From prescribing exercise to providing an example, Campbell River doctors will get a dose of their own recommended medicine next week during the annual BC Walk with your Doc week.
Doctors will join their patients for walks throughout the province the week of May 9–17, and two walks are scheduled in Campbell River.
Physicians from the Campbell River and District Division of Family Practice, who regularly prescribe exercise to their patients, will host the walks in an effort to get their patients and the entire community moving.
Monday, May 11, Hillside Medical Centre staff are again going to partner with Yuculta Lodge clients, staff, family and friends for a walk that will start at 1:30 p.m. at the main entrance of Yuculta Lodge. Dr Caitlyn McFadden, walk champion and organizer, has also engaged the support of Cedar Elementary School students and activity department.
Wednesday, May 13, Alder Medical staff, patients, family, friends and partners will start their walk at 4 p.m. from Frank James Park. This year, Alder “Walk with your Doc” champion Dr. Dieter DeBruin is partnering with CBI Rehabilitation in Motion, and physiotherapist Tanya Kessling has offered to do a pre-walk warmup.
All residents are invited to participate in these free events and each participant will receive a free pedometer. Residents may further show their support by signing up at www.walkwithyourdoc.ca. The website connects B.C. walkers with photos, stories, and a map of walks around the province. Walkers can also enter a photo contest for the chance to win one of five FitBits by sharing their walk photos on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #WalkWithYourDoc.
Developed by Doctors of BC, Walk with your Doc week provides a great opportunity for doctors to connect with groups of patients, to walk side by side, discuss the health benefits that walking provides, and demonstrate their commitment to support patients in leading a healthier lifestyle. Studies show that daily walking helps maintain weight levels, boosts the immune system, lowers stress, and prevents memory loss.
Doctors recommend patients walk at least 30 minutes every day in order to maximize on the many health benefits.