Simple acts like moving around and walking can go a long way to keeping people healthy well into their senior years.
That’s one of the reasons behind Sidney’s first Walk With You Doc event, held Wed., May 7 by the Rest Haven Lodge. They invited residents and the community to take part in the Walk, which has been happening across B.C. for the past five years.
Dr. Amanda Coleman, whose father Nick is a Rest Haven resident, says she agrees with the idea that moving at an early age leads to long-term health.
“It’s hard to believe just how important that is,” she said.
Coleman was also joined by her mother, Cate, on the Walk and they formed a large group that walked from the Lodge, down Mills Road and across Resthaven Drive to the Sidney Rose Garden.
Coleman added her father was a marathon runner and gold medal winner at the B.C. Seniors Games before his health took a turn. Yet his activity from a young age and well into his 80s helped ensure his quality of life was good.
“I’m out here now to support the efforts to make people aware of others who have limited mobility,” she said. “There is an increased need today for exercise in every age group.”
Dr. Terri Trottershaw, medical director at Rest Haven Lodge, said the Walk encourages people to get up and outside, to socialize and find support for just a bit of a walk.
“It’s important to move,” she said, “for mental and physical health. There are people who just cannot get outside and walk.”
Participant Gail Palmer said she has her own health issues and cannot walk for extended periods but wanted to take part in the Walk With You Doc event.
“I think it’s great. I’d walk more with anybody if I could walk more.”
Free pedometers were handed out to participants. One of the goals of Walk With Your Doc is to increase the number of steps one takes in a day. The more you do, the better your health will be. Learn more at doctorsofbc.ca.