Men's Health

Alonzo Mourning's All-Star Rebound

How have sports influenced your health (in positive and/or negative ways)?

Positive: Being involved in sports has allowed to me to heal and deal with kidney disease. One of the biggest mistakes that people make once they are diagnosed is to become inactive. It might just be walking to the mailbox or around the block, but it's very important to stay active. Doctors were amazed by what I am able to do after going through such an extreme procedure, and how well I am able to do it. The reason I am able to continue at this level of competition is because I had a good physical fitness foundation. My body was able to recover faster, is what my doctors tell me. When patients are overweight, and have high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure, it makes the healing process much longer -- and tougher.

Negative: I don't believe that sports have had a negative effect on my health at all. Regardless of how successful I am, there will be wear and tear on my body.

Do you have a personal health philosophy? What is it?

"You are what you eat." It is a statement that is often ignored, but you truly are what you eat. If you eat unhealthy things, then you're going to feel unhealthy, as you get older. If you eat good things for your body, you'll feel so much better.

What qualities do you most desire in a doctor or health care provider?

I look for a very broad way of thinking in a physician. I want a doctor who doesn't just leave it to prescription drugs to make it happen to you. I want a broad range of understanding on how to heal people. My nephrologist, Dr. Gerald Appel, MD, is respected worldwide. And my holistic doctor, Dr. Hotchner, is someone I admire.

Do you give health advice to your teammates? Do you take health advice from them?

Yes, I've given them herbal health remedies to help with cold and flu. But I do want everyone to know, especially those with transplants who are taking other medications, that before taking any herbal remedies you need to check with your MD. Do I take advice from my teammates? NO!

How has being a parent changed you?

It made me understand responsibility even more, because I have another life that relies on me to exist.

Did becoming a father affect how you take care of yourself?

Most definitely. For example, when I turned 30 I had a custom Aston Martin made for me. After only driving it only once, I gave it back. When I was driving in it I felt like I was in a cockpit -- I have two children, and I knew that this was not smart.