Dr Louise Clarke is a GP based at the Condamine Medical Centre in Warwick. Louise gained her qualifications in the UK at Bristol University – a Bachelor of Science Honours in 1988 followed by a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 1991. Louise completed an internship in the UK, then worked in various hospital settings in rural Queensland including Warwick where she has worked in General Practice since 1994.

In this episode we focus on physical activity and exercise which is one of the important foundations of mental health and wellbeing. We’ve covered some of the other foundations of mental health and wellbeing in previous episodes including sleep, nutrition and mind-based skills.

Listen to the podcast conversation to hear Dr Louise explain:

• the effect physical activity has on health, including mental health
• the impact that stresses such as bushfires, drought, floods, the mouse plague and COVID-19 have on health and wellbeing
• how you can use physical activity to manage life stresses and to protect your mental health
• physiological changes that take place when you exercise – we hear about those famous “happy hormones” and neurotransmitters that impact your mood, as well as the social and cognitive benefits that are available to you when you exercise
• the type of exercise, amount of exercise and the intensity of exercise that is recommended by The Australian Guidelines for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep and how exercise can optimise your mental health
• how using fitness trackers can help you assess and monitor the amount of activity you do each day and whether your level of activity is sufficient for health and wellbeing
• strategies you can use to be more active if you struggle because you don’t enjoy exercise or have mobility or health issues
• how to prioritise incorporating exercise into your daily routine - being ‘too busy’ is never an excuse
• the value of consulting with a doctor before getting started on a new exercise program to appraise your level of risk and to explore options for modifying your exercise to reduce risk whilst maximising benefits
• where to go for more information or to access support if you are new to exercising or not sure where to start
• the value of finding a group of people to share your exercise and health journey with – physical health, mental health and social health
  
  RESOURCES and LINKS
  Download a handout which includes a summary of the episode with the Top 3 Takeaways and a full list of the services and resources we referred to.
  
  Contact Condamine Medical Centre
  
  Physical Activity and Exercise Guidelines for all Australians
  
  Michelle Bridges
  
  Conversations episode titled "Bill Crews and the Calais epiphany"
  
  Sarah's Day
  
  App: C25K® 5K Trainer - Couch Potato to Running 5K
  
  Contact Kathryn Walton from Kathryn Walton Consulting and Outdoors is my Therapy
  
  Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN
  Use the clickable map to find mental health services in the region
  
  Speak Out Loud has been supported through funding from the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN
  
  Music by Twisterium from Pixabay