Let’s face it, being a GP is not good for your health. Many hours are spent sitting staring at a computer screen with only the occasional unhealthy snack for sustenance. The popularity of fitness apps has led me to rethink the wisdom of prolonged sitting at work and to increase my daily steps. I decided to stop using the intercom to call patients and, instead, walk to the waiting room and call them in person. No longer: ‘Jane Smith, room 4!’ but rather: ‘Hello Jane, nice to see you, you look like you caught the rain today …’ Thirty plus steps a day for 30 patients increases my count, and with additional activity plus minor detours this equates to an additional 2000 daily steps.Patients often enquire whether the intercom is broken. I respond with a self-satisfied glow, ‘I’m trying to do more exercise and keep active.’ They appear impressed with my simple example of modifying one’s behaviour to improve health. Thirty seconds extra …
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