ABU DHABI // More than 170 caregivers practised what they preach by getting on bikes to support #cycletoworkuae.
Employees of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi joined its cycle event for a 7-kilometre loop around Al Maryah and Al Reem islands.
Leading them was Dr Marc Harrison, chief executive of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, who arrived in the city four years ago with a suitcase and his bicycle.
“It was a priority for me. I biked from the very first day I got here,” said Dr Harrison.
He said he had seen the number of cyclists grow each year.
“The #cycletoworkuae initiative is at the core of who we are, an organisation that wants to keep people well. Part of being well is being active every day, and part of being active every day is commuting on a bike.”
Dr Harrison, who lives in Khalidiya, said he would ride to work every day if there were a bike lane.
Sarah Lari, a medical technician at one of the hospital's labs, praised The National's initiative in trying to improve health.
“I personally hate the gym, so this a great way to show others there are alternative activities. Getting people fit and healthy is especially important with the obesity rate in the UAE,” said the Emirati, who regularly rides bikes with her family.
A 2013 study showed more than 66 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women in the UAE are overweight or obese.
Ms Lari said she would be encouraging patients to bike more.
“Many of the patients I will be working with will be diabetic so regular exercise will help them alleviate some of their conditions,” she said.
Another participant who took special interest in the event was the chairmen of the hospital’s wellness committee.
Manish Kohil, also chief of medical informatics, said the hospital’s programme would offer healthy food, yoga, meditation and cycling to staff and patients.
“Cycling not only improves the physical domain but creates a positive community, which helps with stress management,” he said.
Jenelle Westhoven, who moved to Abu Dhabi last year from Cleveland in the US, said she had seen a similar initiative transform the lives of people there.
“The hospital started to transform the downtown area around them and now you can see more bike lanes and cyclists in the area,” said the nurse.
tsubaihi@thenational.ae
