#111: Healthy Habits from the Start with Dr. Cherie Chu (pediatric series)
“As kids get older, I try to educate the kids themselves in the office. I talk to them directly. And I talk to them about how it’s their responsibility to take care of their body, and I put it on them. And so it changes the dynamic of the parents keep telling kids, “you have to eat this” to “maybe you should make this choice for yourself. It’s your choice. You make the decision yourself”.” -Dr. Cherie Chu
Dr. Cherie Chu had to learn how to care for newborn twins without much help at home. Already feeling burned out from work and still mourning from having lost her mother to breast cancer she had to learn how to take care of her health and that of her babies. After she discovered the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, it all clicked for her and she started changing her habits. She wanted to feel better, but she also wanted to set an example for her own children and patients. Now she is certified in lifestyle medicine and she counsels families every day on how they can implement health-promoting habits into their lives.
In this episode of Veggie Doctor Radio, I have an informative conversation with Dr. Cherie Chu, board certified pediatrician and lifestyle medicine advocate.
We discuss:
The definition of Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Chu’s lifestyle medicine journey
If it’s ever to early…or too late to learn healthy habits
How she counsels parents on introducing complementary foods to their babies
How she feels about raising plant-based children
The importance of a regular sleep schedule for children
Her philosophy on screen time and mindfulnes
What parents struggle with the most when it comes to encouraging healthy habits
How parents can approach health and welling in a more balanced and joyful way
What she wishes more people knew
The personal habit she is most proud of
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Dr. Cherie Chu
More about my honored guest:
Cherie Chu, M.D. DipABLM is board certified in Pediatrics and Lifestyle Medicine and is passionate about helping children form healthy lifestyle habits. She believes teaching children to have a mindset that optimizes nutrition, sleep, physical activity, stress management, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances, can lead to immeasurable benefits lasting into adulthood.
She is a native Californian receiving her Bachelors of Science degree in Biochemistry/Cell Biology at University of California, San Diego and her medical degree at University of California, Irvine. She did her pediatric residency at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland (formerly known as Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland).
She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
She currently practices outpatient pediatrics in a large multispecialty medical group located in San Diego. She incorporates her knowledge of Lifestyle Medicine into her daily interactions with her pediatric patients and their families.
She is also the founder of wellnesspediatrician.com - a website focused on empowering parents and pediatricians with education and resources to promote healthy habits in children through Lifestyle Medicine.
You can learn more at: www.wellnesspediatrican.com
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.
Call to Action —> Cook two meals with your children this week!
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