Dr Ash Bowden, also known to the community as Doctor Do More, is on a mission to get people exercising and moving more to improve their health and happiness through a step challenge he initiated in 2020.
Dr Bowden is encouraging people across the Central Coast to participate in his annual #MoveAgainstCancer Step Challenge throughout September.
After raising over $100,000 last year the Step Challenge is back in 2022 renewing the message to locals that moving is highly advantageous for both our minds and bodies.
The #MoveAgainstCancer Step Challenge encourages people to record their number of steps over the whole
month of September to win prizes whilst fundraising for Cancer Council NSW – Central Coast.
Participation in the challenge costs only $10, with all money going to Cancer Council to ensure nobody on the Central Coast faces a cancer diagnosis alone.
This is the third annual #MoveAgainstCancer step challenge, and Dr Bowden said he wants this year to be bigger and better. “Last year, we raised over $100,000 for Cancer Council and had over 800 people involved. I was absolutely blown away by this” Bowden said.
“It is such a simple, achievable challenge for people to participate in. When I’m asked ‘How do I get more
active?’ the best answer is to start with a walk.
“Moving more has unbelievable benefits on your health – reduced risk of cancers, reduced risk of cardiorespiratory disease, improved cognition and more. Importantly, it has a huge impact on our mental health, something we all need right now.
“The pandemic and current financial climate has caused so much stress and anxiety. With the loss of incomes and so much uncertainty getting outside and staying active massively helps your headspace, helping us to stay positive as we move forward.
Jaynie Moloney, Community Relations Coordinator, Cancer Council NSW – Central Coast said
“We are excited to see this initiative return to the community for its third year. As well as the positive health benefits gained from those participating, the funds raised will support local cancer patients here on the coast and fund critical research.
Dr Bowden suggests using any type of activity watch or smartphone to track steps. Participants log their steps each day to go in the running to win prizes.
There are many categories to win: the individual most steps, most steps as a team, biggest fundraiser,
a caption competition, and more.
Local companies Eastcoast Juices & Smile On Clinics are this year’s major sponsors.
The challenge starts on Thursday, September 1st and will run to Friday, September 30th.
To register, visit: https://do-more.live/moveagainstcancer
Primary source: Media statements Dr Ash Bowden and Cancer Council Central Coast, August 2022