Healthy Habits: Aerial yoga, cycling to work help Dr. Patrice Firpo stay active
It can sometimes be difficult to find ways to stay healthy, so we’ve asked members of our Baylor College of Medicine community to share what they do in their daily lives to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Patrice Firpo, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor, shares some of her healthy habits with us.
Q: What health decisions start your day?
A: Finding balance between work, kids and self-care.
Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
A: Cheerios (original) with fresh fruit like blueberries and a cup of coffee or two.
Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: Aerial anything! I first tried this four years ago and re-discovered it over the summer. Aerial adds an amazing dimension to yoga, conditioning, and fitness. It’s so much fun to challenge myself with some of the circus moves. I can now climb more than 20 feet on the silks! Eventually, I want to take the aerial dance class.
Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
A: Music!
Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: I walk my dogs, ride my bike to work, or take the stairs at work. I also enjoy plank exercises and dancing with my kids.
Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?
A: Peanut butter and apples, berries, oranges, and water with frozen fruit.
Q: Do you take vitamins and if so, which ones?
A: I take vitamin D gummies for bone health and biotin for hair and nails.
Q: What do you include in your child’s lunch?
A: Fresh fruit, a sandwich with protein or dairy (like prosciutto and mozzarella on ciabatta), and chips or a cookie.
Q: How do you make an unhealthy recipe healthy?
A: I usually cut the salt in half and decrease the sugar by 25%. Occasionally, I’ll substitute two egg whites for one whole egg when making omelets.
Q: What is your nighttime skin regimen?
A: I wash with Cetaphil, followed by a mixture of retinol/vitamin C, and use some under-eye hyaluronic acid.
Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: I enjoy the crossword, sudoku and cryptogram section of the Houston Chronicle and try to avoid screen time before bedtime.
Q: What is your go-to Houston restaurant for a healthy meal?
A: TruFoods Kitchen.
Q: Do you use a pedometer or Fitbit and what is your daily step goal?
A: I don’t have a Fitbit, but I rely heavily on the Health app on my iPhone, which is synced with “Lose It.”
Additional Resources
Dr. Zachary Pallister focuses on adequate sleep, family time
Circuit training, avoiding processed foods help Dr. Chia Wu stay on track
Read more healthy habits from members of our community.
Learn how Baylor promotes a culture of healthy living and wellness.
