BY DEBORAH BALSHEM

Imagine going to your doctor complaining of stress, anxiety, weight gain, back pain and a laundry list of other physical ailments.

Instead of plying you with pills, the prescription is rest and relaxation.

A vacation, in fact.

Mandatory each year.

In her new book, "The Creation Health Breakthrough," Dr. Monica Reed, a licensed ob/gyn and current CEO of Florida Hospital Celebration Health, espouses mental and spiritual health, as well as physical health.

"On one hand, each of us is the beneficiary of never before imagined medical advances, and yet, despite the scores of research, treatment and explosive technology gains, we remain as unhealthy as ever," Reed said. "In fact, the top three causes of death in America today – heart disease, cancer and stroke – remain unchanged. And all three are largely related to how we live."

To counteract the negative effects of what Reed calls "a constant bombarding" of stressors – including increasing work hours, pressures of raising and supporting a family, and even harmful environmental hazards – the book offers eight "essential" principles to mastering "whole health."

This mind-body-spirit road map is easy to recall, since the book's title, literally, spells it out. An acronym for CREATION, the eight steps are: Choice, Rest, Environment, Activity, Trust, Interpersonal relationships, Outlook, Nutrition. Each of the book's chapters is devoted to one principle.

Daily brain breaks are one remedy, "even if it means just getting up and going outside for a quick pause or taking a 15-minute 'corporate nap,'" Reed pointed out. "Taking breaks and allowing your mind to relax for a few minutes throughout the day will actually make you more productive at work."

Reed, a wife and mother of two young daughters, practices what she preaches. As part of her overall routine, she devotes at least one day a week (preferably the weekend) to herself and family, despite her demanding schedule. She admits nobody's perfect, and slip-ups will happen. The key is being aware and making a consistent effort.

The book also touts the benefits of fresh air, sunshine, healthy eating habits and, of course, exercise. Reed herself was a finalist for Heart and Soul magazine's fitness competition in 1999 and placed fourth in her first local fitness competition in 2002.

The book, published in January, sold more than 160,000 copies the first month. It is available almost everywhere books are sold

Despite being only 42, Reed already has an extensive resume. Prior to her appointment as head of Celebration Health, she served for six years as senior medical officer for Florida Hospital-Orlando, the largest hospital in America (based on admissions). She also was medical director of the Center for Women's Health at Florida Hospital Celebration, a state-of-the-art medical facility whose focus is not only on curing disease but also on promoting wellness.

Additionally, Reed was director of the Loch Haven OB/GYN Group and associate director of the Family Practice Residency Program, both at Florida Hospital.

"Throughout her career, Dr. Reed has been a wonderful leader here at Florida Hospital," said David Banks, senior vice president of multicampus administration. "Monica has passion for whole person care and commitment to quality."

A graduate of Loma Linda University (LLU) School of Medicine, Reed started out as a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist, dedicating her practice from the start to promoting health, healing and wellness to as many people as possible. She had her first foray in the public limelight in 1997, as a medical news reporter for WFTV (ABC affiliate) in Orlando, and later WAFF (NBC affiliate) in Huntsville, Ala. Her tenure on television included a weight loss challenge and fitness program for the greater Orlando area.

Reed remains active in community and charitable organizations. She also is a member of several professional societies and author of articles for professional and lay journals. In recognition of her contributions, she has been voted Orlando's "Downtown Woman of the Year" by the Women's Executive Council, and one of LLU's Outstanding Women Alumni, among other honors.

When asked what's in store for her next, Reed declined to look into the future. "I allow the game to come to me," she said. "I look at all the opportunities in front of me and chose those I'm well suited for."