s the greatest gift you can give yourself.

A Special Note From the Doctor:

“Your health is your most valuable asset—protect it fiercely. Change doesn’t have to be perfect or immediate, but it does have to begin. Trust me, the effort you put in today will ripple into a stronger, healthier you tomorrow. Start where you are and keep moving forward—you’re worth it.”

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of content found on this blog.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. Reliance on any information provided by this blog is solely at your own risk. The author(s) of this blog do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages.

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