Exercise? In Central Virginia?
Weird Al Yankovic sang, “Eat it/ Open up your mouth and feed it.” That pretty much sums up Central Virginia, because let me tell you, girl, mmm, there’s enough delicious food here to make Liz Taylor become a Virginia senator’s wife again.
Based on my own observations, Central Virginia seems to be on the higher end of the bell curve when it comes to being overweight and obese. I would say 90 percent of my own patients are “robust” when it comes to weight.
Additionally, we are probably on the lower end of the bell curve when it comes to regular exercise. Many of my patients tell me their bicep curls consist of lifting their fork to their mouths or downing a huge glass of a high-fructose beverage such as sweet tea or soda. What would Arnold Schwarzenegger say about that kind of work out? (Though he’s looking a little paunchy himself these days.)
I guess, like Arnie, Central Virginians are busy, busy, busy– but not like bees who do physical labor all day. Living in Charlottesville doesn’t mean you’re out of the desk-based rat race– you’re just out of a big city; it’s prettier here. We’re so workaholic when it comes to family, work, and duties that diet and exercise rank low on the priority list.
Also, the gym options here are pretty limited– you might even say some belong on Rodeo Drive: expensive with shorter hours. (Hmm, maybe I’ll open a gym here and everyone will have to wear Prada. No sweating, anyone! You’ll ruin the Coach leather bench!) Actually we built a gym in our office because of this problem,but not everyone on my staff uses it. Ahem…
I often hear, “Oh, I’ll exercise when it gets warmer.” Have you yet experienced the seasons here? Spring lasts for 30 seconds, and then it becomes hot and humid as fast as my temper rises when I listen to AM talk radio. Summer is so hot and humid that I feel like a Virginia baked ham. Fall doesn’t cool down until The Great Pumpkin lands on the red clay.
During these seasons, my patients say, “Oh, I’ll exercise when it gets cooler.” Folks, you would have to live in the enclosed-bubble world of The Truman Show to have that type of climate control.
My advice to all “newcomers” of Central Virginia is this, “Moderation in all aspects of life and health is a good thing.” Get enough rest, enough good nutrition, enough physical activity, enough love, and just enough work to make it through the day. That’s the doc’s prescription to make you happier.
© John S Hong, MD, MS August 8, 2007
Now Darlin’, some of us were actually born in the South and weaned on sweet tea. I was probably 20 before I realized that not all tea came sweetened and that I was not going to have a growing spurt. I’m not sure which came as the biggest surprise. Now I normally drink diet green tea or white tea-no calories, no sugar. But there are some summer days that make me yearn for a tall frosty glass of sweet tea garnished with a sprig of mint. I do indulge that craving about once a week. And I don’t even feel guilty when I do!
Comment by Kaye — August 14, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
Dear Kaye, Well girlfriend Ms. Southern Bell, in Korea it is frowned upon to add sweetner to your tea. Once I tried and my mother’s frown burned a hole into my forehead! Thanks for your input sweetie - literally!
Comment by admin — August 15, 2007 @ 6:53 pm