It seems that with summer just around the corner, individuals are highlighting the importance of physical fitness more and more.
Last week, B.C. hosted their Walk with your Doc initiative, which invites doctors and their patients throughout the province to participate in a short walk. Eighty per cent of Fernie doctors joined in the Annex Park walk, encouraging their patients to take advantage of the three km trek. During the walk doctors noted the importance of practicing what they preach. I believe this motto is something we should live by. People aren’t going to take medical advice from a doctor who is clearly out of shape. The same logic applies to the personal training profession. You wouldn’t hire a personal trainer who is clearly out of shape.
Last week, Sparwood council also participated in a health initiative. Inviting locals to the Sparwood Leisure Centre, council splashed around, raising awareness for Move For Your Health Day. The health initiative was created by the World Health Organization to promote physical fitness. Supported by the BC Recreation and Parks Association and ParticipACTION, this international event made its way to Sparwood for the first time.
It seems as though health initiatives like Move For Your Health Day and Walk with your Doc are spreading throughout the province, encouraging individuals to stay active.
Despite the Walk with your Doc campaign only being in its first year, over two dozen Fernie locals participated in the walk, and it is likely to grow as the event gains more attention.
I feel events like these are essential for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, especially in small communities. Individuals with authority positions are able to promote a healthy lifestyle, while interacting with their community and showing locals that they are not only professionals, but also real people working towards bettering themselves.
During the Walk with your Doc campaign, the organizer highlighted the importance of seeing their physicians as real people. The same can be said for many other professions.
These types of events are not only important for encouraging locals to become more active, they are also important social events. Being able to socialize with your mayor and council as individuals, like during Move For Your Health Day event, is essential in small communities. It allows individuals to establish a trusting relationship with authority figures and I believe that kind of relationship is essential, especially in these small Elk Valley communities.