Costa Rican Doctors in Poor Health
A major number of medical doctors who voluntarily submitted themselves to a study were found to suffer from obesity, diabetes and sedentarism, have high levels of cholesterol and drank too much. The study found that one of the major weaknesses of doctors, was food.

"A high level of fat, cholesterol and proteins... and deficient of fibres" pointed out Dr, Mauricia Barahona who headed the study of the doctors.

According to cardiovascular surgeon, Gerardo Quirós, "one eats where and when he can and going too long a period on an empty stomach is not healthy. This is how a medical career starts."

Many doctors can be seen around hospital and clinics taking a moment to eat, not important what. In emergency rooms where there are no breaks during a shift, the problem intensifies.

Dr. Hernández who works in nuclear medicine participated in the study and assures that not all was bad. "They adjusted my diet because I ate a lot of red meat and I have a high cholesterol level", the doctor confessed. He also added that it is ironic, that a doctor is surrounded every day by other doctors but never takes the time to get a medical exam.

The study shows that a doctor's life expectancy is lower than other professionals and diet plays a major role in that. Dr. Barahona says that 1/3 of doctors are in a high risk category and could suffer from coronary illness within 10 years.

The study was a wake up call for many doctors.