The Seniors Health Network each month aims to share information useful to seniors. This month, Kathy McIntyre, SHN project manager, talks about the annual Walk with your Doc event:
I read your story in February about Move for Life and its connection to the hospital, encouraging patients to move more, and I’ve also heard from my neighbour that she is going on a walk with her doctor. Can you tell me about that?
Thanks for reading about the benefits for everyone of ‘moving more.’ This community initiative has many partners and many current activities. It begins with the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation and its commitment to Healthy Communities and the Move for Life program and its generous grants to advance the wellness agenda.
This is the seventh Walk with your Doc event taking place in White Rock-South Surrey. The event is part of a provincial initiative of Doctors of BC, as well as supporting the Move for Health Day.
Walking is a simple, fun way for people of all ages and abilities to feel good and be fit. Adding just 30 minutes of brisk walking a day increases health benefits, including weight loss, boosting your immune system and looking and feeling younger. According to the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, adults over the age of 65, who are physically active (at least 150 minutes a week), have:
• lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and Type 2 diabetes;
• lower rates of colon and breast cancer;
• improved self esteem, mood and the ability to handle stress;
• lower risk of falling and better cognitive functioning; and,
• improved strength, balance, flexibility and mobility.
This year’s ‘Walk with your Doc’ is taking place on Friday, May 3, along the White Rock Promenade. The event kicks off at 7:30 a.m. at White Rock Museum (Memorial Park Plaza, 14970 Marine Dr.). Several doctors and other health care providers will be participating in the walk. Please come down and join us.
Visit www.walkwithyourdoc.ca and select the White Rock icon on the map to register.
The South Surrey White Rock Seniors Health Network is a coalition of seniors service providers working under the auspices of the Mayor of White Rock’s office. For information on community resources, visit sswr.fetchbc.ca. If you have a question for publication, please email seniorshealthnetworksswr@gmail.com