I moved around a lot as a child. My dad was an engineer, and when the job at a power plant was completed, it was time to move on to the next city for the next project. I lived in Atlanta, Knoxville, Connecticut, India, and Boston before going to college in Vermont.
There are three seasons in Mumbai: 100 and humid, 80 and humid, and monsoon and humid. Safe to say that nobody walks much there unless absolutely needed. It is just too uncomfortable.
College at UVM was different, but similar in the sense that there was not too much walking there either. Winter usually started in October and ended in April. Uncomfortable and cold.
Becoming a New Yorker
I remember the first week I moved to New York City in April of 1998. I was exhilarated to be in such a vibrant city. The weather was mild and everyone was out and about. The best part was just walking around.
I spent hours every day exploring new neighborhoods and parks. I loved people watching and just the energy the city had.
I realized then how much I do not like sitting in a car. It was much more fun to be out there in the streets exploring. I was officially a New Yorker.
Walking Is Who We Are
One of my favorite patients was a gentleman named Archie. His doctor told him he was falling too much and needed a wheelchair. He was in tears after telling me this.
Archie’s favorite daily activity was walking 20 blocks to the west side and eating his breakfast on the Hudson River. He asked me to help him get back to doing this.
We were able to accomplish that within a few months, and Archie was eternally grateful. His walking was so vital to his health.
New Yorkers walk. We walk a lot. This is how we are built. When the calendar hits March, the weather turns milder and it is time to get outside and do what we do.
Start with walking and build from there.
