COVER A Doctor’s Sur vival Stor y Kearney helps his wife and three children keep healthy habits by following three basic principles. “First I see food as sustenance, not a daily pleasure,” says Kearney, who tries to eat seven to ten servings of fruits and vegetables daily. “I try to only eat food I know is healthy with only occasional indulgences.” And he doesn’t eat just to eat. “Second, I think Americans, myself included, eat too much,” says Kearney, who is double board certified in family and sports medicine. “It’s ok to go through life a little hungry and unhealthy to go through life full.” Thirdly, he shells out a little more money for select foods. “We don’t mind spending extra money and budgeting for healthy food,” he said. “And we make a decision to spend more eating out at healthy restaurants.” “It’s cheaper than diabetic medication,” he jokes.
Doc on a Bike Kearney also continues to invest his time in exercise. Yes, the doc is back on his bike grooving through the gravel with his buddies and encourages his patients to do the same. He reminds them that the American Heart Association says one hour of exercise translates to two hours of extra life. And finally, Kearney is serious about his stress level, which he manages with regular massages, maintaining a Sabbath and finding time for fun with his family. “I needed to build in more downtime to relax,” says Kearney, a sports fan who leaves the television off saying he’d rather play football with his kids than watch it. All of these things Kearney concludes helped save his life. “I probably should have died,” he says. “I’m lucky I was in shape.” Kearney recommends that people not ignore warning signs, take preven-
tative steps, do wellness checks and follow age appropriate health screens. “Don’t take your health for granted,” he advises. “I honestly believe if I wasn’t in such good shape, I would not have survived.”