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The article focuses on childhood obesity in British Columbia. It presents a statement from the Canadian Obesity Foundation about obesity. British Columbia Medical Association (BCMA) president, pediatrician Doctor Nasir Jetha, has identified the improved health of their children as one of his goals. He is supporting the Athletics and Recreation committee of Council on Health Promotion (COHP) in promoting a lead-up to the World Health Organization's Move for Health Day.

The author discusses the role of physicians in health promotion and disease prevention strategies. He describes the second annual Be Active Every Day initiative, which will be launched on October 7, 2013, a British Columbia month-long program wherein physicians visit neighborhood elementary schools to encourage students to be active. He also reflects on his participation of a meeting sponsored by ParticipACTION.

The author presents the lessons he learned from his attendance at the 4th Congress of the International Society of Physical Activity and Health. He realized that physical activity levels are declining around the world and inactivity is seen as less risky than obesity. Physicians are encouraged to enjoin their patients to participate in the British Columbia Medical Association (BCMA) Walk With Your Doc initiative.

Background: Healthcare providers are a primary source of information on preventive health issues for patients. Further research related to physical activity (PA) promotion in the primary care setting is needed., Objective: To explore the feasibility of a physician and community PA intervention using a pedometer for: increasing PA levels among inactive patients; enhancing relationships between physicians and community PA partners; and influencing the PA promotion habits of physicians., Methods: A 6-week PA intervention was delivered to 152 inactive patients who were recruited in physician waiting rooms, counselled by their physicians, provided with a pedometer and referred to a community action site (CAS) at their local recreation centre for further support. PA was measured at baseline and follow-up using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Follow-up interviews were conducted with physicians and recreation representatives on the challenges and benefits associated with the intervention., Results: Study patients significantly increased their PA (103% change in MET min/week). Physicians and recreation professionals were highly satisfied with the intervention and partnership. There were challenges to ongoing communication. Physicians reported increased awareness of the pedometer and community resources as supports for PA., Conclusion: A pedometer-based PA intervention delivered by physicians in partnership with a community PA stakeholder is feasible and warrants further research. Long-term maintenance of this intervention would require resources for pedometers, and ongoing contact and communication between the physicians and CAS to ensure availability of community supports.