Central Coast News

When moving more is extremely important for our mind and body, one local doctor is encouraging the Central Coast to participate in his annual #MoveAgainstCancer Step Challenge this September.  Dr Ash Bowden, also known to the community as Doctor Do More, is on a mission to get people exercising and moving more to improve their health and happiness. 

The 2022 September #MoveAgainstCancer Step Challenge encourages people to record their number of steps, over the whole month to win prizes whilst fundraising for Cancer Council NSW – Central Coast.  Participation costs $10, with all money going to Cancer Council to ensure nobody on the Central Coast faces a cancer diagnosis alone.

This is the third annual #MoveAgainstCancer step challenge, and Dr Bowden said he wants this year to be bigger and better.

“Last year, we raised over $100,000 for Cancer Council and had over 800 people involved. I was absolutely blown away by this” Dr Bowden said. “It is such a simple, achievable challenge for people to participate in. When I’m asked ‘How do I get more active?’ the best answer is to start with a walk. 

“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 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.

Jaynie Moloney, Community Relations Coordinator, Cancer Council NSW – Central Coast

“We are excited to see this initiative return to the community for its third year.  As well as the positive health benefits gained from those participating, the funds raised will support local cancer patients here on the coast, and fund critical research”

Dr Bowden suggests using any type of activity watch or smartphone to track steps. Participants log their steps each day to go in the running to win prizes. There are many categories to win: the individual most steps, most steps as a team, biggest fundraiser, a caption competition, and more.

Eastcoast Juices & Smile On Clinics are this year’s proud major sponsors. Eastcoast Juices have been providing premium, Australian fresh fruit juices, fruit drinks, and spring water since 1965! All of their citrus is grown, squeezed and bottled at our family farm on the Central Coast ‘by Aussie hands on Aussie land’. Eastcoast Juices is also committed to having a light footprint on the Earth, which is why they’ve created ‘Return, Regrow, Re-juice method’ so that nothing from their product is wasted.

Smile On Clinics - local leaders in cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. They comprise of a network of premium dental practices located across the Central Coast, Hunter Valley region, Sydney and beyond. Dental practices include Avoca Beach Dental, Saratoga Dental, Mingara Dental & Implant Centre, Warnervale Dental, Empire Bay Dental, Bonnells Bay Dental, Tailored Teeth Burwood and Poynton Place Dental & Implant Centre in Thornton. Their goal is to provide exceptional dental care to their patients in a friendly and caring environment. Using the most advanced treatment and technology available, Smile on Clinics are creating beautiful smiles across the Coast.

The challenge starts on Thursday, September 1st and will run to Friday, September 30th. 

To register, visit: here