Thanksgiving with Dr. Travis Stork: Travis takes a moment aside at the photo shoot for the cover to talk about his Thanksgiving traditions and favorite memories.
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Giving thanks is important not only on the holidays, but as a way of life. Gratitude improves sleep, fights depression and cuts heart disease risk. That’s a great way to improve your health! Here’s what we at The Doctors are thankful for.
Dr. Travis Stork, E.R. Physician
I’m thankful for... my health. It’s something I think about all the time and never take for granted. To share everything I’ve learned about health with my family, friends, patients, and those who watch our show — that’s such a blessing. I’ve seen some of my friends transform their lives and my dad in particular was an unhealthy 250 pounds when he was around my age but now at almost 70, he eats well, he’s active and I swear he’s stronger than guys half his age. Growing up I wasn’t a model of health by any stretch, but many years ago, I made a conscious decision to live better. The journey to health is one you should enjoy, and as I approach my 40th birthday, I’ve found what works best for me: I love biking to work and taking my dog Nala for walks; I love cooking with my fiancé Charlotte — we take joy in making a meal taste great and still be healthy; and mostly I love getting people around me excited about health.
Dr. Lisa Masterson, OB/GYN
I’m thankful for…the opportunity for my son to go to college. I’m a big believer in the importance of education — it’s something that was instilled in me as a little girl. My grandmother was a schoolteacher in Louisiana; my mom started her career as professor at the University of Washington. I know not everyone gets to go to school, so it makes me truly appreciate that my son Daniel has that chance. He’s in his second year of undergrad and chose to study philosophy. I love that he’s expanding his mind, that he’s happy and doing well, and of course, having fun too.
Dr. Wendy Walsh, doctor of psychology
I’m thankful for…my Aspie angel. That’s what I call my 8-year-old daughter Jones, who last year was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. You’d think I would’ve been heartbroken, but I actually felt a huge sense of relief because I could finally give a name to something that deep down I knew was different. Kids with Asperger’s are obsessed with specific things, have frequent meltdowns, and often won’t look adults in the eye; they can also be geniuses — and Jones is all of that. Before I had kids, my worst fear was to be solely responsible for another person’s life, but today, I find myself thankful to be a single mom to two beautiful girls, Jones and 13-year-old Carrington. They’ve taught me to be strong, to have tremendous patience and that I can do anything. I’m working hard to get Jones the help she needs and every day, I learn more and more about Asperger’s. With my new position on The Doctors, I’m also grateful that I can help bring that information to other parents.
Jillian Michaels, health and wellness expert
I’m thankful for… the kindness of strangers. It’s really easy to become jaded in this crazy world, but when someone unexpected takes time to just do something nice—it reinvigorates me, inspires me to be more positive and helps me find the good in the even not-so-good days. Like recently, my car broke down on the side of the highway and this guy pulls over to see if I’m ok. He had his two kids in the car that he had just picked up from school, but still waited with me until the tow company came; his kids even offered me snacks from their lunchboxes. I was so overwhelmed by their kindness and generosity. I get that feeling from my family and my fans too—their support allows me to do what I love, and that’s a gift I’m thankful for every single day.
Dr. Drew Ordon, plastic and reconstructive surgeon
I’m thankful for…the chance to give back. I’ve been doing plastic surgery for 30 years, TV for about five. The combination of the two has opened doors and allowed me to use my skills to do some great charitable work. I started the Surgical Friends Foundation, where a group of us doctors offer free reconstructive surgery to people here and abroad with birth defects or who have suffered disfiguring physical abuse or burns. I’ve been to Haiti twice with Surgical Friends, and to India with another organization called Smile Train to repair cleft lips and palates. It makes me feel so good to help others, and the best part is that my kids are choosing a similar path. I married my love Robyn 26 years ago, and we had two amazing children—our son Matthew, who is applying to med schools now, and daughter Shannon, who actually traveled with me to India on my last trip. I love my family above all, and to be able to share in the same passion…it’s beyond words. For more information on Surgical Friends Foundation, visit
surgicalfriends.org.
Dr. Jim Sears, pediatrician
I’m thankful for…being able to talk—really talk—to my kids. Teenagers can be nightmares—they rebel, they have attitudes. With my own, I make it a priority to keep the lines of communication open, and I feel like it helps a lot. Not that my kids never get into trouble: When my daughter graduated high school, there were tons of parties that she haaaad to attend. We talked about drinking, about not getting into a car with anyone who has, and that if she needed a ride home, to call me — no questions asked. And that did happen. I think about how differently that night could have ended had she not felt it was ok to call. On the show, we talk about being open with your teens; the trick, I think, is to find ways to start the conversation — a TV show, even a song has helped me break the ice on sensitive subjects, like alcohol and sex. I’ve been blessed with three amazing kids — my eldest daughter, a teenage son, and stepson in kindergarten. I know there will be lots more conversations to be had, and I look forward to each one.
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