October

Physicians have traditionally neglected their own health in favor of their many profession­al and personal obligations. The culture of medicine promotes the be­lief that physicians are never ill; doctors are typically very independent, competitive, and high achieving, and they often view attention to their own needs as a sign of weakness.

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Once more I am justified in my respect for Dr R. Gallagher—I very much appreciated her thoughtful COHP ar-ticle, “Quality of death,” in the July/August issue [BCMJ 2012;54:292-293].

In response to the letter by Dr Andrew Farquhar [Re: Focus on health, not weight, BCMJ 2012;54:229-230] I would like to add one important point. The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) certifies individuals as Certified Personal Trainers (CPT) and Certified Exercise Physiologists (CEP)—the highest standard held in the country.

I am not surprised to learn that “fit fat” is healthier than “sedentary skinny.” This knowledge provides further incentive for physicians to get their patients moving. Consequently I disagree with Dr Richardson [“Pre­scrib­ing activity,” BCMJ 2012;54:221] that BC physicians’ advocacy for bicycle helmets has been a good example of health promotion. 

I have enjoyed the BCMJ for three decades and it is timely to thank the Editorial Board and the staff for the fine journal you produce every month. I know that this involves much time at Board meetings and reviewing articles at home. The Journal is informative and practical, and the editorials are at times amusing and always thought provoking. We should not be allowed to take this for granted.