Doctors Manitoba challenges public to get healthy, get informed

Posted January 30, 2025 4:52 pm.
Last Updated January 30, 2025 5:01 pm.
You can’t trust everything you read online and that’s especially true when it comes to your health.
In a world of health misinformation, doctors in the province have come together in an effort to encourage Manitobans to get more active, and do so with the help of a trusted medical professional, as opposed to using bad practices posted online.
“You have to vet your information. Dr. Google is out there, but you still have to interpret that with a grain of salt and look toward trusted sources,” said Dr. Randy Guzman, president of Doctors Manitoba, while enjoying the outdoors at FortWhyte Alive.
“Right now, it’s harder than ever for Manitobans to improve their health,” he said. “Between the cold weather and winters and the rise of online medical misinformation, it can be difficult to know what to trust, or who to trust and where to start.”
As a way to help the public get physically active and to be critical of information online, Guzman says they’re asking Manitobans to pledge at least one step they’re going to take to get healthy, with a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Churchill, Man., as an incentive.
People can register officially at GettingHealthy.ca for the challenge. The site also serves as a science-tested health hub, which is critical in today’s online landscape, Guzman says, calling it “very common” for people to try and find information online.

“Compared to a few years ago, everyone is looking up stuff,” he said.
Guzman, who has seen first hand the end result of unhealthy habits as a vascular surgeon, said a new report issued by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) last week indicated 37 per cent of Canadians seek out information online when it comes to their health due to doctor shortages and trouble accessing services, with the number of Canadians susceptible to misinformation even higher at 78 per cent.
“This was a top concern of course during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but misinformation is more common and more rampant now,” he said.
“It can appear very highly credible and leave people vulnerable to avoiding proven approaches to prevent and treat medical conditions or to trying things that can actually be dangerous to one’s health.”
A poll by Doctors Manitoba found the majority of people in the province want to improve their health and are calling on the members of the public to take small steps toward big change. The steps people can take include moving more, eating better, reducing stress, getting better sleep and catching up on medical check-ups and vaccines.

Leaders with FortWhyte Alive say their massive outdoor conservation area is one of the perfect places to put a pledge into action.
“Getting outside isn’t just good for your physical health, it’s one of the best things you can do for your mind and your spirit as well,” said Liz Wilson, the organization’s CEO and president. “At FortWhyte, we believe the best way to stay healthy in winter is to embrace it and get active outside and moving in nature.”
Wilson says while it may be tempting to hibernate in what can be a brutal Manitoba winter, getting active starts with a single step.
Last year more than 18,000 Manitobans took part in the challenge, and a follow-up survey found 88 per cent followed through with their pledge.