The Wellness Wizard of Oz - Doctor Oz

Last week his picture adorned the front of the Chicago Tribune (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-04-09/entertainment/ct-met-dr-oz-20100408_1_dr-mehmet-oz-rotavirus-unproven-autism-treatments) and the May/June issue of the AARP Magazine (http://www.aarpmagazine.org/health/dr-oz.html). His syndicated show is watched by 3.7 million viewers everyday (appears on the Fox Network at 4:00 pm CST, M-F, in the Chicago market). His series of “YOU” books (YOU: The Owner’s Manual was the first - 2005) have been bestsellers. As a Scientific Advisor to RealAge.com, he is often the face of the popular website. Oprah introduced him to the masses and now co-produces his show. He’s been called the “surgeon general” of the airwaves. The handsome, energetic, 50 year old physician with a memorable name seems to be everywhere that healthy lifestyles are being discussed. His passion for good health, and frustration with patients’ poor lifestyle choices, has led him to share the good news of healthy living with millions. To those yet unfamiliar with Dr. Oz,, let me encourage you to get familiar with the information and inspiration that he offers.

Dr. Oz walks the talk. He follows his own doctor’s orders. Lean, fit, and energetic, he offers visible encouragement to the benefits to be gained from his advice. He claims that twenty years of daily yoga is “the most important health practice I have adopted.” Oz’s approach to health reflects his openness to non-traditional therapies and his preventive approach to the practice of medicine. This sometimes invites criticism of the science behind his recommendations. Oz does not shy away from the controversy, believing that more voices and opinions give people more alternatives to choose and benefit from. However, health care reform is one subject that Oz does not offer different opinions on. He believes that it will not work unless Americans transform their lifestyles and avoid the preventable conditions that cripple the country physically and financially.

Some Dr. Oz facts:

• He was born in Cleveland, OH
• His parents are immigrants from Turkey
• He was an all-state football player in high school
• He simultaneously earned a Medical Degree and an M.B.A. at the University of Pennsylvania
• Studied with Dean Ornish, M.D., in India
• Still performs two heart surgeries every Thursday in New York City
• Oprah appeared on a show hosted by Dr. Oz before he appeared on her show
• Both his father and father-in-law are surgeons
• He and wife, Lisa, have four children between 10 and 24

Live WELL!

Michael