Good morning and Happy Holidays! We don't want to be all "business-like" in our Official 2010 Walk with a Doc Holiday Newsletter but some things are just too important. WWAD's 2010 Official Policy on Snow Emergency Levels. WWAD - Miami, WWAD - Bora Bora? We love you - keep your thoughts to yourself.
Level 1:
Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy, drive carefully.
Honestly? We laugh at this level. Our walkers are tough, this level means nothing to us. Although we will hold all walks at Level 1, please do not be alarmed when you see us listed on the "Business & School Closings" (as "Open") running along the bottom of the TV screen. We will continue to drink from that well until it runs dry. As always, please attend ONLY if you are willing to accept a quality of life approaching Nirvana that our forefathers couldn't have even dreamt up (yes - we're talking Ben Franklin and George Jefferson here). "Did he just use George Jefferson's name in vain?!"
Walk with a Doc = Nirvana? Yes, sir.
*Our lawyers (my wife) share that WWAD continues to be optional.
Level 2:
Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
Still laughing...just not as hard. Looking at the big picture, seems silly to subject ourselves to risk when what we're built on is dramatically reducing our health risks. That being said, at times risk can be a little exciting and sexy.
Each walk leader will make their independent decision that we will announce via Facebook, Twitter, website, TV/radio, and mountaintop.
I can tell you right now - my walks will be held. If the wind chill is below 10, on your drive in I strongly recommend consumption of hot coffee (reduction of Alzheimers, Parkinson's, diabetes, etc.) and playing Rihanna's latest CD, Loud. RiRi can heat the car up in a hurry (careful with a Tracks 1&2...might actually require a little A/C).
Level 3:
All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to arrest.
Ok, now they've got our attention. Always planning ahead, since August 4th, WWAD has been involved in serious discussions regarding special exemptions during Level 3 status with multiple Sheriff Departments around the great state of Ohio. Despite our passionate Power Point presentations and humble offerings of various nutmeg oils, we have been unsuccessful. The authorities feel the aforementioned description is self-explanatory.
Look, I'm sorry, I don't want to get angry in the holiday card, but enough is enough!
Don't pee on us and tell us it's snowing!!
("Why is he saying that? It is snowing.")
OUR tax dollars are paying for those roadways AND the police! Whatever
happened to the 1st Amendment? Answer me that! They are cornering us into the role of the Rebel, the Mall Walking Rebel. We've got to stand up and fight for our right to walk...and maybe even enjoy a delicious Cherry Slurpee when we're done?
All that being said if it's a really bad Level 3 NO WAY I'm driving to a mall to walk. ("Nancy, what's he talking about? Aren't all Level 3's bad by definition?"). I'm putting a nose warmer and snowshoes on my poodle Mudge and we are going for a walk.
This Saturday - December 18th, 2010
Our well-respected pediatric leader, Dr. Wendy Anderson will be meeting at Eastland Mall's Food Court this Saturday, 8:30 for all interested. Dr. Wendy has been so good this year Santa's going to have trouble lifting his bag of Dr. Wendy's new toys.
The Highbanks/Polaris/Westerville/New Albany crew will all be meeting in the Food Court at Dublin's Tuttle Mall this Saturday at 8:30 - led by Dr. Patricia Stafford. Dr. Stafford was asked terrific questions by the large crowd at the last Dublin walk and had great answers.
Richard Holbrooke:
We received a few questions in the office regarding his unfortunate passing.
It is believed that about 3-5000 Americans die of aortic dissection each year. Risk factors for this disease include uncontrolled blood pressure (2/3 of cases), atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), pre-existing aortic aneurysm, bicuspid aortic valve, certain genetic diseases, sex (M 2x>F), and age 60's & 70's.
Prevention: Exercise, don't smoke, maintain ideal body weight , stay on top of your cholesterol, and make sure your doctor knows if there is a family history of aneurysm. R.I.P Richard Holbrooke.
