Dr. Lisa Belisle

Dare to Go Bare(foot)

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH 
Originally published July 9, 2009, The Maine Switch 

I’m no Imelda Marcos, but I do love my espadrilles... and cowboy boots... and classic black open-toed pumps. Recently I overheard my daughter say “You should see my mother’s shoe collection!” No small compliment coming from a 13-year-old. 

Walk with the Doc

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published May 14, 2009, The Maine Switch

I am a rain-runner. And a night-walker. And a snow-plodder. I wander wooded paths and city streets with equal enthusiasm. My life is more satisfying when I plan rambling into my day. Meandering keeps my body healthy and my soul sane. 

Individual and Environmental Health: First, Do No Harm

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published in The Maine Switch, March 17, 2009

Health and the environment: we hear these words paired together often these days. This is how it should be.  From the air we breathe to the food we eat—we can’t escape the fact that our surroundings have a significant impact on our well-being.

Playing with Food and the PPBD

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 22, 2009, The Maine Switch

In the January 8 edition of Switch,  I discussed the benefits of eating a  predominantly plant-based diet, also known as the ‘PPBD.’ This article had been prompted by a query from one of my Facebook friends, so I posted it there for him to read. The PPBD concept prompted a variety of interesting comments from other Facebook friends. Most people agreed that:

Vegetarianism, Poseurtarianism and the PPBD

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 8, 2009, The Maine Switch

One of my friends recently sent a note via Facebook asking my opinion about vegetarianism/veganism. He wanted to know where the science stands on this issue, and if I had any specific concerns about being a vegetarian/vegan. Like my friend, I have eaten a predominantly plant-based diet for many years. As a doctor, I’ve come to believe that plant-based diets have much to recommend them.

Celebrating Health, Happiness & Gratitude

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published November 27, 2008, The Maine Switch

Sometimes you just have to throw a party. Such was the case in January of 2007. It was my thirty-sixth birthday, and I had recently made some changes in my life—a new job, a new medical practice and the decision to take a long-awaited trip. I wanted to celebrate. I felt intensely grateful for my family, friends and general circumstances: I wanted to share my gratitude.

Arms, Legs, and Breast Cancer Awareness

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published October 2, 2008, The Maine Switch

My Irish-Catholic grandmother had little patience for whiners. Complain to Nana and you would likely hear, “At least you have your arms and legs.” This meant: your life could be worse. Quit moaning.

My siblings and I always thought Nana’s anti-moaning admonishment was a little extreme. Of course we still had our arms and legs. Our limbs seemed a silly thing to be grateful for.

Farmers’ Market Fun

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published August 7, 2008, The Maine Switch

Bushels of just-picked basil; crates overflowing with cucumbers; artfully arranged buckets of bouquets: all in a convenient location, crawling with friends and neighbors.

Wondering where to find such a scene? Look no further than your local farmers’ market.

Enjoy the Summer Sun Sanely

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

While most of us think of mid-summer as a time for fairs and fireworks, in the health-care world July known is UV Safety Month. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration—both of which may lead to blindness. UV rays also cause premature aging and skin cancer.

Health, Happiness—and Guys: Celebrate Men’s Health by Giving Them What They Want

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published June 12, 2008, The Maine Switch

My husband, my son, and my father are the most important men in my life. I have known each of them for a long time. Despite my prolonged associations with these guys, I can’t claim to completely understand them. How many hours of baseball can one person watch, anyway?