5 Things I Wish I knew...Then: As Told By a Physician

By: Kay Kirkpatrick, M.D., as told to Sharon Liao
Via: Shape, August 2010

As a physician, I've always thought I knew what it took to stay healthy. So when my doctor told me he'd found a blockage in one of my arteries, I was stunned. At 55, I realized the bad habits of my 20s had finally caught up with me. Struggling to balance my hectic life as a medical resident and new mom, greasy takeout was a staple. And while I've since cleaned up my act, the effects of a fatty diet were cumulative, building up into threatening plaque. This scare, along with problems I see in my practice, reminded me that decisions made at any age can have a lifelong impact. Here are a few truths I'd love to have known in my youth:

A Junk Food Diet Will Come Back to Haunt You
Even if you don't gain a single pound, unhealthy fare takes a toll on the body. That's because saturated fat, which is deposited in the arteries, accumulates over time. In fact, research shows that more than 90 percent of heart disease causes are preventable - but you have to start early.

Exercise Improves Your Outlook
Working up a sweat increases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, making it a natural way to fend off depression. While popping a pill can be necessary, I feel like it's a quick fix for some. People should lace up their sneakers and see if, after time, the world is a happier place.

You Have to Put Yourself First
Like many people, I used to overcommit myself. Whether it was a business speech or a school function, I'd agree to help out. Then when the day came, I'd drive myself crazy trying to get everything done. But making myself and my family a priority is crucial for my health and sanity. Now, I ask for a night to think over the request, which helps me sort out what's really important. And if I decide to turn it down, rather than come up with an excuse, I simply reply, "Now isn't good for me, but thanks for the invitation." After all, time is your most valuable asset - and I've learned to treasure every minute.

You Only Have Until Age 35 to Build Bone
Safeguarding your skeleton is like putting money in a 401(k): The more bone you build in your 20s and 30s, the better off you'll be in your later years. As an orthopedic surgeon, I see firsthand the effects of having a fragile frame. A few of my patients right now are active 50 - something woman who slipped and fell - and wound up with a fractured hip. If they'd been vigilant when they were younger about getting at least the recommended daily value of 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily, along with weight-bearing exercises like running, they might have avoided the operating room.

Smoking Adds Years to Your Face
I'm grateful that I never got hooked on cigarettes, because I can instantly spot a longtime smoker by her/his appearance. Not only do nicotine and tar harm lungs, they also make your skin sag and wrinkle. Each time you take a drag, those chemicals damage tiny blood vessels, so less oxygen and nutrients circulate and reach the skin.