Power Up! Meet the Latest Addition to PEOPLE’s Health Squad That Will Tackle All Your Questions
From fitness to nutrition to medicine, our squad’s expertise will help you find total body health
BY JULIE MAZZIOTTA•@JULIETMAZZ
POSTED ON
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Dr. Jennifer Haythe
Dr. Haythe, a cardiologist at Columbia University Medical Center – New York Presbyterian Hospital in NYC, specializes in advanced heart failure, transplant, pulmonary hypertension and the care of pregnant women with heart disease. She is also the co-director of the Columbia Women’s Heart Center.
Her health philosophy:
“I believe that health is multifaceted and defined differently for each individual. It’s not just about your weight. It’s emotional and mental health, physical health, and cognitive health. I want my patients to be active with good muscle mass, eating a healthy diet, happy and well rested, and feeling mentally sharp. And of course have their cardiac risk factors in check!”
Her favorite midday snack:
“Apples with some peanut butter to dip!”
The last TV show she loved:
“I think I watched both seasons of Stranger Things in about four days this summer. I was addicted — those kids are amazing, and Winona Ryder and the sets brought me back to my 80’s youth.
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Dr. Travis Stork
Dr. Stork, an ER physician, author and the host of the Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show The Doctors, encourages people to take initiative when it comes to their health.
“I always tell people that what happens between visits to the doctor is the biggest factor in how long and how well you live,” he says. “Partner with your doctor, but no one should know more about your health than you. I call it being the CEO of your own health — it’s an important job!”
His health philosophy:
“The main ingredients to good health are simple addition and subtraction: more movement, less sitting; more fiber, less sugar; more quality sleep, less wasteful screen time.”
His favorite midday snack:
“Mixed nuts. They taste great and are full of fiber and healthy fats to keep you satiated and act (ironically) as a great weight loss tool.”
The last TV show he loved:
“Dark, a German sci-fi thriller on Netflix. It’s creepy and complicated and excellent. This may be an unpopular thing to say but I think it’s even better than Stranger Things.”
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Gunnar Peterson
The Beverly Hills-based personal trainer, who is also the Los Angeles Lakers’ director of strength and endurance, has worked with everyone from the Kardashians to Lonzo Ball.
His health philosophy:
“Don’t show up late. Don’t try to slide out early. Don’t cheat your rep counts. And definitely, don’t hold back. Leave it all in the gym!”
His favorite midday snack:
“Justin’s Almond Butter Packets.”
The last TV show he loved:
“Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian.” [Peterson is one of the trainers, after all!]
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Dr. Elizabeth Murray
Dr. Murray is a pediatrician specializing in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Child Health Advocacy, and a mom to two little girls. Follow her @DocEMurrayon Twitter!
Her health philosophy:
“I’m not the first to say it, but it’s true: Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Get through the day, but don’t judge yourself by that one day. Healthy parents help make healthy kids.”
Her favorite midday snack:
“With two young children at home, I am surrounded by Goldfish crackers at all times, so basically I have no choice. At least they come in a variety of flavors.”
The last TV show she loved:
“My favorite: Schitt’s Creek. My daughters’ favorite: Doc McStuffins. No question, she is a game changer.”
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Dawn Jackson Blatner
Blatner, a registered dietitian, nutritionist and certified specialist in sports dietetics, is also an author, a local TV show host, the Chicago Cubs’ staff nutritionist and a contributor to many of PEOPLE’s What I Eat in a Day articles.
Her health philosophy:
“Eat what you crave, but just make it with better-for-you ingredients. You’ve got to enjoy what you’re doing and keep things simple in order to stick with it.”
Her favorite midday snack:
“Green apple with raw nuts or a slice of cheese, and sparkling water or hot lemon water.”
The last TV show she loved:
“I love watching TV, it’s my guilty pleasure. My faves include Bravo’s Real Housewives and HBO’s Big Little Lies.”
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Erin Oprea
Oprea, a Marine Corps veteran, is the personal trainer to some of the biggest names in music, including Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves and more.
Her health philosophy:
“Eat clean to get lean, and work out to stay strong. The world is your gym!”
Her favorite midday snack:
“Steel-cut oatmeal sprinkled with cinnamon, six egg whites and raspberries and blueberries. It’s my lunchbox staple!”
The last TV show she loved:
“SIX on the History Channel.”
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Dr. Mary Jane Minkin
The obstetrician gynecologist “takes care of women of all ages,” and teaches obstetrics at Yale University. She also blogs about reproductive health at madameovary.com.
Her health philosophy:
“Good health is easy: Eat healthily, exercise as often as you can (both aerobically and doing strength training) and maintain an excellent sense of humor.”
Her favorite midday snack:
“That’s easy: ice cream! Excellent protein and calcium!”
The last TV show she loved:
“It was only two seasons long, but I loved The Knick. I love historical fiction, and The Knick is about as good as it gets.”
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David Kirsch
The New York City-based trainer, who works with Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum and others, focuses on a holistic approach to wellness that encompasses exercise, nutrition and more.
His health philosophy:
“The main ingredients for optimal health come from a combination of balanced healthy eating and movement. One needs to wake up every day connecting mind and body, and be mindful of what we eat and how much we move on a daily basis. Last, but not least, I strongly believe in daily meditation.”
His favorite midday snack:
“I love my David Kirsch Wellness Protein Plus Shakes. If that’s not available, I will grab an RX Protein Bar.”
The last TV show he loved:
“I am currently obsessed with the Winter Olympics, but when they are over, I’m excited to resume watching my friend Kerry Washington in Scandal. I also love black-ish.”
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Dr. Robin Gurwitch
Gurwitch, a clinical psychologist and professor at Duke University Medical Center and the Center for Child and Family Health, trains others and conducts research on the impact of traumatic events and life stressors on children and families, how to build resilience, and how to strengthen family relationships.
Her health philosophy:
“First, knowing what scientifically-based factors can impact good health from multiple areas (e.g., diet, exercise, mental health, behaviors, social support, work/school, genetics, spirituality). Second, learning positive (science-based) strategies to address these factors. And, equally important, identifying and reaching out for support from many different sources as we try our best to reach and maintain good health.”
Her favorite midday snack:
“When does chocolate not apply? And, an apple with peanut butter.”
The last TV show she loved:
“There are so many to choose from that my DVR stays very busy. For a laugh, Big Bang Theory. For a cry, This Is Us. And if you had sent this to me in a few weeks, it would be March Madness!”