Contest pushes Manitobans to improve health
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/06/2023 (1209 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A large majority of Manitobans say they believe they aren’t doing enough or could be doing more when it comes to taking care of their overall health, according to a physicians advocacy group.
Doctors Manitoba has launched a provincial contest as well as a new online resource to encourage people to get healthier with information about fitness, nutrition and going for regular medical checkups.
A study commissioned by Doctors Manitoba in May revealed that 83 per cent of Manitobans accepted the fact that they are failing when it comes to physical activity, eating well, improving their sleep, reducing stress and catching up on immunizations and appointments.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many people’s lives, according to a recent survey conducted by Statistics Canada, which showed 31 per cent of Manitobans reported they put off seeking medical care at that time.
To help counteract the trend, Doctors Manitoba created a Getting Healthy campaign and contest, to support the four in five Manitobans who believe they could be doing more to live a healthy life.
It’s a fun way to deal with a very serious issue of trying to make people healthier in a variety of ways, said Dr. Michael Boroditsky, the president of Doctors Manitoba.
“We have an advisory committee of physicians who made some suggestions on how to get people healthier from activities, to eating, reducing stress, keeping up on your immunizations and your screenings.
And we thought a fun contest would be a good way to kick it off,” said Boroditsky.
From now until the end of June, participants can sign up at GettingHealthy.ca and list how they are taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle for a chance to win one of 36 prizes.
It’s not about trying to become a triathlete — it’s about taking small steps, Boroditsky said. He added small things have big impacts.
“A rejuvenating sleep,” he said, can help with mental health issues and chronic neurological disorders, along with regular exercise and a good diet.
“Those will improve your cardiovascular capacity, which can guard against chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, heart (attack) and stroke. And it’s important to keep the vaccines and immunizations up to date, as well as screenings for our breast, colon and cervix,” Boroditsky said.
The Getting Healthy contest runs until June 30 and is free for all Manitobans to enter.
The largest prize is a two-night stay at the Lake House in Clear Lake, but there are numerous other prizes that are health-oriented, including a Garmin fitness tracking watch, a six-month gym pass from Sport Manitoba and a Fort Whyte kayak adventure in Winnipeg.
» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @enviromichele