Welcome to Health Matters

February 22, 2024. Today I turned 57.

Over the past couple of decades, I have been actively sharing medical information. In 2004, I initiated a regular column named “Health Matters”. Throughout several years of running the column, I covered essential topics relevant to my role as a primary care provider, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic pain, and asthma. Since 2021 I have contributed regularly to The Nebraska Signal, focusing on sharing information about COVID-19.

Today, I am starting a series of articles on health topics. As a primary care provider, I have always believed that sharing medical information on fitness and nutrition is a key part of my mission. At 57 years old, I am increasingly aware that factors like nutritional choices and physical fitness will not only impact how I feel today but will also determine my quality of life in my later years.

I am launching this series to share my knowledge, ongoing learning, and curiosity in the areas of nutrition, fitness, medicine and wellness. This content will be shared through a website, blog, Facebook posts, and a complimentary newsletter for subscribers.

My aim is to spark engaging discussions that introduce fundamental concepts and provide links to more detailed information. I encourage constructive feedback to improve my content, and if you find it intriguing, please share it with others.

I will also be adding sections on to the website with lists of medical resources and references.

One of the initial focuses of this series will be on protein. There is much debate and uncertainty about protein consumption, including the amount, timing, sources, and associated health impacts. Animal versus plant protein which is better? Do high protein diets cause kidney problems or lead to a shorter life span? Will a high protein diet protect you from being frail in your last decades of life? Is a high protein diet good for your bones? Should you spread out your protein intake throughout the day?

It is not my intention to definitively settle any of these issues. Don’t expect absolute truths. Science is messy and nutrition is about trade offs. What I want to do is provide some thoughtful information to build a solid foundation; then explore some of these questions about protein. I will look at the accumulated and most current research but will not be able to provide a comprehensive review of everything. I will share with you my take on what I have learned.

Physical fitness will also be a significant focus of my articles. I will discuss exercise physiology concepts, practical applications, and share my personal approach to physical fitness and preferred activities. 

While my current emphasis is on nutrition and physical fitness, I intend to mix in other items you might find interesting, not just about medicine and science. For example in the next article I will share with you some information on one of my favorite places to experience. I will share places to go for an epic hiking adventure, what are some great other recreational activities, what is a great way of cooking brussels sprouts  – and what is the science behind that cooking method. I will add some flavor by sprinkling in some spices from the jars of culture, history, humor. travel and the arts.

I welcome your comments; please be civil. I have noted that discussions of nutrition sometimes get heated and even political. This seems to be most pronounced in discussions of protein with people separating into camps arguing about plant based versus animal based protein sources. I do have a bias I should acknowledge. I am an omnivore; I have no quarrel with those extolling the health benefits of a plant based diet, but it is very unlikely that I will become a vegan. 

Please do not take my writings as a political statement for or against any politician or position. I again encourage people to have critical discussions about the issues I will present but ask that we leave partisan politics out of the comments. With that said I will conclude this introductory article by asking you to explore the writings of a politician.

February 22nd is also a birthday for George Washington. At the end of his second term as President he left with us what has become known as his “farewell address”. In his writings he spelled out concerns he had for the forces that he feared could mold our young nation. He spoke a great deal about the dangers of partisanship. I encourage everyone to click here to learn more. His words go beyond  politics and I believe are relevant to the health of our nation.

If you are ready for my next article click here – otherwise subscribe and I will send out the next article within a week.

Note the subscription feature may not be currently functioning please let me know via the contact form if you want to subscribe.

Thank you for listening.

 Russ Coash, PA-C

Family Practice, Emergency Medicine and Hospital Medicine   

All statements in this article should be attributed to myself, not any organization I represent or my employer.