NORWICH – Cycling has helped Dr. Scott Cohen lose weight and keep it off. The best part: It’s been fun.
Using his most recent ride as an example, Cohen, who is a doctor at Bassett Healthcare and the medical director for Chenango County’s Public Health Department, said it was less a workout and more of a social gathering.
“It was three hours of being outdoors with five friends,” said Cohen, who began road and mountain biking regularly about two years ago. “It was incredible exercise... but we were able to see the countryside, burning calories instead of gasoline.”
Promoting an active, healthy lifestyle – through biking and other forms of exercise – is a main focus of the “Tour de Cure,” a series of nationwide cycling tours that raise money for the American Diabetes Association.
Sponsored by AIM Fitness and Chenango Memorial Hospital, Cohen and several of his fellow riders are participating in a Tour de Cure event June 1 around Oneida Lake. The group, know as “Team Chenango,” also participated last year, and is actively seeking more riders from the surrounding communities – at all skill and experience levels – to join them for this year’s event.
“Last year we finished in fifth place of 67 for fundraising,” said Cohen. “This year we decided we want to do bigger and better.”
Money raised goes toward diabetes research, advocacy and awareness efforts. The ultimate goal is to prevent and cure the disease, and provide the best quality life for the millions of Americans affected by all forms of diabetes, according to the ADA.
“Everyone is affected by diabetes, whether it’s a family member or friends,” said Eric Montalvo, owner of AIM Fitness. “One of our goals is wellness. This is a good opportunity for us to help out.”
As part of it sponsorship, AIM is reducing its day gym passes from $10 to $5 April 14-20, with all proceeds going to Team Chenango. AIM and Chenango Memorial Hospital CEO Dr. Drake Lamen are also purchasing team jerseys for the local riders.
The Tour de Cure offers ride distances for all skill levels; anywhere from 15 to 100 miles-long. Each participant is expected to raise $150. For those interested in joining, the team will be scheduling a series of practice rides from now until the event.
While the goal is to find a cure, it’s also about preventing the onset of diabetes, Cohen added.
“Ninety percent of adult diabetes cases are related to weight,” he said. “If people can keep their weight down, they’re less likely to get diabetes.”
Cohen hopes events like the tour can raise awareness about the importance of an active lifestyle, something that will benefit the entire community in the long run.
To offer a donation or for more information, contact Cohen at scott.cohen@bassett.org or call 336-6362. The team also has a Web site at main.diabetes.org/goto/chenango.