Dr Cory Couillard

   The London Olympics are showing how years of disciplined practice can result in incredible performances that translates into national honor and acclaim.   We look to our athletes as shining examples of hard work, commitment and sacrifice.    How do the Olympics apply to you?   We watch, listen and read about our athletes without realizing that the principles they’ve practiced also apply to us.    We may not have the same physical abilities but we can make similar lifestyle choices to bring us closer to our own personal “gold medal”. Tips for Olympic Living Olympians have tremendous drive because they have big goals.   Why do some people achieve their health and fitness goals while others do not?   It’s about the who, what and why.   Who are you trying to be healthy for?   It is easy to let yourself down when you are the only trying to be healthy for yourself.   It is easier to stay committed to a program if you want to be healthy for your spouse, your childr

Many people desire to be known or “famous” for something.   They view success as “lucky” or something that just falls in the laps of many.   They say, “Once I’m famous, I’ll do xyz”.     The problem is that you do not become unique from success or prestige – it’s the other way around.   You must become unique before you get lucky or become famous. Uniqueness takes more patience, more guts and a lot more weirdness because the thing you're doing is actually interesting before it (if you're lucky) becomes popular.  Your uniqueness is yours, and it can pay off long before the masses choose you merely because of what you do actually matters. Pick something that drives you, motivates you and inspires you. Be yourself, be unique and bring the world something that it direly needs. Dr. Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with t

One of the most common happy killers is having too much to do.  We try to do 37 things per hour and in the end we find out that we didn’t do one thing really good.  Life is not about doing more—it’s doing less, better.  You may be saying that you have too much to do, too many responsibilities, too many meetings, deadlines and far too little time. There’s too much crap in the way. Feels more like the end of the world. If we do not prioritize and live we will over-commit and die.  In the end, I choose to live.  Don’t let poor lifestyle choices sneak in, fester and destroy health overtime.  This is a sure way of having too much to do later in life – medications, surgeries, chemo-therapy and bypass surgery.   From now on all decisions and time need to be dedicated to those matters most important to you: your health, your family and your purpose. Anything not aligning with these areas had to be culled and cleared. Remove Negative Environments I’ve learned tha

One of the greatest challenges in doing “good” in the world is working with people that have been “burned” in the past.   The thoughts “it’s too good to be true” or “what’s in it for me?” are both reflective of underlying trust issues.     Creating trust requires you to take active steps in faith for the cause you stand for – without professional or personal gain.   The world lacks consistency in thoughts, emotions and actions that eventually permeates personal lifestyle choices, habits and overall health.  Some of the greatest “wins” in my life have come from the steadfast determination to infuse trust in people that have no reason to trust me.   I work with newspaper editors that I have never met, never spoke to and have no vested interest besides “it’s the right thing to do”. Personal “wins” very rarely involve you personally.   The greatest “wins” are when you give for the sake of giving.  Dr. Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnis

International AIDS specialists gather in Washington, DC to develop a road map for continued research and to find a cure for HIV.   Over 25,000 scientists, activists, people living with HIV and other important policy makers refocus on a strategic plan of action to end the un-needed suffering.    “Scientific breakthroughs have opened exciting opportunities for prevention as well as treatment.   But these opportunities are tempered by the demands of sustainability” said Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General, WHO. The International AIDS Conference will help assess where we are, evaluate recent scientific developments and lessons learnt, and collectively chart a course forward according to World Health Organization (WHO) officials.  Antiretrovirals reduce HIV transmission In 2011, a study by the HIV Prevention Trials Networks showed antiretrovirals (ARV’s) cut the transmission of HIV by 96 percent within couples where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is not.  

Processed foods – not salt shakers – accounts for 75 to 80 percent of our daily salt consumption according to a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.  The study states that “large declines” in cardiovascular disease would result simply by reducing the amount of processed foods in our diet.   Limiting salt from processed foods would have similar effects of quitting smoking, lowering body weight and reducing cholesterol.  According to the study, heart disease and stroke could be expected to decline as much as 11 percent by this simple lifestyle modification.   Top 5 Salty Foods The amount of salt that one consumes without knowing is shocking.  One could be placed in significant harm without looking and understanding the contents of their favorite food choices.  We must become smart consumers to reduce our risk.  Soy Sauce & Salad Dressings It is very common to flavor our healthy food choices with less than ideal add-ons.  Both soy s

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.   Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that cancer claims more than 7.6 million people annually.   The deadliest forms of cancer include breast, stomach, colon and liver.   One-third of all cancer cases can be prevented through improving one’s diet, exercise and lifestyle habits. About 70% of all cancer deaths occur in low- to- middle-income countries. Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue to rise to over 13.1 million by 2030.    Experts agree that prevention offers the most cost-effective, long-term strategy for the control of cancer.   One of the primary problems is that cancer commonly develops silently over time.   By the time that you’re aware that you have cancer -- it’s commonly too late.  Apply the following to reduce your risk and take proactive steps to prevent cancer. Throw Out Tobacco Cigarette smoking is still very common despite the known hazards to on

Maternal mortality rates are unacceptably high throughout the world.   Increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and inadequate prenatal care has been linked to the increased risk of dying from childbirth.    Every day, approximately 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth according to the World Health Organization (WHO).   Of the 800, 99 percent of the deaths occur in developing countries.    In 2010, 287,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth.   The highest rates occur in women living in rural and low income communities that have poor access to healthcare services.    WHO reports that in many sub-Saharan countries that maternal mortality has been cut in half since 1990.   This dramatic improvement is primarily related to improved access to healthcare services before, during and after childbirth.   Continued advancement, education and policy development is needed to continue to reduce the risk f

Cory Couillard and Over 500 leaders gather to determine the healthcare delivery of diabetes in the African region. Arusha, Tanzania – 25-28, July 2012 The First African Diabetes Congress is organized by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Africa Region , with anticipated participation by members of the Pan-African Diabetes Study Group (PADSG), Pan-African Diabetes Educators Group (PADEG), Pan-African Association for Foot Care (PAAFC) and all those working in the area of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The First African Diabetes Congress is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary forum with a stellar faculty of leaders in diabetes and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The Congress will bring together more than 500 key stakeholders and leaders to discuss ambitions, priorities and actions for change in diabetes and NCDs within the Africa Region. The First African Diabetes Congress is regarded as a highly influential event