Roshan Bastani is the director of UCLA’s Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Equity and a professor in the School of Public Health. She researches access to health care among low-income and other underserved groups. Before joining a Zócalo/The California Wellness Foundation panel discussion on the affordability of a healthy lifestyle in America—“Is Healthy Living Only for the Rich?”—she talked in the Zócalo green room about babies, chocolate, and getting away from it all.
What’s your favorite neighborhood in Los Angeles?
The Santa Monica Mountains. They’re away from the traffic, and the air is cleaner.
What are two of your healthiest habits?
I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, and I am constantly on the move.
What are two of your least healthy habits?
Desserts. And, actually, the unhealthiest habit I have is that I don’t do any specific exercise, even though I’m moving around all the time.
When you were a kid, what did you imagine you’d be like as an adult?
I thought I’d be bossy. I thought I’d be happy. And I thought I’d be accomplished.
What’s cuter, puppies or babies?
Babies.
If tomorrow you could spend the day anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would go to a small island, with no tourists, and sit on the beach.
What are three words your friends would use to describe you?
Tough, hardworking, and busy.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Chocolate.
Are Segways cool or annoying?
I’d love to have one to get around the city.
What’s your favorite website?
The New York Times’ site. It’s the default site on my browser.