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Move Against Cancer on the Central Coast

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Move Against Cancer 2023 — Dr Ash Bowden is urging Coasties to Move Against Cancer this September – image supplied

Move Against Cancer on the Central Coast this September

Meet Dr Ash Bowden the emergency doctor also known as Doctor Do More. He is on a mission to tackle cancer one step at a time by calling on all Australians to join his annual step challenge.

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Here at Coasties Mag, this is a cause we could not, not get behind. Co-owners of Coasties Mag, Tash Robertson and Nikki Tiedeman have both experienced the devastating impact that cancer has first-hand, both (sadly) with immediate family members and close friends having been diagnosed in the past 18 months. They willingly jumped on board to sponsor the #MoveAgainstCancer step challenge and help get as many Coasties stepping this September.

There’s a stat that seems crazy, yet sadly it is not. In 2022, an average of 440 Australians were diagnosed with cancer each day. Each day, not month or year. That is in excess of a staggering 160,000 Aussies each year! Enter Dr Bowden and his mission to change that stat with his simple yet effective #MoveAgainstCancer challenge.

The steps challenge encourages you to join up in teams and track your steps throughout September. It’s a known fact that improving our step count not only benefits our physical and mental health but exercise is also shown to lower our risk of 13 types of cancer, some by more than 20%, including colon, breast, endometrial, oesophageal, liver, lung, stomach, kidney, head and neck, rectal and bladder.

“Moving more has unbelievable benefits on your health – reduced risk of cancers, reduced risk of cardiorespiratory disease, improved cognition and more. Importantly, it has a huge impact on our mental health, something we all need right now.

“The pandemic and current financial climate have caused much stress and anxiety. With rising interest rates, people tend to cut ‘luxury’ spending and exercise is often seen as this. Getting outside and staying active can safeguard our mental health, helping us to stay positive as we move forward” says Dr Bowden.

Moving doesn’t have to mean signing up to fancy fandangle programs or gyms it can be super simple like taking a walk or dancing in your living room. The Cancer Council suggests up to one hour of moderate activity a day, such as a brisk walk, can reduce many cancer risk factors.

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“It’s such a simple, achievable challenge for people to participate in. When asked ‘How do I get more active?’ the best answer is to start with a walk.”

“It may seem like a small change, but it can have a profound impact on all aspects of cancer, from prevention to tolerating treatment to survivorship,” says Dr Bowden.

#MoveAgainstCancer 2023 is the fourth annual step challenge held by Dr Bowden, in its time it’s raised over $165k and over 2000 people have joined in. This year looking to have the largest participation the challenge has ever seen. So we’re urging you Coasties, to join us and this cause that is very close to our hearts.