“When is the last time you’ve had a physical?” a doctor friend of mine asked recently while we discussed the issue of general health. “Oh, I’ve had them annually,” I joked, “when I played high school and college athletics back in the 70s.”

He didn’t laugh.

“That’s something you should take seriously,” he said. “At your age, you should also have your prostate checked,” he added. “Say What!” I blurted, almost tripping, trying to step backwards in a quick attempt at avoiding the sensitive topic.

As far as my health is concerned, for years, I have held fast to the old adage that says, “Every hour spent fishing is not subtracted from a person’s life.” So by my calculation, I should live to be at least 125, but I’m still working on it.

Besides the obvious benefits of relaxation, therapeutic benefits of outdoor recreation and spending quality time with family and friends, fishing offers other advantages as well. Now, there is scientific proof backing that up.

A recent study led by Harvard nutritionists found that consuming one to three meals of fish a month can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. What is specifically in the fish that is good for you is still undetermined.

The original thought was Omega-3 fatty acids were the beneficial ingredient, but it was also learned that fish with higher concentrations of this protein, such as salmon, actually did not provide greater protection against stroke. But, doctors did point out that it would be irresponsible for them to recommend that only fried fish be eaten, since breading and the additional consumption of grease can be associated with heart problems.

Another recent study pointed out that people generally live longer and maintain better health by engaging themselves in a general fitness routine, rather than trying to “hulk-out” through strenuous weight training.

This same study pointed out that only 10 percent of the population in the U.S. participates in any type of daily aerobic program. Those who do not undertake any type of exercise program cite lack of time and non-enjoyment as their reason for not staying in shape.

Now for some good news. Some of our nation’s top physical fitness experts have found that daily activities, such as normal chores, while at the same time limiting the intake of fats, can help us achieve reasonable fitness. Remember, they did not say “top physical condition,” like you could gain through a dedicated regimented routine, but reasonable fitness. For most of us, this would be a step in the right direction, adding years to our lives.

What originally caught my eye as I gleaned the report was that fishing was listed as an activity that can substantially lead to greater health. This study showed that plying the waters of your favorite lake or stream can consume 234 calories per hour for a 180 pound man or 169 calories for a 130 pound woman, as long as you’re not scarfing Cheetos and quaffing sugar laden soft drinks. To me, this sounded like the perfect reason to step up my physical fitness program!

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to burning a few calories, this seems like a “no brainer.” This exercise thing might not be so bad after all!

Over the past several weeks I have also heard news broadcasts touting the merits of alcohol consumption, in moderate amounts, of course, and how it benefits the heart as well.

Realistically, at my age, it’s time to seriously consider my current state of health and what I can do to improve it. So from now on, I am going to make a concerned effort to burn a few calories by beating local waters to a rich, creamy froth, then having a cold one with my fish dinner!

Tournament Results

Scott Carpenter and Eric Nuehauser came away with a win at last Monday morning’s Kokomo Reservoir open team bass tourney with three fish sporting a total weight of five pounds, eight ounces. Second place went to Dennis Hartley and Jim Myers with two fish weighing three pounds, five ounces. The first and second place teams tied for the weekly event’s “big bass” honor, each with a fish tipping the scales at one pound, 12 ounces. Third place went to Doug Pence and Eric Beachy with two bass weighing two pounds, 14 ounces.

Beginning tomorrow, the Monday morning tournament will extend time on the water, concluding with an 11:30 a.m. weigh-in.

Fishing solo, Rich Fye swept the Delphi-Delco bass tourney, held Tuesday on Mississinewa Reservoir. Fye won the event with four largemouth weighing six pounds, nine ounces. A one pound, 13 ounce fish also gave him the weekly event’s “big fish” award. Ed Lyke and Reggie McClure took second place with one fish tipping the scales at one pound, 12 ounces.

The father and son team of Sam and Chance Taskey left as double winners after last Wednesday’s Kokomo Reservoir open team bass tourney. The Taskeys carried five fish to the scales weighing eight pounds, 14 ounces. A two pound, four ounce largemouth bass also earned them the weekly event’s “big bass” award. Frank Brown and Eric Camden came in second place with three bass weighing five pounds, one ounce.

Burton’s Ultimate Outdoors Team Tournament Trail will make another stop Aug. 26 at Lake Manitou. The contest will be held from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants can register at Back Ramp launch site.

Tribune Catches of the Week

Jack’s Tackle Center: Mary Beam hauled in a channel catfish tipping the scales at just over four pounds, stretching 22 inches in length. She landed the fish using four pound-test line. Beam hooked her fish from the Wildcat Creek using a night crawler.

Malone’s Nyona Lake Bait and Tackle: Rena and Bob Small cleaned 60 bluegills and redears after a recent outing on Nyona Lake. Taken on crickets and catalpa worms, the largest redear measured 10 inches in length.

Kevin Newport caught and released a largemouth bass weighing four pounds, six ounces while plying the waters of Nyona Lake. Newport’s fish hit a plastic worm.

Springhill Camp Ground: Amber and Todd DeLon pulled in 28 channel cats sporting a combined stringer weight of 41 pounds. The DeLons caught their fish from the Western Howard County pay pit using live bait.

Martino is the Tribune’s outdoors columnist. He may be reached through the sports department at (765) 454-8574.