Meet a Health Hero: Cynthia Kerr
Cynthia Kerr
» You can vote for Cynthia on our Facebook page October 21st through 27th. Mark your calendar!
Name: Cynthia Kerr
Occupation: Founder of ConKerr Cancer
Who or what motivates you to be healthy?
Having lost my mother, aunt and son to cancer motivates me to maintain a healthy lifestyle for myself, for my family and for the children we serve. While genetics played a major role in each of their cancers, I believe that getting lots of exercise and eating well will not only keep me healthy, it will give me the energy and stamina I need to lead ConKerr Cancer.
Describe a health or fitness related turning point in your life.
I have always enjoyed being outdoors—gardening, walking and cycling—but never have enjoyed the gym or working out for workout’s sake. When our children were small, it was hard to find the time for workouts. As they entered middle school and high school, I developed a passion for tennis and played year round. When my son Ryan was diagnosed with bone cancer, my tennis career ended and I focused all of my time and energy on caring for him and our two daughters. After Ryan passed away in 2008, I knew I needed to become active again to regain my health while struggling with my grief. That April we brought home our dog, Lily, from the animal rescue. As soon as she was big enough we began twice daily walks and Lily literally helped walk me back to health. Who rescued who, indeed!
What “policy” would you institute to make Greater Philadelphia a healthier region?
I am concerned about the lack of time for kids to be kids, playing in the yard, making up games and learning to work with their playmates to resolve conflicts while getting lots of exercise. While I value organized sports, I believe the early specialization and the year round training has deprived children of the joys of childhood play, the healthy lifestyle and the social skills that come with it.
What’s the most important part of your health or fitness regimen?
The most important part of my health and fitness regimen is regular walking, hiking and cycling, and taking time to eat three good meals a day. My newest challenge is that my husband and I are getting ready for our first ever cycling trip this fall.
What is your number one piece of health-related advice?
Eat in moderation, get a good night’s sleep and get out and get some exercise. You don’t need to join a gym or have a personal trainer. Just find something you enjoy and go do it every day. Oh, and it helps to have a friend join you. It makes the time go by faster and the accountability to him or her will get you out the door on days when exercising is the last thing you want to do.
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