Manitobans offered prizes to take better care of their health
Manitoba physicians are encouraging people to take one simple step to improve their health this month, and offering prizes for people who pledge to catch up on routine screenings, eat healthier and get active.
Doctors Manitoba president Dr. Michael Boroditsky said many people put their health on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic as immunizations, disease screening and physical activity fell by the wayside over the past three years.
“This is a top concern for doctors,” Boroditsky said during an announcement at the Sport Manitoba Fitness Centre in downtown Winnipeg.
MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Doctors Manitoba president Dr. Michael Boroditsky
“With the worst of the pandemic behind us, hopefully, and summer just around the corner, now is a great time to focus on getting healthy, and it can start with one simple step.”
On Friday, the professional association launched a contest that includes more than 30 prizes for Manitobans who sign up online and pledge to do one of six activities aimed at improving their health in June.
The website includes resources on how to eat better, reduce stress, get a better sleep, increase physical activity and catch up on vaccinations and screenings for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Prizes include a two-night stay at the Lakehouse boutique hotel in Riding Mountain National Park, a six-month gym membership at Sport Manitoba’s fitness centre, a one-night stay at Inn at the Forks, paddle boarding clinics, and an outdoor kayak adventure at Fort Whyte.
A recent survey commissioned by Doctors Manitoba indicated more than one-quarter of Manitobans would rate their health as poor or fair — a five point improvement from 2022 — but still higher than pre-pandemic ratings.
Most Manitobans also admitted they could do more when it comes to addressing their overall health, said Doctors Manitoba.
Too many Manitobans report being in poor health, Boroditsky said.
The purpose of the campaign is to empower people with tools to make small, positive changes to their lifestyle to help prevent disease, he said.
“I think people are doing the best they can in difficult situations. There’s lots of pressures on people, lots of things that are pulling you in different ways, and maybe being healthy for yourself isn’t the first thing when you have other stresses: financial, family, whatever it is,” he said.
“Hopefully, this small little thing for the month will maybe help a few people come out of that a little bit better,” he said.
Dr. Joss Reimer, chief medical officer of health for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, emphasized the importance of preventing illness through immunization, disease screening and caring for your physical, mental and emotional well being.
“There’s no question there’s a lot of stress in the health-care system right now and anything that we can do to reduce the burden on (it) is going to help the people who do need that care,” Reimer said.
“None of us want to have people coming in to see us sick.”
Manitobans can sign up for the contest at getting healthy.ca. The campaign runs until June 30.
Credit: Manitobans offered prizes to take better care of their health
