Meet a Health Hero: David Wurtzel
David Wurtzel | Photo by Avi Loren Fox
» You can vote for David on our Facebook page October 7th through 13th. Mark your calendar!
Name: David Wurtzel
Occupation: Founder and executive director of The First Twenty and volunteer firefighter at Narberth Fire Company
Who or what motivates you to be healthy?
Family and firefighting. I owe it to my family past and present to be healthy for them, and for all their love and support. Plus, respect for my fellow firefighters and wanting to not let them down on the job.
Describe a health or fitness related turning point in your life.
The First Twenty is a nonprofit dedicated to the unmet health needs of the American firefighter. We authored the nation’s first-ever national fitness and wellness program for firefighters. So when we received our first email from a firefighter in Alabama thanking us for helping him to lose over 20 pounds, that was huge. It was then that I realized the impact of what we are doing.
What “policy” would you institute to make Greater Philadelphia a healthier region?
Hugs and pounds. Greeting folks with a smile, a hug, or a pound can go a long way in keeping you and your day on the positive side of things. Philly is the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, after all.
What’s the most important part of your health or fitness regimen?
Doing it! Having a plan is the first step, but you have to put in the effort to see it work.
What is your number one piece of health-related advice?
Go small. It is the little things that make all the difference. Deep breathing, drinking water and simple body positioning can make all the difference in getting healthy. Allow these small changes to become habits, and you will reach your goals.
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