‘South Beach Diet’ Doctor Shares Tips on Health, Nutrition

Baptist Centers for Cancer Care hosted Dr. Arthur Agatston, cardiologist and author of “The South Beach Diet” at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd.

Agatston addressed nutrition issues, weight loss and the importance of living a balanced life.

“We’re committed to enhancing the community’s health by providing them with the information needed to make informed choices,” said Gordon Lintz, administrator of the Baptist Centers for Cancer Care. “Because of the link between diet and cancer, we want to help community members take the appropriate steps to be proactive about their health, including adopting healthy eating habits.”

Recent studies have shown that excess weight increases the risk of at least nine types of cancer. Fat is known to increase the risk of developing cancers of the colon, breast, uterus, kidney, esophagus, pancreas, gallbladder, liver and top of the stomach. Being overweight can make it difficult to spot tumors early, find reoccurrences, determine the most effective chemotherapy dose and even fit into chemotherapy machines.

Agatston’s book, “The South Beach Diet,” promotes the incorporation of good fats and good carbohydrates into a diet. The three-step diet plan is intended to be a lifestyle guide that explains how to eat to stabilize blood sugar and lose weight.

About 320 people attended and copies of Agatston’s book were available for purchase. He signed books after the program.

Juli Story is director of marketing and guest relations for Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis.