Dr. Lisa Belisle

A Season for Change

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 5, 2006, Community Leader

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
—Mahatma Gandhi

Change is rarely easy. As each new year dawns, people optimistically set forth, making goals of increased exercise and healthy eating habits. They hit the gym daily, then weekly…then monthly. Their dreams of dieting fade like a winter’s sunset. By March, their list of resolutions has made its way to the recycling bin. It doesn’t have to be this way. By understanding behavior change, you can take the right steps at the right time. By working with other people to make these changes, your success will have a more positive and lasting impact. You can be the change you wish to see.

Vitamins, Minerals and More: 8 Questions to Ask When Choosing Safe Supplements

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH 
Originally published January 2006, Parent & Family 

Are your supplements safe? In 2003, Americans spent $4.8 billion on supplements. These included vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, homeopathics, Chinese medicine, amino acids and enzymes. Because these substances are meant to “supplement the diet,” they are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as foods rather than medications. As a result, some supplements have been more thoroughly investigated than others. 

Prior to purchasing your next supplement, ask yourself: