Healthy Habits: Dr. Matthew Schwartz

Dr. Schwartz is an oncologist with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada and is a member of the Radiation Executive Committee of the U.S. Oncology Network and the Clinical Pathways Committee.

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What is your hobby/sport?

I go to the gym on regular basis, at least 4–5 days a week for about an hour and a half. While I am there I do cardio like running, HIT training and weightlifting. During the winter, my family and I enjoy skiing. We take weekend trips to Mount Charleston and bi-monthly trips to resorts in Utah. I started going to the gym on a regular basis and skiing at 16 years old.

What is it that you enjoy most about your workouts?

Working out is a great way to relieve stress. In the oncology specialty, I often experience highly emotional demands, so going to the gym and working out by running or lifting weights is a great way to get out all the stress, tension and emotions. Skiing is very enjoyable. I love to be outdoors and with my entire family. Spending time with my family is important to me and being able to do something that we all enjoy is my favorite part.

What are the health benefits to hitting the gym?

Doctors are always telling their patients that diet and exercise are important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and it’s true. That is why I make sure to practice what I preach. I strongly believe that if you eat healthy and exercise on a regular basis, you will have higher chance of living longer and healthier. Being active is also key to achieving a low-stress lifestyle.

What tips do you have when you’ve “hit the wall” and need motivation to continue?

I find that exercising with other people is very helpful. This could include having a gym partner or attending a cardio class. There’s always going to be a time when you are exhausted and feel like you can’t do it anymore, but having support from a friend or group class helps you get through those difficult times.

What are the health risks you keep an eye out for?

It is so important to listen to your body. Don’t push yourself to the point of injury. If you are in pain, you need to stop. Know when you need to rest and exercise correctly with proper form. In fact, I hired a personal trainer for the gym to freshen up on my skills and to make sure I was maintaining proper form and technique.

Are there other activities you'd like to try?

It seems like a lot of my colleagues play golf. I have never played, so that is something I would like to try. It would be another outdoor activity I could enjoy with friends.

Do you pay attention to what you eat?

If you are not eating correctly, you will sabotage any fitness results from working out. The fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle is eating correctly. It’s important to mention that 70 to 80 percent is diet while 20 to 30 percent is activity. I am a huge fan of a low-carb diet where you limit your bread intake. Eat lean meats like chicken and fish and eat a lot of superfoods like kale. Also make sure your diet consists of fiber and the proper vitamins and minerals. Try to eat the five food groups and never skip a meal.

What’s the best diet/nutrition advice you ever received?

You can’t outrun a bad diet. Also, drastic diets are difficult because you can’t keep them up. Be realistic. Try to eat healthy 80 percent of the time and enjoy yourself 20 percent of the time. It you stay consistent, you will get the goals you want.

What’s your guilty-pleasure food?

My guilty pleasure is pizza and anything sweet.

What did you eat for breakfast today?

This morning I had a whey protein drink. Having protein for breakfast, especially after a workout, helps repair your muscles.