We had our annual Hump Day 5k walk/run this past Wednesday. Here I am with fellow organizers Owen and Jenn McElroy. All proceeds were going to be donated to the Watertown Arrows Cross Country team. It may have been a fundraiser, but it is much more than that. It was another way to promote health and wellness by increasing our activity. Young and old were encouraged to participate. The main point of these events is to get people out and move. Even if it means I have to wear a camel costume in the process…if it means people will get out and get active, then so be it! Even in disguise wellness can be promoted.
Here we all are at the start of the event. The weather cooperated and the rain stopped about 10 minutes before the official start. We do have to make sure it is safe for all to participate as well, and not be out in lightning. We also had to make arrangements before hand to have police help at 2 points along the route where we cross busy streets. This is all part of the coordination of events like this. We want everybody to come out and participate, and have fun and be active, but we also want them to be as safe as possible. We especially want to encourage kids to come out and be a part of events like these as well.
Here are two great examples! Kate and Gracie McElroy, ages 8 and 6. They are out working hard, and competing, but also having fun. We want to continue to promote activity for these young kids so as to set the tone for their future health. They are in charge of this, and they can have some control over this as well. That is where we as parents, friends, and health professional also need to set an example for them to follow. I tell my patients all of the time that they need to stay active, “use it or lose it”. I am out there doing this every day also. Who would really listen to me if I just said this all of the time, but never did it myself? What kind of credibility would I have with what I do? Again, lead by example. The proof speaks for itself.
Here are a bunch of members of our Watertown Area Run Club. Quite a few of us had already left before this picture was taken. We are out there every week working on our health, and increasing our activity. I have heard many comments from patients that they will see us running down the road, or on the trails, and those days when we have a lot of us showing us, it is something to behold. Take charge of your health. Do something about it! Sarah and I have tried to pass that trait along to our kids as well. They saw us all of the time working out or exercising, and still do. It was only natural that they would pick up those traits as well. Lead by example! Do it, don’t just say it!
Here we all are just prior to getting started for the race. All 3 of my kids were home! Megan flew in that day, and got to spend 4 days at home! Molly and Megan’s boyfriends, Tanner and Nate, also participated. The family that works out and plays together, stays together! And we all had fun!
Nothing like coming to the finish line…together! We help out at many races, and our sponsors for many races, for that particular reason: We want to promote exercise in our community, and keep us all moving! This particular race I happen to be in disguise, but the bottom line…if it helps get people out and moving, then so be it! Hope to see you all out at different events during the year. There are a lot to pick from! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 3606