Doctor Dispels Common Myths About Overeating During Holidays

Dr. Jessica Biggie presents "Food, Fads and Foolish Behavior"

Eating too much during the holiday season is a traditional indulgence across the nation, but a Maine doctor says there are ways to keep from gaining weight this time of year without resorting to a diet.

"I believe the word Îdiet' is a dirty word," says Jessica Biggie, M.D., a physician at Martin's Point Health Care. Her talk, "Food, Fads and Foolish Behavior," dispels the common myths of obesity and dieting.

Biggie's presentation is a part of the Physician Outreach program launched earlier this year at Martin's Point Health Care. Under the program, Martin's Point physicians travel to local organizations and businesses and speak for free on a range of healthcare topics. Dr. Biggie has presented "Food, Fads & Foolish Behavior" at three local businesses this fall, and is scheduled to speak at a lunchtime meeting at the Girl Scouts of America this Wednesday, December 8.

"In many cases, dieting can actually contribute to obesity because it causes people to cycle from weight loss to weight gain, which changes metabolism and causes long-term weight problems," adds Biggie. She suggests five basic steps people can take to prevent gaining weight over the holidays:

1. Make better food choices and limit quantities.
2. Exercise regularly to work off extra calories.
3. Keep a food diary to help control your intake.
4. Pay attention to your appetite! Eat when hungry, stop when full.
5. Continue to take in adequate water (eight glasses daily), which helps curb appetite.

Biggie, a board certified physician, joined Martin's Point in 1998. She practices in the areas of family practice and obstetrics.

"The Physician Outreach program is one way we as a non-profit can give back to the community, and at the same time promote wellness among working men and women," said David H. Howes, M.D., president and chief medical officer at Martin's Point.

The outreach program was highlighted in a recent issue of Modern Physician, a national medical publication based in Chicago. In addition to "Food, Fads & Foolish Behavior," other presentation topics include: "Alternative Medicine: Health or Hazard?", "10 Ways to Live to be 100," "Hormone Replacement Therapy: Is it for You?" and "Overworked? Over the Hill? Overtired? Knowing your Limits."

For more information, call Amy Weinschenk, director of marketing and communications at Martin's Point Health Care, at 774-5801, extension 2231, or visit the Martin's Point website at www.martinspoint.org.

Established in 1981, Martin's Point Health Care employs 290 healthcare professionals who serve 44,000 patients at clinics in Portland, Windham, Brunswick and Newington, N.H. Headquartered in Portland at 331 Veranda Street, Martin's Point accepts all major health plans and insurance, including but not limited to HealthSource, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Harvard Community Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, Maine Partners, Champus, Tricare, Aetna, Cigna and NYLCare Plans.

# # #