Healthy Is the New Sexy

From the Summer 2011 StayHealthy publication

A national study shows that people find healthy people extremely attractive. In fact, three-quarters of Americans consider good health to be a status symbol or a sign of personal success and would prefer to be described as someone who looks "really healthy" than as someone who looks "put together or well dressed." So, skip the stilettos, the suntan or the hair implants and invest in what really makes you look good- your health.

Feeling healthy looks good on everyone, no matter your age or your weight,” says Geraldine Feria, MD, with Wanatah Primary Care. Feria advocates a holistic approach, seeking to be fit physically, mentally and emotionally.

You can be fit physically, but if you’re really stressed, it will still wreak havoc on your blood pressure, your sleep and your heart,” she says. On the other hand, positive emotions can drive positive physical health too. “If you’re happy, you have the motivation to make better choices. You have the energy to cook rather than order out, to try new things, to invite friends over. It all contributes to better health,” she explains.

I have a patient who was diabetic and overweight. His daughter and I helped get him into an exercise regimen. Before long he was taking classes – doing yoga and even zumba. He’s lost 50 pounds and he was able to get off his medications for diabetes and high blood pressure. And he’s able to maintain his fitness because he’s in a happier, healthier place. Good health promotes good health – it also means increased self confidence, which helps you to project a better and more attractive image,” she adds.

Darlene: Breast cancer inspires positive changes

Darlene Perry rarely sits still. A regular at the Valparaiso YMCA, she typically exercises six days a week, keeps a sparkling home and is an active volunteer. So when she heard the words “breast cancer” earlier this year, she got busy… seeking answers.

Within weeks of her abnormal mammogram, Perry had done her research, selected a surgeon and scheduled a lumpectomy. “I always felt like I was in good hands here at Porter,” says Perry. “And it was unbelievable how fast it all went, which was good for me. I could keep moving forward and I was reassured every step of the way especially by Breast Coordinator Cheryl Wallace and Surgeon Dr. Han,” she says.

Thanks to early detection, Perry learned that the procedure had removed all questionable tissue and she was cancer free. But for Perry, losing the cancer meant gaining new insight.

Before the cancer scare, I worked out to look better. But now, it’s more about being healthy, “ she says. “And it’s about more than going to the Y. It’s eating right. And making sure I get all the right scans and exams. I am absolutely more energetic, and I’m determined now that I will be healthy. It’s more important now than ever.”

These days, Perry has stopped waiting for later to “get out the good stuff.” She enjoys driving her convertible with the top down and she and her husband have launched a bold kitchen remodel to more fully enjoy their home and entertaining. She had also wanted to join a book club, but kept waiting for a friend to join with her. “But recently I just joined on my own, for me. These days I just feel like ‘What am I waiting for?’”

A few years ago I set a goal that when I was 50 I would be in the best shape of my life. Now I truly feel like I will be,” says Perry.

Jennifer: Hip replacement restores spring to her step

Five years ago Jennifer Koselke was a 29-year-old flight attendant with a new baby and a bright future. A fall in the parking lot changed her life. “I was okay at first, but then my hip became so painful that I couldn’t walk on it,” says Koselke. She was referred to specialists at the University of Chicago who told her she was too young for a hip replacement. She had an arthroscopic procedure, which did little to help.

I couldn’t even carry my baby. It hurt just to get down the hallway. I limped so badly and each step felt like a knife,” she says. “I was miserable. I thought that I had gone to the best- of-the-best and this was all they could do. I kept trying to find a doctor who would listen to my story,” she said.

Last year Koselke learned of Orthopedic Surgeon Michael Leland, MD, and the minimally invasive hip replacement surgery he’s doing at Porter. “I heard about the quick recovery. At this point I had three kids and that’s just what I wanted to hear,” says Koselke. “I told Dr. Leland I just wanted to chase my kids and be the kind of mom who can play,” she says. “Dr. Leland heard me. He scheduled the surgery.” Koselke was up walking the same day as the surgery. “I was up walking that same day. You can even go home the same day,” she says.

The change in my life is amazing. My five-year-old daughter has seen me struggle her whole life. It was painful even to have her sit on my lap to read. Now I give her piggy back rides,” says Koselke. “I’m six- feet tall and thin, but I had gotten so out of shape because of the pain. Now I'm excited to get healthy again," she says. "Best of all, I'm so glad I don't have to watch my kids from the porch. I can get out there and play."

Daryl: Heart attack empowered him to take charge of his health

Daryl Bos of LaCrosse has always been a Type A personality. Even on the day of his heart attack last December, he was determined to be in control. First he tried to talk himself out of the pain. Then he tried to spare the ambulance the “trouble” of rescuing him over snow-drifted roads. When he arrived at Porter and learned that it was serious (his heart was working at just 10 percent), and required quadruple bypass surgery, “I said ‘I can’t do this right now. There’s too much going on at work and I’m helping my niece move this weekend,’” he admits.

Unable to stop his own heart attack or avoid the lifesaving surgery, Bos began using his determined personality to get better. He was released within days of his surgery and began his rehab at Porter with a passion. As much as he learned about exercise and healthy eating, Bos learned just as much by talking with others and working on his stress management skills.

Today Bos is back to work, using his Type A personality to take charge of his health. He's using his company's on-site exercise room four days a week. "And I'm eating things I've never eaten before. I was never a vegetable person, but now I eat them," he says. He's lost nearly 40 pounds and gained a new resolve to be healthier. "I used to think I looked weak if I asked for help or shared a problem. But, it's like I have another chance these days. I don't let things bother me now."


Visit the Porter Health System website
Valparaiso Campus
814 LaPorte Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: 219-263-4600

"My doc said I'm physically 20 years younger now than when I came in here [to Porter.] My wife notices the changes too. I definitely feel younger," says Bos.