Staying Healthy while Celebrating March Madness

Health Tips from Jerry Tolbert, MD

Cincinnati (March 17, 2015) – March Madness can be a stressful time for die-hard college basketball fans. Add to that buffets of fatty foods, sugary drinks and alcohol consumed while watching weeks of games, and it can be a tough time to stay healthy. Jerry Tolbert, MD, The Christ Hospital Physicians – Primary Care has pulled together some tips to follow to make this March Madness your healthiest one yet.
  1. Burn off some nervous energy. Feeling antsy before a big game? Instead of sitting and stressing, try burning off your nervous energy with your own game of hoops. Grab your friends or family and play a game of basketball outside. If not that, then just get up and pace; any movement is better for you than sitting for hours at a time.
  2. Adjust your workout routine. In celebration of March Madness, adjust your workout routine to match the basketball players that you’ll be watching. Hit the weight room and experiment with a ballet barre workout to increase muscle and balance.
  3. Take a victory lap. Every time your team wins, take a victory jog around the block. Celebrate and burn some calories at the same time. And if your team loses, make it two laps around the block. You can use the extra time to shake off the emotions and strategize next year’s season.
  4. Skip the bar. Instead of hitting your local watering hole, grab some friends and head to your gym to watch the game on a stationary bike or treadmill.
  5. Replace empty calories. Soda, fruit juices and alcohol don’t provide much except empty calories. Host a March Madness get together with a smoothie station instead of the margarita station. Blend up some fresh fruits and veggies and you’ll stock up on vitamins and nutrients instead of calories and a hangover. 

Looking for a primary care doctor to help you get the most out of life? Dr. Tolbert is accepting new patients and can be reached at (859) 334-0217.

About The Christ Hospital Health Network: The Christ Hospital Health Network is a regional system of care that extends The Christ Hospital’s 125 years of exceptional care and leadership to more than 100 locations in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Network delivers integrated, individualized healthcare and wellness services through its comprehensive physician network, advanced specialty services and the region’s Most Preferred Hospital (National Research Corporation). Its mission is to improve the health of our community and create patient value by providing exceptional outcomes, affordable care and the finest experiences. To learn more about its locations and award-winning services, visit TheChristHospital.com.