Stay True to You and Keep Moving in a Healthy Direction

Your mind and your body have more to do with each other than you might think. If one is hurting, the other could hurt, too. Rediscover the links between your mental and physical health and listen to your body for better overall health. For years, Migran Vartanyan, DO, Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center, knew what stress could do to your health. When he was 17 years old, he was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid (Graves’ Disease). When it flared up, he would lose weight, his heart would race, and he knew that he needed to stop and listen to his body. To help him deal with the condition, he also took medication. However, it was during this time that he realized a balance was needed between mind and body for his overall health. Although, he had no idea at the time, this would also play a part in helping his brother.

Before his residency, Dr. Vartanyan had a routine ultrasound to check the status of his thyroid. He was advised to follow up regarding nodules that had formed. Focusing on his career, he put it on hold. After he joined Kaiser Permanente (KP), he followed up and learned that he had thyroid cancer and needed surgery. Prior to his diagnosis, Dr. Vartanyan participated in a Lifestyle Pathways process at KP focusing on diabetes, BMI, and weight management training for physicians. It was here that he learned about a plant-based diet and its benefits. Two months prior to his surgery, he decided to give it a try and became a vegetarian. He felt a noticeable difference. He proceeded with his surgery and recovered quite well.

It wasn’t long after, his brother, who was a marathon runner, a vegan, and followed a healthy lifestyle, came to visit him. Dr. Vartanyan immediately noticed that his brother didn’t look good. After further discussion with him, he discovered that his brother who has had Lupus since he was 10 years old, decided to stop taking his medication as he thought it wasn’t necessary due to his healthy lifestyle. After a trip to the emergency room, it was determined that his brother needed a kidney transplant. Dr. Vartanyan decided to get tested to see if he could help. After an extensive process, he learned that he was a perfect match. However, he was advised to lose about 10 pounds. He started jogging so he could help his brother and decided to stay with it and has now lost 40 pounds. He also goes to the gym and does yoga.

Although his brother’s surgery is pending, Dr. Vartanyan continues to offer a positive outlook. “Through a series of happenings, I was pushed to consider a healthier lifestyle,” he explains. “I started jogging so I could help my brother, but now I do it for me. Your attitude, diet, and activity level all play a part. Life is going to offer challenges along the way, but how you deal with it is up to you. It’s important to find a happy balance.”

Visit kp.org/mindbody for helpful resources.