Dr. McCourt is the medical director for University Medical Center’s adult emergency department.
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What is your hobby/sport?
I’ve been long-distance running for 40 years. It serves as a good stress reducer, and it provides me with time outdoors in the fresh air. Running is also a great way to explore new areas and interesting locations.
What are the health benefits to running?
Running supports improved aerobic capacity, weight reduction, stress reduction and improved mental health.
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 are the health risks you keep an eye on?
Overuse injuries are the most common injuries associated with long-distance running: stress fractures, tendinitis, muscle strains and tears.
What products or gear or essential?
I use a variety of products, including high-end running shoes (six to eight pairs per year), shoe inserts, running clothing to match the climate, a GPS watch and prescription eyewear that allows me to read the watch. I also have access to a track and a health club membership for cross training. In addition, I utilize multiple medical products to train through injuries, including wraps, a handheld ultrasound, muscle rollers, and, unfortunately, crutches and/or splints.
Does running require attention to what you eat?
A higher-carbohydrate diet is crucial during training periods or when building up for a big race because it helps to sustain high-intensity exercise. On a typical day, when sitting down for a meal, I like to make sure I have some of each of the five food groups: dairy, fruit, grains, vegetables and protein. This helps to ensure I get a variety of vitamins and minerals. When working a long shift, I like to bring healthy, grab-and-go snacks.
What’s the best diet/nutrition advice you ever received?
Stop eating sugar.
What’s your guilty-pleasure food?
Ice cream and Lucky Charms.
What did you eat for breakfast today?
Today was an unusual day. I had a breakfast burrito, but I do not typically eat breakfast.