During the week of May 3 to 11, doctors throughout British Columbia will be promoting physical activity and literally walking the talk with their patients in a variety of community events.
On Saturday, May 3, the Doctors of B.C. (formerly the B.C. Medical Association) will kick off the week with a free and fun two-kilometre walk at Kitsilano Beach Park in Vancouver at 9:30 a.m.
I’ll be there with many of my colleagues along with our patients. Even if your doctor isn’t there, you’re welcome to attend. All members of the public are invited, but come early to get your free pedometer. For more information about this event, check online at www.bcma.org/walk-with-your-doc.
Throughout this month, doctors across the province will be writing prescriptions for exercise, encouraging patients of every age to be physically active.
To celebrate the World Health Organization’s Move for Health Day on Saturday, May 10, the City of Burnaby has organized a large number of free events, including community walks in many of our neighbourhoods, canoe lessons, boot camp, and the grand opening of the outdoor fitness circuit at Central Park.
For more information check the city’s website at burnaby.ca.
Why the big push for everyone to be more active? Here are seven proven benefits of regular physical activity.
1. It decreases your risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer. Exercise also plays an important role in managing and improving chronic health conditions.
2. Physical activity prevents weight gain and can help maintain a healthy weight. It complements healthy nutrition.
3. It improves the fitness of your heart, lungs and muscles. Regular physical activity conditions your body to function better making everyday activities easier.
4. Regular physical activity prevents falls and improves cognition in older adults. When your limbs and brain are accustomed to movement, your balance, agility and ability to react improve. When blood flows better throughout your body, it also provides better circulation to the brain.
5. Weight bearing activity (i.e. walking) helps maintain bone density, reducing your risk for osteoporosis and fractures.
6. Exercise improves sleep. Although vigorous exercise just before hopping into bed may be too stimulating, activity earlier in the day can improve the quality of your sleep.
7. Physical activity improves emotional wellbeing. For a number of years, psychiatrists have been prescribing exercise to their patients suffering from the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Exercise has been shown to reduce stress hormones, such as cortisol, and increase endorphins which are natural painkillers and feel-good chemicals. Exercise also promotes a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.
Dr. Davidicus Wong is a family physician. You can read more about achieving your positive potential in health at davidicuswong.wordpress.com.
