Page 60 - HCPVitalityChronicles

Walking Meetings Keep Regional Medical Director Dinesh Kumar, MD,

Active and Engaged with Colleagues

The concept of “meet on your feet” is ern California, burn off calories,
one that Dinesh Kumar, MD, HCP re- and stay active while taking care
gional medical director, firmly believes of business as usual.”
in. When he meets with his medical di-
rectors once a month, he tells them to Being active fits right in with how
bring along their notes and then they Dr. Kumar, who has been with
head out for a 45 to 50 minute walk. HCP since 2001, approaches day-
When they come back from the walk, to-day life. He joined the Vitality
they can access the computer for re- wellness program when it was
ports or other files they discussed. first introduced because of its
“I figure it’s good for them and it’s emphasis on taking care of your
good for me,” Dr. Kumar said. “Rather health. He used to run, but after
than sit in my office, we can talk while hurting his knee, he now walks a
walking. With all of my direct reports, lot, uses a stationary bike about
that’s how I meet.” four times a week, and goes on
six- to seven-mile hikes with
His colleagues enjoy it. “Walking his wife on weekends.
meeting with Dr. Kumar is a terrific
idea and too bad I did not think of it Dr. Kumar, left, on a walking meeting with Minesh On a personal level, physical ac-
Mehta, MD, Associate Medical Director, Opera-
first,” said George Hong, MD, medical tions/Admin/Clinical. tivity helps him. “I do need the
director, HCP Costa Mesa. “We’re endorphin surge,” he said, adding
stuck in the building, in front of the computer all day, so that he feels good and sleeps better when he exercises
it’s nice to be able to get out, get some fresh air, relax the regularly. He also noted that being of South Asian descent,
eye muscles, get other muscles and joints moving, and he is at high risk for heart disease, and wants to take pre-
even get some vitamin D via the sunshine. To discuss work ventative steps to be healthy. “I need to be around for my
matters as we walk adds a dimension of collaboration kids,” he said.
since we’re walking side by side. It’s also a good way to es-
tablish and build on relationships.” He tries to encourage colleagues to be healthy and fit in
exercise whenever they can. “Our metabolism changes as
Phiet Phung, MD, HCP Huntington Beach, agrees. “We we get older,” he said. “I don’t want to eat as I did when I
normally walk about two to three miles during our hour- was younger and not work out. I have to take care of my-
long meetings. I think it’s great,” Dr. Phung said. “It gives self today.”
us a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather here in South-

All information in the Vitality program is HIPAA protected. Members have chosen to share their personal health accomplishments.

For more information about Vitality, visit www.powerofvitality.com. Contact Janet Galli for further program information.