Politico Pro - Q&A: Ed Perlmutter
Interview
By Ashley Gold
Members of Congress are a compulsive and competitive lot, but like the rest of us they spend a lot of time sitting down. So it comes as no surprise to hear that large numbers of lawmakers are joining the step-counting "Quantified Self" movement.
Last month, Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) talked up fellow Colorado Democrat Ed Perlmutter's love of wearable fitness at an event on the security of medical devices. She often sees Perlmutter pacing around the concourses at Denver International Airport to get his steps up, she said.
"I think he gets a commission every time a new member of Congress uses one," said DeGette. "[Perlmutter] has become the most dedicated Fitbit user you could ever imagine."
There was one problem, though. Perlmutter actually has a Nike FuelBand. After his office reached out to us to correct the record, we took the opportunity to learn more about the quantified legislator. Our chat with Perlmutter has been condensed and edited for clarity.
How many steps do you get per day?
Today, [March 26, 2015], I reached about 4,200 Nike Fuel Points. My goal each day is to reach 4,000 Points, which is an average of about 14,000 steps. My goal used to be 3,000, which I reached 200 days in a row. Needless to say, 4,000 Points is a lot harder, so there are some days I'll reach 4,000 and some days I don't.
What other lawmakers have you converted to using wearable fitness devices?
Here's just a few of the folks I have converted: Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.).
What made you choose a Nike FuelBand over a Fitbit or another type of wearable fitness product?
In the summer of 2012, I was looking for some kind of pedometer to track my steps when I was walking precincts and out and about on the campaign trail. We first tried to use various phone apps but it drained my cell phone battery too much. My wife, Nancy, bought me a Nike Fuel Band for Father's Day in June 2012.
How has it changed your lifestyle?
The FuelBand has definitely made me healthier. When I first started tracking my steps, I lost about eight pounds and have managed to keep them off ever since. It also has become a fun goal to try to reach each day. If I'm only a few steps away from reaching my goal, I'll get up and walk around the office or the building just to make sure I reach my daily goal.
Would you ever be interested in having your FuelBand data being sent back to your doctor, or put in your electronic health record for a better picture of your health?
Definitely. Nike has this information; why shouldn't my doctor?
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