Central Coast’s Biggest Step Challenge is Back!

In a time 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 with the help of the Australian Dental & Implant Group

This 2021 September #MoveAgainstCancer Step Challenge encourages people to record their number of steps over the whole month in teams to win prizes.

Participation costs $10, with all money going to Cancer Council NSW and an array of prizes for 2021 steppers up for grabs kindly donated by local businesses to incentivise the Central Coast’s participants.

Our Involvement

We here at The Australian Dental & Implant Group are thrilled to have teamed up with Doctor Do More and Cancer Council NSW to be the major sponsor this year!

Our practice principal and leading dentist, Dr Ned Restom who is also the founder of Customs 4 Cancer says “being a cancer survivor myself, I believe it’s important to get involved with initiatives to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. Helping others is so important as it builds communities, changes lives and drives people to do better.”

We comprise of a network of independently owned and operated premium dental practices including Avoca Beach Dental, Saratoga Dental, Warnervale Dental, Empire Bay Dental, Mingara Dental & Implant Centre, Bonnells Bay Dental, White Space Dental and Compete Smiles Bella Vista.

Some other sponsors and supporters include Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphatic Solutions and Bounce Back from Breast Cancer led by Kate Perkins, Corporate Merchandise Australia, Reality Marketing, Slippery Coco, Activate Foods, Central Coast Spinal Care, Five Star Day Spa, MediRecruit, Distillery Botanica and more.

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

“We are so excited about the return of this community event and are so happy it is something that can be continued safely within the current restrictions.  As well as the positive health benefits gained from those participating, the funds raised will support local cancer patients and fund critical research.  Cancer patients are telling us they are feeling more isolated than ever due to Covid-19, so our local support services have never been more important”.

“Last year, we raised over $13,500 for Cancer Council and had over 800 people involved,” Dr Bowden said.

“It is such a simple, achievable challenge for people to participate in. When I’m asked, ‘How do I go from doing nothing active to something?’ 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 can all relate to. 

“This pandemic 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.”

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, best team name, and some mid-challenge events.

The challenge starts on Wednesday, September 1st and will run to Thursday, September 30th so get involved!