A Syracuse, NY doctor is actively fighting in the trenches with his patients for their health and well being.

If you ever have had to check into a hospital, you will appreciate the good work of Syracuse area physician Joseph T. Barry, M.D., a primary care doctor in Syracuse that makes it his policy to be by his patients’ side whenever they’re hospitalized.

He even sets up shop at the Farmer’s Market to walk through with patients and interested folks to educate them on what they should be eating, and how to prepare it more healthfully.

Dr. Barry grew up in New York state, attended Cornell University and finished with a three year Internal Medicine Residency in Boston at St. Elizabeths Hospital. He returned to Central New York to join his father in private practice. He’s board certified in both Internal Medicine and Geriatrics.

Up until a few years ago, Dr. Barry had a traditional practice but was burning out on the crush of patients and the inability to really give each and every person the time they needed.

Like many doctors today, Dr. Barry essentially “went back to the future” with his practice, and has a hands on and personal approach to his patient load who he is deeply invested in.

He tells Monsters and Critics, “Beyond providing care during illness, me and my staff emphasize working with all of our patients to encourage preventive maintenance on the body. After all, shouldn’t you give yourself better care than you do your house or car? You can replace those things, but not your body. Don’t wait until signs of trouble before taking preventive measures.”

Indeed. Dr. Barry is part of a concierge medicine group,SignatureMD, where his patients pay a small retainer for these personalized enhanced services that include visits during hospitalizations, 24/7 access to his personal cell phone, same-day appointments, extended office visits and even house calls.

After 27 years of practicing medicine, Dr. Barry says he is reinvigorated to connect with his patients by offering the option for a more in-depth focus on personalized care and preventive medicine. “There is good scientific documentation that preventive medicine and attention to wellness lead to longer, more active and vigorous lives,” notes. Dr. Barry.

Dr. Barry’s care philosophy in his practice is centered on his dedication to preventive health. He offers a bi-weekly power walk on weekends for his patients, or whoever else would like to join him. Then, on every other Tuesday, you can find Dr. Barry manning a booth at the local Camillus farmer’s market (held at the old Tues.) where he dispenses free health advice about nutrition.

He says, “This is a photo from our canal walk, we are at the halfway point…hardy group of regulars. We walk twice a month on Tuesdays.”

For those who wish to join him in the area, go to:

Camillus Farmer’s Market
Tuesday, September 1
Municipal Building
4600 West Genesee Street
Syracuse NY 13219
3-7 PM

Monsters and Critics had some questions for Dr. Barry:

Monsters and Critics:  How did the idea come to you for being at the farmer’s market?

Joseph T. Barry, M.D.:  The idea just came to me for creating a spot at the [local] Farmer’s Market. Every other Tuesday – which is market day – I lead a walk along the Erie Canal for 1-2 miles depending on the patient’s ability.

M&C: How do people approach you, is it with a list of what’s ailing them and what to do about it, or more proactive requests for information on wellness?

DrB: People just walk right up and I give him or her the information about the vegetables that are on sale that week. Sometimes it’s a corn chowder recipe, sometimes it’s a different healthier recipe for strawberries rather than just strawberry shortcake. I like to actively support the farmers there and not have my booth so much about selling ‘me.’ We often giveaway something… including my new Dr. Barry’s dream cream in exchange for an email address, so that we can then use to send people information about my programs.

M&C:  What is the most requested information people ask of you?

DrB: Usually it’s a general question about what ‘Concierge Medicine’ is really all about.  How it works and what they get for their retainer. And often, my own patients – who go to the Farmer’s Market – will stop by and speak directly to interested people who are asking questions, and they’ll say ‘this is my doctor… we walk together and he sends me newsletters, I get to see him the same day…” and explain how the practice works for them.

M&C:  Many experts feel the lifestyle and diet choices we make really determines a great percentage of HOW WELL we will age, not just amount of years lived. What is your opinion about this?

DrB: You asked me a question about how many experts feel that lifestyle and diet choices determine a percentage of how well we age. I could not agree more. In fact, in almost every patient visit, unless it’s a sick call, the appointment ends by me formally reviewing the patient’s diet program and exercise program.  I ask, ‘What’s the best part about your diet and the worst part about your diet?’ Same for their exercise routine. Then I’ll use the same paper which is given to the patients to help reinforce the discussion, and write down a couple of points about things we either talked about or plan to do which we go over next visit.

Most physicians will agree that diet and exercise are super important, but since they can’t really force patients to exercise and eat sensibly, they spend precious little time during the average visit discussing the really important stuff, instead focusing on just the numbers: A patient’s blood pressure,  cholesterol and diabetic numbers. I treat people, not numbers.

M&C: If you could offer readers any advice from your experience, what would be your top five bullet list of life “hacks” or things that we must do to ensure a better quality of life, from your medical observations?

DrB: Dealing with diabetics is a great example to begin with. Most diabetics get worse over time, despite adding more and more medicines. It makes for a quick and easy visit to say, ‘your numbers are too high let’s increase your medicines.’ You’re out the door in less than 10 minutes.

But the person is going to be worse – not better- with more medicines. Instead, I recommend spending that time talking about dietary changes and exercise changes and the choices people make with their health, which I think is far more important.

My advice to readers from my personal experience, and from my review of the literature is as follows:

• Medicines are last choice not a first choice
• Avoid taking any chronic pain medicine even Tylenol or Motrin on a daily basis
• Wake up every morning mindful that you control your health destiny. You decide If you will get some exercise or be active. You decide what you will put in your mouth that day and if you think about it you make different choices. You have control over what she eats and how much she will eat. You have control over getting exercise and what kind of exercise and what intensity. Not your boss not your wife you.
• Keep your shots up-to-date including pneumonia shot and flu shot they don’t always work 100% but they are much better than not getting the shot. Remember that flu and pneumonia remain among the top 10 causes of death in America and the shots can cut your risks, so it’s a no-brainer.
• Stress kills and the good news here is that you don’t need a doctor or a special technique, special technology, special anything in order for you to de-stress with meditation, yoga, prayer. Every day you choose your mood. You have complete control over your attitude.

M&C:  Many fitness and medical professionals say regular walking (robust and at least 25 minutes daily) is better than beating yourself up at the gym 2-3 times a week in prolonged workouts. Obviously the best training incorporates variety of activities. What’s your rule of thumb advice for over 50 folks looking to stay lean and feel good?

DrB: You asked a question about the frequency and degree of intensity for exercise and my easy answer is I always tell people whatever you’re doing, you can do a little bit better or little bit more or a little bit different. Walking is an excellent start, but once people get into a regular schedule, they should incorporate weights of some type too. I also like variety in a workout, so I tell people try to substitute a bike ride once in a while, or go bowling, canoeing, Do some exercises by yourself and do some exercises with a class. Exercise variety is a spice of life and keeps you from burning out on doing it.

M&C: You are made the new food Czar of the USA and your powers are that you can eliminate ONE food or beverage from existence in the USA. What gets the ax?

DrB: What would I eliminate? Well, although by nature I am a Libertarian and opposed to the government making decisions about my health, and since you didn’t mention that I could eliminate cigarettes … I would eliminate soda.  This is a poisonous concoction that is killing many Americans and maiming many more because of the high fructose corn syrup.  Soda is bad for your arteries, liver, weight and pancreas. It’s very bad.  I would also ban Brussels sprouts …just because I don’t like them.

Original Source: www.monstersandcritics.com