Promoting Physical Activity on the Central Coast

Dr Ash Bowden is taking his role as a doctor to the next level. When not treating patients in the Emergency department at Gosford Hospital, Dr Ash Bowden is busy pursuing his other passion, promoting physical activity on the Central Coast via his online community ‘Do More”.

Getting the Coast more active

Dr Bowden is “passionate about exercise and physical activity, I believe that we can achieve a greater level of health and happiness by increasing the amount we do”. Bowden has created a free directory of physical activity – “a place where people can search surf schools, bicycle hire shops, local gyms, yoga studios, running clubs, water activity centres…the list goes on”.

Physical activity or exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life.

Just 2.5 hours spread over the course of the week can allow you to enjoy these benefits.

Benefits of regular physical activity

If you are regularly physically active, you will:

• reduce your risk of a heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, colon cancer and diabetes*
• have improved mental health – more energy, better sleep, reduced stress and enhanced mood
• manage your weight better
• improved bone and muscle strength and reduce joint inflammation
• lower your risk of falls
• recover better from periods of hospitalisation or bed rest

Note: Globally 28% of all adults are deemed ‘physically inactive’. 32% in Australia!

FREE for Finders-Search now for a physical activity that suits you!

The ‘’Do More’’ tailored search criteria helps you to find local physical activity options that best suit you, whoever you are!

FREE for Providers-Supporting local businesses

‘’Do More’’ is all about helping local businesses to grow whilst improving the physical activity levels of the local community. Dr Ash Bowden is calling out for new local providers to sign up to this fantastic community health initiative.

The ‘’Do More’’ directory is currently completely FREE to join and utilise for providers and finders.

More details:

Email: agbowden@do-more.live
IG: @doctordomore

Resources:

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

*BMJ-2018 Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis

Sharma A, Madaan V, Petty FD. Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(2):106. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a

Non-communicable diseases Country Profiles 2018