Episode #8 | Build Beyond: Dr. Nichole Ellis on Pediatrics & Physical Activity
- christophernetley
- May 16, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 19, 2024
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Episode Summary
Dr. Nichole Ellis, a pediatrician, discusses youth physical fitness and its importance. She shares her journey to becoming a pediatrician and the various roles she plays in her practice. Dr. Ellis emphasizes the benefits of CrossFit Kids and how it can be customized for different age groups. She also discusses the trends she has observed in physical fitness among children and the importance of movement for overall health. Dr. Ellis addresses concerns about injuries and the importance of proper technique and body mechanics. She encourages parents to let their children engage in somewhat dangerous activities to foster independence and resilience. The conversation explores the need for a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. The speakers discuss the limitations of relying solely on medication or quick fixes, emphasizing the need for lifestyle changes and patient education. They also touch on the challenges of motivating patients, especially in pediatric care, and the importance of meeting patients where they are. The conversation highlights the value of taking the time to educate and empower patients and the benefits of a patient-centered approach to healthcare.
Dr. Ellis corrected herself after the recording. According to a 2019 study published in JAMA Network Open (PMID: 30768197), middle-aged men who can do more than 40 push-ups in a single try have a 96% reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to those who can only complete 10 push-ups. CVD is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women, and includes heart attack, stroke, sudden cardiac arrest, and heart failure.
Key Takeaways
CrossFit Kids is a customizable program that can benefit children of different ages and abilities.
Physical fitness is important for overall health and well-being, and it is essential for children to engage in regular movement.
Proper technique and body mechanics are crucial to prevent injuries during physical activity.
Allowing children to participate in somewhat dangerous activities can foster independence and resilience.
Parents should lead by example and prioritize their own health and fitness to encourage their children to do the same. A holistic approach to healthcare is needed to address the root causes of health issues.
Medication and quick fixes may provide temporary relief, but lifestyle changes are necessary for long-term health.
Motivating patients, especially in pediatric care, can be challenging but essential for their well-being.
Taking the time to educate and empower patients leads to better outcomes.
A patient-centered approach to healthcare is crucial for building trust and fostering positive relationships.
References
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Dr. Ellis' Background
03:02 Dr. Ellis' Role at the Hospital and in the Community
04:10 Introduction to Youth Physical Fitness and CrossFit Kids
08:16 Benefits of CrossFit Kids for Different Age Groups
09:26 Trends and Observations in Youth Physical Fitness
12:24 Addressing Concerns about Injuries in Youth Physical Fitness
16:24 The Importance of Proper Technique and Body Mechanics
23:12 Leading by Example: Prioritizing Health and Fitness as Parents
29:12 The Need for a Holistic Approach to Healthcare
32:01 Moving Beyond Medication: Addressing Root Causes
33:06 Challenges and Strategies in Motivating Patients
35:43 The Value of Patient Education and Empowerment
43:28 Building Trust and Fostering Positive Relationships in Healthcare
Sound Bites
"The idea of CrossFit is not necessarily to complete a certain weight or bench a certain amount or do a certain amount of burpees, but just to increase individual strength and well-being."
"The act of moving, the act of doing something for your body has a positive impact."
"You cannot be sedentary and be healthy."
"You talk about physician burnout and how you're seeing it more and more. A lot of it just feels like you're just not getting fulfilled by just creating band-aids for people."
"They're fixing a downstream problem, right? They're fixing the result of lifestyles that lead to that, right? But they're not actually thinking of problems from an upstream, like what caused the hypertension? Let's work on that."
"If I apply that bandaid too much and we don't have that conversation, you know, I kind of feel like I'm taking something, I'm taking that by taking that pain away too much or doing it too effectively, applying too many band-aids."
Where to find Chris Netley:
Instagram: @chrisnetleyDC
YouTube: @chrisnetleyDC
X (formerly Twitter): @chrisnetleyDC
Facebook: Chris Netley, DC
Where to find Dr. Ellis:
Facebook: The Pediatric Place
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