Self Care

Better Self Care, Better Health

By Dr. Kushner / February 2, 2021 /

You’re already probably used to taking care of others – your children, an ailing parent, a friend or even your pet. Now it’s time to start treating yourself better too. In my 40 + years treating patients, I’ve found that those who make time for self-care, do better managing weight and boosting health than those…

Improve Energy Level and Mood to Help you through the Holidays

By Dr. Kushner / November 21, 2020 /

Holiday times are usually a time when you need high energy for all the family get-togethers, gift buying and cooking that are piled onto your day-to-day routine. But this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, family gatherings will be smaller, big meal festivities will be downsized and gift buying…

Tips for Overcoming Health Habit Procrastination

By Dr. Kushner / September 15, 2020 /

As the weather changes along with family schedules, Fall can be a time for personal renewal and transformation. But the energy you used to put forth toward creating new schedules and healthier self-care practices in past autumn seasons may now be focused on dealing with pandemic-related stress, uncertainty and fears. This can lead to procrastination,…

3 Tips to Overcome Health Habit Fatigue

By Dr. Kushner / June 13, 2020 /

When you start something new, whether it’s a healthy eating plan, a new workout program or even pandemic-related safety practices, many people tend to be gung-ho. But as time goes on, motivation can wane along with those new health practices – especially if they have not become ingrained as daily habits. When my patients experience…

Protecting Your Health and Relationships during this New Phase of the Pandemic

By Dr. Kushner / June 8, 2020 /

As our country is easing stay-at-home restrictions, we are all being faced with decisions to make. Which family members and friends do you feel comfortable bringing into your social circle? Are you accepting invitations to dine out with others? Is a backyard birthday celebration okay? Though socialization is something we all crave as it’s an…

Boost Accountability and Motivation for Better Health Habits

By Dr. Kushner / May 26, 2020 /

The science of habit formation tells us that being accountable to others can be a powerful motivator to maintain healthy habits. And yet during the pandemic, many of us have lost the “others” who kept us accountable as walking buddies, fellow group exercisers, motivating personal trainers and work colleagues who share your passion for healthy…

Tips to Boost Movement (and Mood!) despite Disrupted Schedules

By Dr. Kushner / May 13, 2020 /

My recent telehealth visits reveal that changed schedules during this stay at home pandemic have uprooted exercise programs for many. No more health club visits, workouts with a personal trainer, spin classes, morning walks with a friend or exercising at home while kids are at school. Working remotely can also lead to more sedentary behaviors.…

Health Habits Silver Lining during Pandemic?

By Dr. Kushner / April 28, 2020 /

When we come out the other side of this pandemic, many of us are wondering – how will life be different? As an expert in weight management for the past 4 decades, I’ve been watching different diet trends come and go. Now that we have all been social distancing at home with restaurants and health…

Manage Stress during Stay at Home Order

By Dr. Kushner / April 20, 2020 /

With emotions high during the Covid-19 pandemic, feeling stressed may be your new normal. You may feel overwhelmed, have a lack of focus and concentration, have worrisome thoughts that cloud your head or be aware of tension in your neck and shoulders. This may lead to trouble sleeping, turning to food or alcohol for self-soothing…

3 Tips to Manage Stress Eating during the Pandemic

By Dr. Kushner / April 3, 2020 /

A change in routine and heightened stress levels during the Covid-19 pandemic have created the perfect storm for stress eating. Here are some ways you may be affected. Instead of going to work and eating a planned lunch, you may be taking repeated kitchen breaks with kids at home – leading to unplanned snacking. Instead…