#MoveAgainstCancer 2021: Lockdown Edition
In a time when moving more is extremely important for our mind and body, we’re encouraging the Central Coast to participate in the now annual #MoveAgainstCancer Step Challenge this September. We’re on a mission to get people exercising and moving more to improve their health and happiness.
A growing body of research demonstrates the protective power of physical activity and exercise on our mental health – something we’re all trying to safeguard during this difficult time:
- You don’t have to be an athlete – from as early as 5,000 steps a day and light-intensity physical activity can improve our mental health.1
- Instant benefit – even a single bout of exercise can improve mood and well-being.2 A collection of studies found single bouts of exercises (from martial arts to cycling) improved mood during and immediately afterwards3
- Movement is Medicine – comparing exercise to medication: “studies reported that exercise and standard antidepressant treatments were equally effective” and when used in combination “patients using exercise as an adjunctive treatment for depression showed a significant depressive improvement after the exercise period”
The ‘#MoveAgainstCancer 2021: Lockdown Edition’ Step Challenge this September encourages people to record their number of steps over the whole month in teams to win prizes. Participation costs only $10, with all money going to Cancer Council and an array of prizes for steppers up for grabs kindly donated by local businesses to incentivise the Central Coast’s participants.
Jaynie Moloney, Community Relations Coordinator, Cancer Council – Central Coast
“We are so excited about the return of this community event, and are so happy it is something that can be continued safely within the current restrictions. As well as the positive health benefits gained from those participating, the funds raised will support local cancer patients and fund critical research. Cancer patients are telling us they are feeling more isolated than ever due to Covid19, so our local support services have never been more important”.
Australian Dental & Implant Group is thrilled to be the major sponsor this year. Practice Principal and leading dentist, Dr Ned Restom is a cancer survivor himself and is keen to get involved with initiatives to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer. Dr Restom is also the founder of Customs 4 Cancer. Australian Dental & Implant Group comprises of a network of independently owned and operated premium dental practices including Avoca Beach Dental, Saratoga Dental, Warnervale Dental, Empire Bay Dental, Mingara Dental & Implant Centre, Bonnells Bay Dental, White Space Dental and Complete Smiles Bella Vista. Australian Dental & Implant Group offer patients exceptional service using the most advanced treatment and technology available and are the local leaders in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.
This is the second annual #MoveAgainstCancer step challenge, and we want this year to be bigger and better. Last year, we raised over $13,500 for Cancer Council and had over 800 people involved. It’s such a simple, achievable challenge for people to participate in. When we’re asked ‘How do I go from doing nothing active to something?’ the best answer is to start with a walk – so now we’re giving you a health nudge to start.
Other sponsors and supporters include Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphatic Solutions and Bounce Back from Breast Cancer led by Kate Perkins, Corporate Merchandise Australia, Reality Marketing, Slippery coco, Activate Foods, Central Coast Spinal Care, Five Star Day Spa, MediRecruit, Distillery Botanica, Free State café, Physio Connex Performance Clinic, Miki Finn, Gosford RSL, NXTGEN Nutrition, MG Body and more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused so much stress and anxiety. With 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.
We suggest using any type of activity watch or smartphone to track steps. Participants log them each day to go in the running to win prizes. Categories to win: individual most steps, most steps as a team, biggest fundraiser, a caption competition and most creative social media post.
The challenge starts on Wednesday, September 1st and will run to Thursday, September 30th.
To register visit
https://do-more.live/step-challenge or
https://www.doitforcancer.com.au/event/move-against-cancer
By Doctor Ash Bowden
For more information on keeping active visit https://do-more.live
https://www.australiandentalandimplantgroup.com.au/
References/Acknowledgements
- Bernard, Paquito et al. “Dose response association of objective physical activity with mental health in a representative national sample of adults: A cross-sectional study.” PloS one 13,10 e0204682. 24 Oct. 2018, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0204682
- Yueng, R.R. “The acute effects of exercise on mood state.” J.Psychosom. Res. 40, 123-141 1996
- Brendon Stubbs and Simon Rosenbaum “Exercise-Based Interventions for Mental Illness: Physical Activity as Part of Clinical Treatment” London: Academic Press 2018
- Netz, Yael. “Is the Comparison between Exercise and Pharmacologic Treatment of Depression in the Clinical Practice Guideline of the American College of Physicians Evidence-Based?.” Frontiers in pharmacology 8 257. 15 May. 2017, doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00257
