For those curious about whether or not health care professionals follow the same advice they give to patients, a series of research studies shows that, for the most part, they do.

A series of 11 survey based research studies covering a cross section of doctors and nurses around the country found that the healthy behaviors advocated by these health care providers are often a part of their own daily lives.

Of the nearly 2000 professionals surveyed:

• 82% eat a healthy, balanced diet
• 73% exercise regularly
• 72% ensure their intake of the the RDA of vitamins and minerals
• 90% don't smoke

The new data may help some patients feel a little better about the recommendations passed along by their doctors and nurses.