Physicians with strong exercises regimes are more likely to offer lifestyle counseling.

Doctor-patient counseling averages less than 5 minutes per visit. Factors that increase a doctor's likelihood of counseling patients include being trained in counseling, being overweight, and having a personal exercise regiment. Diet is the subject that medical residents, fellows and attending physicians find least comfortable.

PositiveTips:  Ask your physician about their lifestyle habits at your next visit if you are not being counseled about how to improve your diet and exercise habits.

Low-back pain patients were more likely to report recovery at 12 months with faithful physical activity.

Do you, or someone you know, suffer from chronic lower-back pain? Frustrated with your care options? A British study has found that patients (without "red flags" for other serious disease) who received 3-6 cognitive behavioral interventions that focused on participation and attitudes toward physical activity did significantly better than those who who only received 15 minutes of advice and a book on back pain. 

PositiveTip: Regular, appropriate physical activity when you have non-complicated low-back pain can speed recovery and significantly improve your quality of life.