My guest today is Dr Ash Bowden who calls himself Dr Do More and he is an emergency doctor on the Central Coast.  The reason I spoke to Dr Ash Bowden today is his Move Against Cancer Campaign.  He says on his website “Dr Do More and Cancer Council invite you to join the Central Coast Biggest Step Challenge from Sept 1 to Sept 30.  We want as many Coasties as possible to come together in teams, to step it out and help raise much needed funds for cancer research.” 

And you can find more info here  at www.Do-More.live and Cancer Council Move Against Cancer at

https://www.doitforcancer.com.au/fundraisers/doctordomoresdoers

Dr Do More is on a mission to help people just move more.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends just 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week.  This is something 55% of adults in Australia are not achieving.  He is also going to talk about his Do More Activity Search Engine in detail which he created in 2019.  There is over 600 activities listed there on the Central Coast for people to try.  His reason for doing this was to empower everyone to find movement that suits them, and he says ‘if you have not found a movement you enjoy, then you have just not found it yet.’  He said in today’s episode he has even tried pole dancing!  Dr Do More encourages you to get out and have a go.  Be curious, be playful, try something new and have fun doing it, that is his main message.

The WHO says, “for a healthy heart and mind you need to be active.  To keep your muscles, bones and joints strong you need to sit less and build strength.  To reduce your chances of falls you need to improve balance. Something is better than nothing, start small and build up gradually. Just ten minutes at a time provides benefits.”  Dr Ash Bowden says increasing the amount of physical activity can help you achieve a greater level of health and happiness.  Exercise doesn’t have to be scary.  It doesn’t have to be intense and you don’t have to be an athlete to join in.  It is about moving your body with the intention of getting healthier.  His enthusiasm for movement was very contagious and has certainly inspired me.

*Anyone can join the Move Against Cancer campaign (the September step challenge) even if you don’t live on the Central Coast, all are welcome.  You can join at any time in September.

*People are encouraged to see their GP before embarking on new (or increased) physical activity

Produced by Journalist, Kayleen Bell

The Book mentioned in this episode is: “The Upgrade – How the Female Brain Gets Stronger and Better in Midlife and Beyond.” By Dr Louann Brizendine (Neuropsychiatrist) https://www.louannbrizendine.com/the-upgrade

In relation to today’s episode - I recommend Chapter 11 for benefits of movement on the mind.