Healthy Habits: Running, gardening help Dr. Susan Blaney relax

April 25, 2016 Dr. Susan Blaney, Fitness, Healthy Habits, Houston, Nutrition, Nutrition and Wellness, pediatrics

Taking care of your health is a priority and nobody knows that more than physicians and healthcare providers.

It can sometimes be difficult to find ways to stay healthy, so we’ve asked members of our Baylor College of Medicine community to share what they do in their daily lives to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Susan Blaney, professor of pediatrics – hematology/oncology and vice president for clinical and translational research at Baylor, shares some of her healthy habits with us.

Q: What health decisions start your day?
A: I start every day with a run.

Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
A: Whole grain toast – not necessarily healthy but it’s what I enjoy.

Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: Running – it is very efficient with regard to time and energy expenditure, relatively low-cost, and something you can do almost anywhere.

Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
A: It is my time when there is no phone or meetings. I simply enjoy the singing of the birds and fragrance of the blossoms. It is also a time that I use to reflect on activities from the previous day as well as organize my thoughts for the day ahead.

Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: Core exercises or take the stairs at work.

Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?
A: Almonds and fruit.

Q: Do you take vitamins and if so, which ones?
A: Vitamin D.

Q: What do you include in your child’s lunch?
A: Luckily my children are grown and are now responsible for their own lunches.

Q: How do you make an unhealthy recipe healthy (healthy substitutions)?
A: No substitutions – just smaller portions.

Q: What is your nighttime skin regimen?
A: Facial wash and lotion.

Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: Gardening, dancing, reading, dinner with friends.

Q: What is your go-to Houston restaurant for a healthy meal?
A: I love most restaurants in Houston. If I have a meal that is relatively less healthy then I exercise for a longer period of time the following day.

Q: Do you use a pedometer or Fitbit and what is your daily step goal?
A: No.

Q: What is your favorite health tip that you live by?
A: No one can exercise for you or eat healthy for you. You must choose to do it. If you don’t do it for yourself then do it for your family, friends and colleagues.