How Often, Really

(A health centre in Chesterfield. Divya has a form on the screen. Gordon keeps his coat on his knees.)

Divya: Right, a few boring ones. How often do you walk for half an hour or more?

Gordon: Oh, most days. Well, usually. Three or four times a week, say.

Divya: Three or four. And how often do you eat vegetables?

Gordon: Every day. Nearly every day.

Divya: Nearly every day. Wine, beer?

Gordon: Hardly ever. A glass of wine at the weekend, from time to time.

Divya: And how often do you check your blood pressure at home?

Gordon: I’ve got the machine. I do use it.

Divya: Once a week? Twice a month?

Gordon: Sometimes. Something like that.

(Gordon looks down at his coat.)

Gordon: That isn’t true, is it. I keep saying it and it isn’t true.

Divya: Most people do the same. The form asks how often, and nobody remembers a week like that.

Gordon: No.

Divya: So let’s try it another way. When did you last go for a walk?

Gordon: Sunday. Actually, the Sunday before.

Divya: And the last time you used the machine?

Gordon: March.

Divya: March. Right. That I can write down.