Look Who's Talking

What is your New Year's resolution? Or, were you able to stick to last year's resolution and make a lasting change?

Monik Jimenez, ScD

Monik Jimenez, ScD
Department of Medicine

I like to choose a theme for myself each year. My personal theme last year was "health," and my professional theme was "closure."  

Along with my personal theme of "health," I aimed to lose weight and increase my physical activity, along with millions of other Americans. I was suffering from chronic weekly migraines and was confident that if I could stick to a healthier diet and consistent exercise program, my migraines would improve. Last year, I was successful in reaching my goal by working on each slowly but consistently. I've lost 20 pounds over seven months by reducing my intake of simple carbohydrates, increasing my fruits and veggies and committing to a consistent physical activity program. I started off barely able to run a mile. Pretty sad decline from my days in the Navy in my youth! Needless to say, through consistent effort, I now run 3.5 to 4 miles four days a week on average. My migraines have improved dramatically, initially with my dietary modifications and even more with my increased physical activity. I went from at least one to two migraines a week to one migraine a month.  My theme this year is "consistency." I will aim to maintain these healthy lifestyle changes and pursue new physical activity challenges.

Professionally, in the spirit of "closure," I aimed to complete all unfinished manuscripts. I had more than I'd like to admit sitting around. I was able to almost achieve my goal by getting several manuscripts that had been neglected for some time published and/or submitted to journals, but still have a couple more lingering. My professional theme this year is "productivity." I aim to renew last year's resolution and publish my current work efficiently. I have joined a writing group to help keep me accountable and facilitate productivity.

John Ross, MD

John Ross, MD
Department of Medicine

I resolved to lose 10 pounds by March 31. And yeah, I'm a little behind already.

Helene Langevin, MD

Helene Langevin, MD
Osher Center

My New Year resolution is to be "on time," i.e., at least 5 minutes early.  My tendency is to cut things close, which often results in rushing and stress.  My husband will like this one, if I succeed in keeping it!

Antonio Gargiulo, MD

Antonio Gargiulo, MD
Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery

Always the same year after year: pursue your passions, find balance in life, embrace humanity.

Betsy Nabel, MD

Betsy Nabel, MD
BWH President

My resolution for 2013 is to stay physically and mentally fit. Physical fitness is an important value to me, and after the holidays I have to get back into my routine of getting to the gym and staying fit!  I also am a firm believer that physical fitness is a really positive influence on emotional and mental fitness.

Jon Welch, MD

Jon Welch, MD

Emergency Medicine 

My resolution this year is to learn to downhill ski. It's something I always wanted to learn to do, but growing up on the plains of Wisconsin didn't offer many opportunities to learn. Now, I get a dose of humility as I go to the slopes and see kids who are clearly better than me. But it's a great way to take a break from fast-paced hospital life and enjoy the winter weather.