I can eat whatever I want because I exercise!

One of my former colleagues said this very statement just weeks before he was hospitalized for atrial fibrillation. I think it's a not uncommon misconception that exercise and 'physical fitness' can overcome less than ideal lifestyles with respect to nutrition or alcohol use, or even obesity. I emphasize repeatedly to my patients and readers that the overall lifestyle is very important and that includes good nutrition, appropriate exercise, and good mental health. I address each of these in the 3 parts of my book on these subjects.