What do you do for a living?
I’m a sports journalist (nearly 20 years at ESPN, ABC, and CBS Sports!) and founder of Walk Swiftly Productions, a company specializing in original sports programming. I’m also a public health advocate, with a focus on youth health and wellness and DVT awareness, after I suffered near-fatal blood clots in my leg (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism, or PE) several years ago.
When flying, what are some measures people can take to avoid DVT?
While 900,000 people are affected by DVT/PE each year, it is largely preventable. Having your legs bent for long periods of time—on planes, trains, cars, even at your desk—can increase your risk, but here are some handy tips: 1) Drink lots of water! Dehydration causes your blood to thicken, so it’s important to stay hydrated; 2) Wear compression socks to promote circulation in your legs; 3) Try to get up once an hour during long flights to get those legs moving; 4) Do simple exercises in your seat, like ankle circles and flexing and pointing your toes (as if you’re pushing on a gas pedal) to promote circulation.
What do you think is the best city for sports lovers?
As a New Jersey native and a New Yorker for more than 20 years, I’d be remiss if I didn’t choose the Big Apple. At least two teams in the area for every pro sport—what’s not to love?
What’s the most meaningful trip you’ve ever taken?
A mission trip to Haiti in 2013. It was several years after a catastrophic earthquake rocked the capital, Port-au-Prince, and its surrounding areas, and so much of the region was still in shambles. On one hand, it was devastating to see the condition of some of the orphanages we visited; on the other, it was inspiring to witness the vibrant spirit of the children we met and the people managing the facilities.
What’s your favorite souvenir from your travels?
I’ve saved press credentials from every major event I’ve covered: Super Bowls, college football bowl and championship games, NBA and MLB playoffs, Final Fours, US Opens. I keep talking about designing a glass-covered bar top collage with all of them. One of these days…
What place is at the top of your bucket list?
A safari excursion in Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa. I love animals but haven’t yet done the research on where I’d want to go. Suggestions? Hit me up on @BonnieBernstein on Twitter!
What’s something surprising that you never travel without?
8 Greens. It’s a tablet containing eight real greens that tastes amazing (seriously!) and has worked wonders in helping keep my immune system strong.
Which famous person—living or dead—would be your dream seatmate on a flight?
Condoleezza Rice. Nothing to do with politics, everything to do with Dr. Rice being one of the most inspirational, extraordinary, pioneering women I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing.
On top of being the first female National Security Advisor and first Black female Secretary of State, she is a concert pianist, a football aficionado, an avid golfer, and quite simply a super-cool lady with a thoughtful, measured perspective on pretty much any topic you may throw her way!
