The health of children today is a growing concern, with rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and early signs of heart disease becoming increasingly prevalent. Recent studies have shown that even children as young as 10, consuming a standard American diet (SAD), exhibit fatty streaks in their blood vessels—a precursor to heart disease. Type 2 diabetes, once primarily an adult disease, is now being diagnosed more frequently in adolescents. These alarming trends highlight the urgent need for better nutritional education and lifestyle changes from an early age.

Dr. Roxanne George’s Journey into Lifestyle Medicine

One medical professional who is committed to turning these trends around is Dr. Roxanne George, a board-certified pediatrician. On the most recent episode of the NHA Health Science podcast, Dr. George shared her transformative journey and insights into combating these health challenges with host, Dr. Frank Sabatino.

Initially drawn to epigenetics and cystic fibrosis research during her college years, Dr. George’s career trajectory shifted significantly when she moved to Houston. There, she encountered alarmingly high childhood obesity rates, which underscored the inadequacies of current nutritional education in pediatric care.

Discovering the Impact of Plant-Based Nutrition

In Houston, Dr. George discovered the critical need to address childhood obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Her research revealed flaws in traditional dietary recommendations, particularly those promoting dairy consumption for calcium. She found that dairy products were associated with increased risks of cancer, diabetes, and high saturated fat levels. This revelation prompted Dr. George to explore plant-based nutrition as a healthier alternative.

A Personal and Professional Transformation

Dr. George’s deep dive into the benefits of a plant-based diet led to a personal and professional shift. Influenced by seminal works like the China Study, she embraced a plant-based lifestyle almost overnight. This shift not only improved her own health but also reinforced her commitment to advocating plant-based nutrition within her pediatric practice.

Addressing Early Onset of Chronic Diseases

Dr. George is particularly concerned about the early onset of chronic diseases among children. The presence of fatty streaks in the blood vessels of 10-year-olds and the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes in adolescents highlight the critical need for dietary interventions. She advocates for a plant-based diet rich in fiber and low in saturated fats to combat these trends and improve long-term health outcomes.

Integrating Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine

Dr. George’s practice integrates nutrition and lifestyle medicine into every pediatric visit. While her colleagues may not all be plant-based, they share a commitment to promoting nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Dr. George emphasizes the gradual incorporation of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into meals, making dietary transitions smoother and more sustainable for families.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

Beyond her practice, Dr. George is actively engaged in community initiatives. She has initiated projects in New Jersey aimed at promoting healthy eating, positive body image, mental health, sleep habits, and exercise among school children and their families. These efforts reflect her dedication to creating a supportive environment where children can thrive.

A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

Dr. George advocates for a holistic approach to children’s mental health, prioritizing lifestyle modifications over medication whenever possible. She encourages activities like exercise, sunlight exposure, and breathing exercises as effective alternatives to pharmaceutical interventions. Music also plays a pivotal role in her practice, serving as a therapeutic outlet for children to manage stress and enhance cognitive functions.

Looking Ahead: A Paradigm Shift in Pediatric Nutrition

Dr. Roxanne George’s insights on the NHA Health Science Podcast highlight the urgent need for a paradigm shift in pediatric nutrition. By promoting plant-based diets and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases early on, healthcare providers can significantly improve long-term health outcomes for children. Her ongoing advocacy and commitment to lifestyle medicine underscores the potential for a healthier future generation.

Final Thoughts

Dr. George urges parents and caregivers to embrace gradual changes towards healthier choices. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on what can be added to children’s diets rather than simply what should be eliminated. By fostering a mindset of abundance and creating supportive environments, we can collectively ensure brighter and healthier futures for our children.

For more information about Dr. Roxanne George and her work, visit her website at www.RoxanneGeorgeMD.com. 

Episode Highlights

[00:00]             Introduction

[01:45]             The awareness of childhood obesity was the catalyst for change.

[03:45]             Discovering the truth about how unhealthy dairy is.

[06:30]             Addressing the obstacles of traditional eating by patients.

[10:30]             The challenges of adult diseases showing up in children.

[15:30]             Preconceived notions parents often have.

[21:00]             Strategies for change in the way parents perceive healthy eating.

[24:00]             Addressing mental health issues in young people.

[28:45]             The importance of music for Dr. George.

[32:45]             Looking back to see the future possibilities.

About Dr. Roxanne George

Dr. Roxanne George has been a practicing Pediatrician for over 10 years. She completed her undergraduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. There she developed her research skills and worked on projects related to viruses, cystic fibrosis, and epigenetics. After graduating, she continued as a research scientist in areas of skin research and antibiotic resistance research, until later deciding that she would combine her love of research and people to pursue a career in medicine.

Dr. George attended American University of the Caribbean, where she spent the last two years of medical school in NYC completing her clinical rotations. She completed her Pediatric residency at NYU-Langone Hospital.

Dr. George enjoys staying up-to-date on evidence-based medicine and encourages her patients to make nutrition, exercise, and mental health practices a priority in order to curate a “health-full” lifestyle. She is board-certified in Pediatrics, certified in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University, and is pursuing a board-certification in Lifestyle Medicine.

In her free time, Dr. George enjoys spending time with her family, including her dog, eating out with friends, reading, traveling, and enjoying nature. She is also learning to play the violin and working on her own book.

Dr. George thoroughly enjoys what she does and will remind her patients that one of the best things we can do is to stay curious and flexible, so we keep learning and improving.

About Dr. Frank Sabatino

As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr. Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.

Dr. Sabatino’s passion and life’s work include raising awareness about the benefits of whole-food, plant-exclusive nutrition (without added salt, oil, or sugar), health rejuvenation and stress management.

Dr. Sabatino is the author of Weightless: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life, a groundbreaking guide to sustainable weight loss through a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Drawing on extensive clinical and personal experience, Dr. Sabatino offers practical strategies to overcome food addiction and avoid fad diets, risky drugs, and surgeries. The book provides meal plans, recipes, and lifestyle tips, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods and addressing the role of stress, sleep, and environmental toxins in weight management. “Weightless” empowers readers to achieve their weight goals healthily and sustainably, benefiting both people and the planet.

About NHA

The National Health Association (NHA), founded in 1948, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Association provides educational materials, educational events, and services to thousands of people around the world.

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthful living. The NHA recognizes the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

The NHA also provides travel experiences around the globe through the NHA Plant-Based Travel and cruise division.

More information: https://www.healthscience.org/

Scholarships

A unique benefit of the NHA Conference is the selection of two medical students who receive a full scholarship to the conference.

Contact Wanda Huberman for more information on how to apply for the scholarship.  [email protected]

NHA membership

For a very nominal investment, you can enjoy incredible benefits of the NHA membership.

Members of the NHA enjoy a subscription to the award-winning quarterly health journal, Health Science, access to the “Members Only” section of the NHA Website (which contains all 43 years of back issues of the magazine),  the ability to download for free many classic out of print eBooks on the history of the Natural Hygiene Movement, including Fasting Can Save Your Life and The Greatest Health Discovery, discounts on books, and early notice of the NHA events.

Only $35 a year for basic membership within the United States.  https://www.healthscience.org/join-renew/