Dr Andrew Rynne, GP specialising in sexual health
Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
I do, in spite of being a doctor. I gave up smoking about four years ago and that was the greatest health favour I ever did myself. Doctors have their own health hazards. They tend to doctor themselves and so, in the words of Sir William Osler, they have a constant fool as a personal physician. And then they do not like to bother their colleagues, an equally stupid inhibition. Doctors are much better at giving it out than taking it in!
How often do you exercise?
I live in this big old Georgian house where there is never-ending work to be done – splitting logs, bringing in fuel, cleaning out fireplaces, fencing, going up and down the stairs. A recent study showed that people who go up and down stairs every day live longer than those who don’t.
Do you get your five a day?
Do I get my five what a day?
Do you worry?
Only about things over which I have some control. For example, the economy is on its knees at the moment but there is nothing that I can do about it, so it does not worry me. When I encounter problems, facing up to them and finding some resolution is very important. Anxiety is a serious health risk.
What do you do to relax?
I play the tin whistle badly and am a bit of a folk singer. I love history, good documentaries and classical music on the telly. I garden and potter around this old place. I go for a siesta every day – people who do that live longer lives. Five evenings a week, I join my sporting friends in our local pub in Prosperous. I love the banter, repartee and slagging. Laughter is so therapeutic.
What’s your unhealthiest habit?
Probably the above mentioned. But then, you do not need to be too hard on yourself either. A healthy lifestyle is all very well, but it can be overcooked.
doctorrynne.com
In conversation with JOANNE HUNT
