Don't sweat 'microscopic' dietary issues

Get perspective and worry less about food

Date published: 12/3/2006

By JENNIFER MOTL

SO MANY PEOPLE seem to be afraid of food and overly focused on the little things. As a dietitian, I'm often asked what I call "microscopic" questions: Does eating out of plastic containers cause cancer? Should I buy organic food? Should I avoid corn syrup?

Without a sense of perspective, small risks loom large and cast monstrous shadows, while nearby dangers get overlooked.

When people look at nutrition through a microscope, they often miss the big picture. For example, it's true that you can reduce your exposure to chemicals by avoiding food cooked in plastic containers. But if you become obsessed with this fact and forget to eat fruits and vegetables, you're liable to run into other problems.

Today I'll share my top tips for feeling better, living longer and worrying less about health. But first, I'll explain how you can recognize health risks and decide which things to focus on.

The pickle-jar theory of time management--which I'll twist to apply to health--goes something like this: You hold an empty pickle jar. Your daily tasks are stones. Important tasks are big stones--going to work, spending time with family, etc. Lower-priority tasks are pebbles.

If you start your day by filling your jar with unimportant pebbles, like reading junk mail and other drivel, you may run out of space (and time) for your big, high-priority rocks.

So it's best to put your big rocks into the jar first. The pebbles can be poured on top later, and sift down to fill the spaces among the big rocks. When you do your high-priority things first, the little things are easier to fit in.

Similarly, we should prioritize healthy behaviors. I think big rocks, health-wise, are things like wearing seat belts, quitting smoking and drugs, drinking responsibly and practicing safe sex. I base this on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's data on top causes of death in America.

Other big "rocks" include:

Getting counseling when depressed, as suicide causes a significant number of deaths.

Seeing a doctor for regular checkups, because catching problems early can control or prevent many diseases.

Getting vaccinated to prevent flu and pneumonia.

Being physically active for at least a half-hour every day.

Health care help: Even people who don't have health insurance can take advantage of free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and cancer offered by many hospitals and pharmacies. These groups often offer free or reduced-price health care as well, if you ask about it. Mary Washington Hospital has a mobile health clinic for those who lack health insurance or access to health care. It provides immunizations, physicals and other services. For more information about the clinic and eligibility requirements, call 888/ 487-7742. Also, the Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic in Fredericksburg provides primary care and other services to low-income, uninsured residents. Call 540/741-1061 for more information.

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Date published: 12/3/2006