5 Essential Health Habits Every Medical Professional Should Prioritize

Medical professionals often prioritize the well-being of their patients over their own health. However, maintaining one's own well-being is crucial for providing the best possible care. This article highlights five essential health habits that every medical professional should prioritize, backed by practical advice and expert insights.

1. Dry Your Ear Canals Thoroughly After a Shower

Excessive moisture in the ear can lead to a condition known as otitis externa, often referred to as swimmer's ear or surfer's ear. The moisture causes the skin inside the ear canal to become swollen and macerated, creating an environment where bacteria or fungi can thrive and lead to an infection, resulting in painful discharge that may require treatment with steroids and antimicrobial drops, sometimes even oral antibiotics.

To prevent this, it's crucial to dry your ear canals thoroughly after a shower or any activity that introduces moisture. The best method is to gently pat the ear canals with a thin piece of tissue. Do not use Q-tips, as they can scratch the skin and create cracks prone to infection. Always ensure that any moisture, dead skin cells, and debris are removed to minimize the risk of irritation and infection.

2. Refrain from Skimmed Milk Unless Prescribed

It's important for medical professionals to be cautious about the types of foods they consume, especially those that may not have a significant health benefit. Skimmed milk, for example, is a popular choice among many, but it lacks necessary nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins. Unless it is medically prescribed, it is best to consume whole milk or alternative dairy products that provide a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals.

3. “Eat Your Food as If It Is Medicine”

The saying "eat your food as if it is medicine" has profound implications for maintaining health and well-being. Foods should be consumed with the understanding that they have therapeutic properties. This mindset encourages mindful eating and the selection of nutrient-dense foods that can support overall health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats not only fuels the body but also promotes healing and disease prevention.

On the contrary, the act of clicking the like button on social media platforms can be seen as a modern form of addiction, much like the consumption of sugar. Both are processes that release temporary bursts of dopamine, leading to a sense of satisfaction or reward. However, these behaviors lack long-term health benefits and can eventually lead to dependency and potential harm.

4. Master the Art of Work-Life Balance

Working 40 hours a week is not only a healthier but also a more productive approach for medical professionals. Overworking, such as 50, 60, or 70-hour work weeks, often under the guise of being compensated for 40 hours, can lead to burnout and a diminished personal life. The highest standard among great surgeons was set by William Stewart Halsted, who believed that an intern's optimal work schedule was 12 days of working 8 hours a day with 362 days of being on call, all while under the influence of cocaine.

While it may seem logical to expect medical students and residents to commit to the same overburdened schedule, it is, in fact, an outdated and exploitative practice. Enforcing such working conditions is not only unethical but also detrimental to the well-being of medical professionals. The current working conditions in many medical institutions are based on the exploitation of a 19th-century addiction problem and are not in the best interest of the medical community.

5. Improve Your Personal Well-being

Medical professionals should strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance, prioritize self-care, and regularly seek medical advice for themselves. By doing so, they set a positive example for their patients and colleagues. Investing time in personal health not only improves one's own well-being but also helps in providing better, more compassionate care to others.

In conclusion, prioritizing health habits that benefit both the individual and their patients is a critical component of being a successful and compassionate medical professional. True dedication to the profession means understanding that personal well-being is just as important as professional excellence.