Dr. Lisa Belisle

The Problem with Polish: Phthalates and Health

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 30, 2008, The Maine Switch

On a recent ‘girls afternoon out,’ my daughters and I had manicures at a nearby salon. Abby and Sophie chose shades of fluorescent blue for themselves, assigning me a deep, sultry burgundy. I left the establishment with dazzling digits — and mixed emotions. The scent of nail enamel had extracted some long dormant information from my brain. I recalled that nail products typically contain substances known as phthalates. Researching this further, I learned that phthalates (pronounced ‘thay-lates’) have been linked to serious health issues, such as disruption of sexual development, infertility and allergies in children. Our seemingly innocent bonding activity had not been without its risks.

Cross Training Resolutions: Avoid the One-Trick Pony Pasture

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 10, 2008, The Maine Switch

Are you a one-trick pony? Most people seem to be. Once we learn something and become comfortable with it, we keep doing it. This ensures that we are always good at our chosen feat.

Of course, it also means that we are only good at our chosen feat.

Creating a Year of Wellness

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published 2008 Farmers' Almanac

Albert Schweitzer once said, “I’ll tell you a secret. We doctors do nothing. We only help and encourage the doctor within.” How can you help your body be its own best doctor? Commit to making 2008 a “Year of Wellness.” Create a personal plan for change by: 

The “Right Way” to Parent

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 2008, Parent & Family

Last autumn, my father’s family took part in a beautiful Nantucket wedding weekend. During this time, many of the clan rented a house on a dock, where crustaceans and other ocean-going creatures scrabbled their way around the nearby sea floor. My younger cousins were in heaven. They spent many blissful hours catching (and releasing) crabs using poultry bits for bait. I enjoyed watching them concentrate on an activity they had never done before: a satisfying new adventure.