Health Hero - Rita Goldberg

Question & Answer Session

Q       What do you do to stay fit?

A       I take Pearl, my King Charles Spaniel, for walks every day. So many people stop and talk to you and the children just love her. I also go the gym, and I do aqua aerobics. The lady who runs it is lovely and you can see how much she enjoys it so it’s fun. I can’t swim but we do it in the shallow end so we’re never out of our depth!

Q       Why is exercise important to you?

A       I’m diabetic with high cholesterol and angina and I find exercise really helps me feel better. It gives me inner strength, too. I have my worries and exercise helps me to stay in control and enjoy life more.

Q       Did anyone inspire you to start exercising?

A       My GP referred me to the gym. And I get a lot of advice and support

from the trainers there. They keep challenging me with new things.

Q       Have you inspired anyone else to take up exercise?

A       I encourage my friends and neighbours to come with me. My daughter lives in Fulham but she came to the aqua aerobics here once and she’s going to start in Fulham now. And a friend of mine with arthritis comes now and it’s helping her as well.

Q       What do you do to motivate yourself to exercise?

A       When I don’t feel like exercising I just have to push myself. But once I get going I really enjoy it. It’s taking the first step – we should all take that first step. People my age should get active, not just sit back. We should keep going and do things. I’m often out walking with my friends. One of them has had a couple of big heart operations now, but that doesn’t stop him. We go down the shops and parks and we just keep going.