Doctors and Patients Province-Wide Walk Together to Promote the Benefits of Physical Activity

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 2, 2014) - Nearly 300 doctors and 3,000 patients in communities around BC will be taking part in the Doctors of BC's fifth annual Walk with Your Doc event from May 3^rd - 11^th.

The health benefits of daily physical activity such as walking are huge. It decreases risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, and improves mental health and quality of life.

"As doctors, we are committed to supporting our patients to be the healthiest they can be," says Dr William Cunningham, President of Doctors of BC. "We are not just 'talking the talk', we are 'walking the talk' with patients."

A total of 53 walks are taking place in 35 communities around the province. The first takes place in Vancouver on Saturday, May 3rd, at 10 am at Kitsilano Beach.

Physician, health columnist, and leading advocate for living a healthy life, Dr Davidicus Wong is emceeing the Vancouver event. He and other doctors around the province are also prescribing exercise to patients through Rx for Health prescription pads developed by Doctors of BC.

"I specify the intensity and duration in the prescription, then follow-up on their progress," says Dr Wong. "Once the training wheels are off, patients are self-motivated and self-sustaining in their new healthier lifestyle. Being more active becomes a habit."

In addition to the prescription pads, there are other new elements to the walk this year. A total of 15 Divisions of Family Practice - double the number last year - are hosting large public walks in rural and urban communities, including Campbell River, Chilliwack, Shuswap, and the Kootenay region, so that entire communities can take steps together towards a healthier lifestyle.

And for the first time, the First Nations Health Authority has also joined Walk with your Doc to promote daily activity and preventative health on five reserves, including Alexis Creek, Ashcroft and KitKatla.

Being active is the most important aspect of maintaining good health, yet data shows only 15% of adults meet the Canadian health guidelines of 150 minutes per week of physical activity. Since 2010 Walk with your Doc has helped physicians promote the medical benefits of walking to their patients.

Walk with your Doc coincides with the World Health Organization's Move for Health Day (May 10), a global event that encourages communities to get active and moving. Doctors of BC is formerly the BC Medical Association.

Vancouver walk

Date:	Saturday May 3rd, 2014
Location:	Kitsilano Beach Park in Vancouver
	Corner of Yew St. & Cornwall Ave.
Event Starts:	9:30 a.m.
	Receive a free pedometer

Around the province:

Go to www.walkwithyourdoc.ca and click on the drop down menu under the heading "Find a walk in your community".