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Dr. Bojana Jankovic Weatherly on Tips for Optimal Health

Dr. Bojana Jankovic Weatherly As a physician who is board certified in both internal and integrative medicine, I practice evidence-based medicine that is personalized to each individual I work with. I partner with my patients to discover and address the root causes of their conditions and develop individualized plans to support and empower them to achieve their health goals.

We all have the ability to take simple steps toward a healthier life, but sometimes, the available health information may leave us feeling confused or overwhelmed. For instance, there are a number of seemingly contradictory conclusions about the optimal diet for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases, so which diet is best? Faced with contradictory information, we sometimes opt for the less healthy choices. For example, rather than focusing on plant-rich foods, one may opt for processed versions of “Paleo”, “vegan” or “gluten-free” foods. Other times, diets are overly restrictive, putting individuals at risk for nutrient deficiencies. And finally, some people may just give up and say, “I’ve been ‘good’ all day. Does it really matter that much if I have processed foods and added sugar after dinner while watching TV?” The short answer is: It absolutely does!

Here are lifestyle and nutrition practices that should be on all of our priority lists:

Sleep

Aim to get as close to 8 hours of sleep per night (or more, if your body desires this) as possible. Adequate sleep helps us balance our hunger and satiety hormones, it helps support our immunity, it supports a healthy mood, and it helps us function more efficiently during the day.

Eat whole foods

There is overwhelming evidence that whole, plant-based foods have cancer preventative properties, and that they can play a role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. A plant-rich diet also supports a healthy weight, a healthy gut microbiome and a healthy immune system. When eating plants, aim for eating foods that are all colors of the rainbow in order to get a diverse mix of phytonutrients.

Avoid processed foods

Any food that’s processed is usually frozen, canned, dried, baked, or pasteurized. While some foods can go through processing that involves only cleaning, cutting, and packaging, too many others contain added ingredients like saturated fats, sugar, and salt. These can all be harmful, especially if consumed regularly or in excess. These foods also contain less dietary fiber and fewer vitamins and minerals than whole foods.

Avoid sugary beverages

Avoid empty calories. Period. Drink plenty of water and add in tea for variety instead.

Exercise

Doing regular aerobic exercise as well as strength training is key to maintaining good health. A recent research paper that reviewed 300 studies found that while those who are physically active can halve their risk of a heart attack and sudden cardiac death, intense exercise training can be risky for some individuals.

Adopt a lifestyle program

For those with cardiovascular disease, a lifestyle modification program including nutrition, stress management, fitness, love and a support group, can significantly reduce body mass, blood pressure, “bad” cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, 1 in 4 heart attack and clot-related stroke survivors will have another event. It’s never too late to change your habits and get healthier—the earlier, the better. Working with a dedicated team including a qualified healthcare provider, a dietitian and a health coach, will help you implement and maintain the habits that are most supportive to your health and longevity.

To your health!

Dr. Bojana Jankovic Weatherly

Dr. Bojana Jankovic Weatherly is a Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM), a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS).

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On October 18, 2007, President George W. Bush released Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 (HSPD-21), calling on our nation, among other initiatives, to “collectively support and facilitate the establishment of a discipline of disaster health”. It is a great testament to the wisdom and foresight of the American Board of Physician Specialties that it immediately set to work and created, within the short span of only one year, an educational blueprint and set of certification examinations, both written and oral, for a new subspecialty of disaster medicine—and it is why I chose to be part this vital initiative and this wonderful organization. This is but one of the many innovative programs initiated by the American Board of Physician Specialties over the years, and why I am proud to support its work on behalf of our nation’s public health.

Art Cooper, MD
Disaster Medicine
When the American Board of Physician Specialties offered to host the American Board of Integrative Medicine, ABPS became a landmark organization working to move medicine into the twenty first century. Certifying physicians who have completed rigorous academic training in Integrative Medicine ensures that the field of Integrative Medicine will continue to develop academically, clinically, and professionally. The leadership of ABPS continues to impress me - they are diligent in constantly innovating to provide certifications for physicians who want to advance their careers and their areas of expertise. I am honored to be a part of this organization.

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD
Integrative Medicine
There are many ways board certification advances a physician career. ABPS Board examination verifies your accuracy, precision, and reflects your mastery of your residency training verifying your expertise. ABPS Board certification demonstrates your level of expertise beyond your practice experience, primary education degrees, and training which are necessary for insurance reimbursement and practice privilege requirements. Attaining your ABPS Board Certification will clarify your purpose, secure your practice growth, and expand into leadership positions. Board certification can serve as an indication of a physician’s commitment to medicine, beyond the minimal standards and competency of training, their measurement to quality of care, and attaining an award for excellence.

Chris Kunis MD
Internal Medicine
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Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
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Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

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Internal Medicine
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