tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post7073481861218058822..comments2024-03-29T04:01:31.445-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: On Pedaling to the Doctor: a Rural Cyclist's PredicamentVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-18823434763421925092014-09-21T15:42:45.850-04:002014-09-21T15:42:45.850-04:00Heh, my last doctor wasn't impressed by the bi...Heh, my last doctor wasn't impressed by the bike. She said she'd prefer me to go to the gym instead and take the bus to work if I didn't drive. But that's Maryland for you. All the density of a city, all the bike-unfriendliness of a suburb.<br /><br />I have never "primped" for a doctor. I'm sure they've seen much worse than the likes of me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-66454707805802075262014-09-16T08:38:05.682-04:002014-09-16T08:38:05.682-04:00Personal opinion from a doc-there's room for a...Personal opinion from a doc-there's room for a happy medium in this...too much perfume can be just as challenging as other odors, though basic hygiene is always good. As a group, by the time docs get through training, it takes a big variance to make us think about it either way. Most people-even those coming from workouts or bike rides-truly fall into "the vast range of normal" as far as hygiene, body hair "landscaping", body modification, etc. I find patients sometimes apologize or sadly note things that I never would have noticed or would have thought normal (ex-hands sweaty from nervous about finding out results-this is normal). Just have sympathy when the doc herself has helmet hair/ponytail instead of a perfect style. ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70089149932331569802014-09-16T05:58:46.084-04:002014-09-16T05:58:46.084-04:00Health care professionals are very grateful for th...Health care professionals are very grateful for the consideration when a person comes in clean. While there will be acceptance of whatever body issues there may be, there is also the next patient who will enter the clinic room after a person reeking of body odour - if there is a window to open to freshen the room, great, if not...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-42645127970467179562014-09-15T11:35:32.698-04:002014-09-15T11:35:32.698-04:00My Doc is a cyclist,,,he understands !!My Doc is a cyclist,,,he understands !!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5598069216069601062014-09-15T07:01:51.266-04:002014-09-15T07:01:51.266-04:00Exactly - the medical profession is there to deal ...Exactly - the medical profession is there to deal with all manner of 'body' issues - the least serious of which are surely the manifestations of physical activity.spokeswomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05003029599627697118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57953078109111462242014-09-14T18:44:54.427-04:002014-09-14T18:44:54.427-04:00Place or distance is only one issue. In the heat a...Place or distance is only one issue. In the heat and humidity of where I live cycling a mile or two to a doctor is what it is….You're going to arrive sweaty and my take is who cares. It's part of being human and if doctors/nurses don't get it, it's a sad state.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-7830935979625592922014-09-14T03:08:08.123-04:002014-09-14T03:08:08.123-04:00I ride to the hospital every fortnight for an infu...I ride to the hospital every fortnight for an infusion treatment. It's not that far but there's a big hill, so I always arrive sweaty, which makes it difficult for the line to be taped to my skin, it keeps falling off! I feel as though so should be apologetic about it, and sometimes I am, but really, as others have said above, it's better to be active and get those health benefits. We shouldn't have to be apologetic about these things. There would have been a time when nearly everyone rode or walked to such appointments. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-59770856622893451722014-09-13T20:58:35.519-04:002014-09-13T20:58:35.519-04:00I'm curious about who this person was and wher...I'm curious about who this person was and where he lived. Twelve miles from a grocery store is rare.<br /><br />When one decides to go car free there are always hurdles which present themselves, practically or socially, as uncomfortable. It's part of the deal and we each march forward and try not to worry about what others think.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-80053362207277774852014-09-13T16:14:15.645-04:002014-09-13T16:14:15.645-04:00I can't remember the last time I drove to the ...I can't remember the last time I drove to the doctor or dentist for an appointment, but they're anywhere from 2-6 miles away. I don't sweat much, so I was more concerned about whether my blood pressure or heart rate would measure off from normal so I was happy that I arrived a little early and they were a little late.<br /><br />Once I did have to ask the doctor if it was OK to ride home after having a small cyst removed from my palm, and another time when the dentist replaced a filling. They both said it would be OK and it was.<br /><br />My general practice doctor is very supportive of my bicycling everywhere, even when I've had stitches for a crash on a mountain bike ride. Her attitude is that it's easier to fix the minor things than treat me for diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle like diabetes and heart disease.ladyfleurhttp://ladyfleur.bikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-22548384106961583522014-09-13T05:08:01.948-04:002014-09-13T05:08:01.948-04:00Well said - the staff and dentist at my own clinic...Well said - the staff and dentist at my own clinic congratulated me on riding a bike - as I do it all the time I consider it normal and felt a little embarrassed at the attention.spokeswomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05003029599627697118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-73544311914090924112014-09-13T03:26:13.842-04:002014-09-13T03:26:13.842-04:00OMG, I'm totally laughing my ass off. I seriou...OMG, I'm totally laughing my ass off. I seriously considered biking to my last appointment, but I was seeing the doctor about an... um... feminine issue and I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So I caved and drove my car.<br /><br />As it turned out I had to wait an hour or so for some test results and by the time I headed home it was pouring buckets of rain with lightening, thunder, howling wind and giant hail. Saved by my vanity! :-)EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-86749113704785375002014-09-12T23:53:02.975-04:002014-09-12T23:53:02.975-04:00Sorry, but this is not exclusive to rural cyclists...Sorry, but this is not exclusive to rural cyclists.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-41924537020775897662014-09-12T20:35:54.660-04:002014-09-12T20:35:54.660-04:00We're humans, not saints, we always judge.We're humans, not saints, we always judge.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19864482652218120232014-09-12T19:28:28.824-04:002014-09-12T19:28:28.824-04:00Well designed, properly-fitting bIke shorts don...Well designed, properly-fitting bIke shorts don't have ill-positioned seams, and don't bunch or wrinkle in the wrong places. A little abrasion may not be a problem for some, but there are wide variations of skin types. <br /><br />I clean up with wet wipes, at a minimum, before I get on a bike and after I get off, and wear bike shorts almost 100% of the time that I ride, including 4 mile round trips to the store. I'm usually wearing some sort of street clothes for errands, and use bike shorts as underwear. I also use chamois cream for any ride over 25 miles or so. <br /><br />This regimen is the result of research aimed at lessening the frequency and severity of saddle sores, which previously plagued me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-12970995417535678422014-09-12T19:20:49.787-04:002014-09-12T19:20:49.787-04:00I hate the way I look in padded shorts, but on a n...I hate the way I look in padded shorts, but on a narrow road saddle, in the road position it is more comfortable to wear them - yes even over 22 miles. <br /><br />As for the people on the Minuteman Trail - consider the possibility that the trail itself may only be the start of their commute. And who are we to judge anyway. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-50934350497699093342014-09-12T19:19:24.204-04:002014-09-12T19:19:24.204-04:00I'm proud to ride a bike instead of driving a ...I'm proud to ride a bike instead of driving a car. It's the people who drive who should be self conscious.<br /><br /> Sweating is part of riding a bike; thinking that you shouldn't show up somewhere sweaty is akin to having your feet bound at birth, to signify that your status requires that you perform no labor. In both cases, you are crippled as a result (admittedly, not in the same way nor to the same degree) :).<br /><br />If I'm clean when I leave the house, I'm going to be damp, but not smelly, after riding 12 miles to the doctor's office. <br /><br />I usually duck into the restroom and dry off my face and (shaved) head when I arrive at the doctor's/dentist's office. I'll continue to sweat while I'm there, until I cool down, and the back of my shirt and my shorts may be damp, but so what?<br /><br />In my case, both my doctor and my dentist are avid bicyclists, but even if they were not, I'd be happy to let them know that I rode to the appointment.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-50175893262913247992014-09-12T19:16:19.096-04:002014-09-12T19:16:19.096-04:00Yes, life is also designed around cars here in Aus...Yes, life is also designed around cars here in Australia - I don't drive and use my bike for transportation, shopping etc but my lifestyle and where I live supports this choice. Those living in suburbs, who work at some distance, who have family to transport, may not have that option. The reality is that cars and the infrastructure to support them, dominates our cities and towns and thereby often dictates how we commute.spokeswomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05003029599627697118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-58363342774884760082014-09-12T18:37:40.645-04:002014-09-12T18:37:40.645-04:00Some people sweat more than others.Some people sweat more than others.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-15777619161446433502014-09-12T18:06:27.818-04:002014-09-12T18:06:27.818-04:00My doctor is thirteen miles from the house and, th...My doctor is thirteen miles from the house and, thankfully at 58, I rarely visit. When I do, however, it's for something in bad need of attention and freaking me out, which means the ride can sometimes be difficult, but I've no other choice. Actually, it's the ride back for a follow-up visit which annoy's me the most. Twenty six miles for the doc to say 'all's good, take care'….:( Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-69894296994983555342014-09-12T16:59:21.249-04:002014-09-12T16:59:21.249-04:00Until you've removed an uneaten pork chop from...Until you've removed an uneaten pork chop from the layers of a patients "flank fat".......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-36303210840750414222014-09-12T14:58:03.377-04:002014-09-12T14:58:03.377-04:00No bicycle involved that I can tell but this is my...No bicycle involved that I can tell but this is my pal Amelie singing about her doctor and and getting well "primped " http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3CuYX6ADf4jeffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-34793651135547421642014-09-12T14:31:12.246-04:002014-09-12T14:31:12.246-04:00It helps if your doctor's surgery isn't at...It helps if your doctor's surgery isn't at the top of a Category 3 climb (in the Tour of Britain at least) like mine is! I have to admit I've never given the matter of preparing for the doctor a minute's thought, even for a smear test (I'm feeling a bit paranoid now) but I do build in 15 minutes cool-down time to allow my blood pressure to return to normal. townmousehttp://cityexile.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-39547862615489120942014-09-12T13:59:16.786-04:002014-09-12T13:59:16.786-04:00Eliminating the car is an idea I toy with every no...Eliminating the car is an idea I toy with every now and then and I would love to be able to do. But I think reality dictates otherwise. Whether we like it or not, life in US is designed around cars. Moving family safely from point A to B is one concern, since you know, there is practically no public transportation to speak of, much less safe bike routes everywhere. So I commute by bike everyday and try not to worry about occasional driving to other places.<br /><br />I do admire, though, those who adopt a completely car free lifestyle.Dreamy Leafhttp://www.dreamyleaf.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-81766542952878452822014-09-12T13:56:22.464-04:002014-09-12T13:56:22.464-04:00The medical clinic is a 5km ride away, not far, bu...The medical clinic is a 5km ride away, not far, but I do understand a bit. However, since doctors rarely do anything I am not sure what the concern is. Generally I go and they barely listen, tell me I am fine and my 5 seconds is up. I'd have to have something actually scheduled that involves removal of clothes etc to be self conscious. Are we talking about physicals, lady things? Because doctors where I live do not do annual physicals, you have to be nearly dead before they will look at you or schedule tests.<br /> I might apologize for being sweaty and say I just biked here, usually they are very happy and will say good for you etc. I usually get congratulated on my lovely blood pressure and heart rate stuff.<br />Remember doctors do all that interning stuff in ER where they see people at their worst, people coming in for emergencies who have not had time to go to the bloody spa first.<br />For such occasions doctor or job interviews etc, I may bring extra clothes, or make good use of paper towels in the washrooms...Heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-29768613988514106602014-09-12T13:55:09.527-04:002014-09-12T13:55:09.527-04:00This post reminded me of my last physical. I rode ...This post reminded me of my last physical. I rode my Raleigh 3-speed to the doctor's office and parked it in the rack right in front of the clinic. When the doctor finally came in to see me, he asked me if I exercise regularly. I told him I ride my bike whenever I can and that I actually rode it to the appointment. His eyes lit up and he asked if that was my Raleigh parked out in front. I told him it was. He had one just like it as a teenager and was admiring it from the window in his office.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com