Dr. Allen is the medical director of senior specialties for Southwest Medical Associates.
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What is your hobby/sport?
My sport of choice is golf. I picked up the sport in 1990. I played for four years until my twins were born. I did not play for 10 years. My coworkers invited me out in 2004 for a round. I was reluctant go because I knew it was going to be awful! In fact, I was really terrible and scored about 145! I was surprised they asked me out again. Fortunately, our foursome has been together for several years. I try to play once a week. I enjoy the time spent with my colleagues, our beautiful courses, getting better at scoring and the amazingly peaceful environment.
What are the health benefits to golf?
Playing golf is a major stress release for me. Another benefit is the exercise during my round. I wear my Fitbit during rounds. I try to maximize my steps and hills climbed.
Don't slow down now
- Dr. Jeffrey Cummings: ‘It’s something I’ve been doing for 10 years’
- Dan Heller: ‘I’ve enjoyed basketball since childhood’
- Dr. Andrew Cash: ‘The importance of core stabilization cannot be overstated’
- Dr. Robert Kessler, D.O.: ‘I always feel better after exercising’
- Dr. Trina Wiggins: ‘My patients are my inspiration to keep on going’
- Dr. Teddy Sim Jr.: ‘I felt too intimidated because I was not always the best dancer’
- Dr. Yolanda Flores: ‘Focus on the end goal’
- Dr. Matthew Schwartz: ‘The fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle is eating correctly’
- Dr. Souzan El-Eid: ‘I enjoy doing the cyclone spin class the most’
- Dr. JD McCourt: ‘I’ve been long-distance running for 40 years’
- Dr. Carl Allen: ‘Any day on the golf course is a fabulous one!’
What tips do you have when you’ve “hit the wall” and need motivation to continue?
Any day on the golf course is a fabulous one!
Does golf require attention to what you eat?
No, golf doesn’t require any special diet. However, hydration is critical in this desert heat. The night before a round, I usually eat a well-balanced meal and get to bed early.
What’s your guilty-pleasure food?
That’s very easy to answer — jerked pork chops!
What did you eat for breakfast today?
Every morning my wife, who is mainly vegan, prepares an extremely healthy smoothie with fruits, vegetables and vitamins. Today, I had my smoothie and a high-fiber muffin.