Manitoba’s Doctors: Time to Focus on Your Health
Physicians are concerned about Manitobans’ physical and mental health following two difficult pandemic years that resulted in disruptions and barriers to being healthy. Doctors Manitoba has launched a new Live Healthy campaign with practical tips to encourage and support Manitobans in improving their health and catching up on medical concerns.
“Physicians care deeply about the health and well-being of Manitobans, and we’ve heard from many patients that the pandemic made it difficult to focus on living healthy and staying on top of medical concerns,” said family physician Dr. Candace Bradshaw, President of Doctors Manitoba. “With summer just around the corner, and the worst of the pandemic hopefully behind us, now is a great time to focus on improving your health and well-being.”
Research commissioned by Doctors Manitoba found that for nearly 40% of Manitobans, their focus on healthy living became worse over the last two years, including diet, exercise and screening for disease. Statistics Canada studies during the pandemic found over 30% of Manitobans delayed seeking care, while a quarter reported their mental health had declined.
To encourage and support Manitobans, a new online resource called Live Healthy Manitoba has been created with practical tips from physicians across the province focused on healthy living and prevention. The advice is based on guidance from physicians and related research in the following areas:
- Reconnecting with family and friends
- Eating healthier
- Moving more and sitting less
- Prioritizing better sleep
- Reducing stress
- Catching up on screenings and calling your doctor if you have medical concerns.
“Starting with small steps can end up making a big difference,” added Dr. Bradshaw. “At LiveHealthyManitoba.ca, you will find proven tips and advice from doctors to help focus on improving your health. And if you need to catch up on screenings, or if you have a new or ongoing medical issue that is concerning you, please do call your doctor.”
A Live Healthy Manitoba public awareness campaign will run throughout the month of June.