Want to get healthier? Find a buddy

Multiple studies show that if you’re aiming to upgrade your life, doing it with a buddy or in a group makes it more achievable and sustainable, because companionship bolsters motivation.

Whatever healthy-living ambitions you have, there are buddies who can help you succeed in those challenges.

You can enlist your co-workers, family and friends to join your efforts, but sometimes it’s more effective to join a large “buddy up” organization where there’s someone new to offer you encouragement and fun!

Meetup.com offers nationwide support groups (structured, group-organized events are safest).

For example, there are New York and Los Angeles hiking groups with tens of thousands of members. Metro Detroit Workout (4,000+ members) and Women of Color in Atlanta (7,000+ members) provide support for weight loss and physical activity. Local Y’s and commercial businesses dedicated to weight loss and fitness also provide group support.

You even can have a workout buddy through your computer (check out the challenge groups at sharecare.com/static/challenges). Research shows that having a buddy also increases motivation and enjoyment over exercising alone.

Healthy you, healthy breast milk

An Oregon woman on Youtube has a condition called hyperlactation and produces 1.75 gallons of milk daily. Over the past few years, she has donated more than 700 gallons to moms and babies in need.

Being breastfed is linked to a lower risk of teen metabolic syndrome, which can lead to heart disease and diabetes. It’s protective against weight gain in kids who seem to easily pack on pounds. It helps with immunity and aids digestive health.

But research shows not all breast milk is created equal. One study found breast milk from obese women contains excess fat (altering an infant’s microbiome), and another found that when moms drink sugary beverages, they produce more sugary breast milk (a setup for future health problems).

If you’re going to breastfeed or are breastfeeding, avoid sugary drinks and try to maintain a healthy weight. If you can, breastfeed for six months or more.

If you consider using donated breast milk, call your state health department to find out about local banks that certify the safety of their milk.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.