Media Appearances
Dr. Christopher Bloom has appeared on the local news on multiple occasions. In addition to his news appearances, he has been chosen to speak to large groups of physicians numerous times to share his experience as a physician and to assist others in his field. See his news media appearances below.
CBS DFW 11
Katrina Survivors to Harvey Victims:
"Never Give Up Hope"
CBS DFW 11
Exercise Everyday May
Keep Flu Away
DALLAS (CBS 11 NEWS) – When it comes to avoiding the flu, doctors say getting the vaccine provides the most protection, but it’s not a guarantee. Experts say this year’s vaccine is roughly 62% effective.
So many North Texans are looking for ways to boost their immune systems and say exercise is a secret weapon.
“Like, I’d get bronchitis or the flu or whatever,” says Dallas Mom Stacey Conover, “and I haven’t been getting sick as much lately.”
In spite of staying busy with 18-month old twins, Conover is training for a marathon and is convinced that the added physical activity– on top of her flu shot– is helping her stay well.
“I really think that exercise is what’s made my immune system stronger. ”
And doctors agree– saying the link between exercise and good health can’t be overstated.
“Whether it’s the flu, whether it’s diabetes, physical activity is a good thing,” says Dr. Christopher Bloom, a Dallas board certified internist. “Flu viruses need to be fought by your immune system, diabetes needs to be fought by your immune system, so being in shape helps you fight all diseases.”
And Dr. Bloom– lacing up his sneakers for a brisk walk around the neighborhood– says he practices what he preaches to his patients– and can tell the difference.
“I don’t get as many coughs and sore throats… I don’t pick up as many infections.”
In fact, several studies have suggested that moderate exercise after getting a flu shot improves the vaccine’s effectiveness. And while experts agree that more research needs to be done, Beau Martin–out for a walk around White Rock Lake– finds the research affirming.
“Well, I just had a flu shot three weeks ago and I worked out right afterwards, so, I’m Superman!” said Martin, with a laugh. And doctors stress that it doesn’t take much physical activity to make a difference.
“Exercise doesn’t mean becoming an Olympian,” says Dr. Bloom. “All you have to do is walk!”
One would think that chasing 18 month old twins every day would be workout enough– but, Conover says she’s training to run a marathon, because she’s seen how exercise pays off.
“I don’t sick as often and things don’t bother me as much as they used to. I think it’s good for your mental health, as well. Overall, [it] makes you a better person.”
CBS DFW 11
Katrina Evacuee Now Texas
Doc Making House Calls
Former Hurricane Katrina evacuee Dr. Christopher Bloom is now a licensed Texas physician who makes house calls. (credit: CBSDFW.COM)
NORTH TEXAS (CBS 11 NEWS) – Seven years ago today, Hurricane Katrina dealt a devastating blow to the city of New Orleans. From his sister’s home in Houston, Dr. Christopher Bloom watched the chaos unfold.
“It was really a sinking feeling,” the now Dallas internist said. “To know that you’ve lost your home, you’ve lost your house, you lost your practice, you lost everything!”
For most of the nation, the haunting images of terrified survivors gathered at the convention center and Superdome defined the tragedy. New Orleans’ wealthy would not be found among them. But, the losses and the sorrow, they say, were all the same.
Doctor Bloom worried most about his daughters, who then were just three and 10 years old.
“The hardest part was the impact on my family. Getting my girls in school, and they had to transition to a whole new lifestyle, to see them go through that, when they already were established. They had to go through the suddenness of this change.”
Although they all survived, members of Bloom’s once close-knit and close-by family were scattered across the country. Family members weren’t the only ones that left the area. After Katrina, Bloom, a once well-established doctor, was left unemployed.
“All of my patients were displaced. There was nothing to go back to.”
Bloom decided to start over in North Texas. But, no one knew the well-connected New Orleans doctor here.
Despite the obstacles, at the age of 48, Bloom began again. It took more than a year to get licensed to practice medicine and get insured in Texas. Once those things were accomplished Bloom needed a niche and found it making house calls.
The doctor admitted he started the home visits as a way of re-establishing himself; but then realized he loved it.
“People are so nice and I like getting out of the office. I like seeing the patients. And some of these patients really need me.”
On his way to visit two centenarians, Dr. Bloom said the pair perfectly illustrates the need for the lacking medical service. Bloom has a number of elderly and homebound patients on his current client list and says it’s more convenient for them to have him come to their home and assess small issues before they have a chance to escalate.
Bloom said the task isn’t daunting and while his ambulatory practice has grown, he will continue the ‘out-of-office’ visits because he enjoys making the house calls.
As yet another storm took aim at New Orleans, Bloom said he’s convinced he made the right call in deciding to make North Texas home.
“I was just telling my wife, ‘I’m so glad I don’t have to run.’ But, then, of course, my concern is not running. My concern is family that was left behind there, friends that were left behind there, and hopefully, they’re going to do okay.”
As for damage from Isaac in the city of New Orleans, as of early Wednesday evening officials with the Army Corps of Engineers said the city’s bigger, stronger levees were withstanding the assault.