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Heart Foundation launches new Walk
of Life – for all walks of life campaign
Cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and
blood vessel disease) is the leading cause of
death in Australia in both men and women,
with one Australian dying every
10 minutes.
This year research commissioned by the
National Heart Foundation of Australia
confirmed thousands of Australians die
every year from cardiovascular disease
because they are overweight.
It is widely reported that Australians
are fast becoming one of the most
overweight nations in the world. In
2001, an estimated 7.3 million Australian
adults were overweight or obese with
this figure continuing to grow. We have
seen a dramatic increase in the number
of overweight Australians in the past
decade and Australians living outside the
major cities show higher rates of being
overweight than other Australians.
Contributing to this incidence of
overweight is the fact that more than half
of all Australians aged between 18 and 75
years are not reaching recommended levels
of physical activity and of this group, 15
percent do not participate in any
physical activity.
These findings prompted the Heart
Foundation to develop the Walk of Life –
for all walks of life campaign, a brand new
initiative designed to re-educate Australians
about the importance of walking and
healthy eating for a healthy heart.
National CEO of the Heart Foundation Dr
Lyn Roberts is a regular walker, enjoying
walks along the beach near her home
most days. “Even though I’m busy at work, I try to
find the time to go for a walk each day.
Sometimes I can get around the worry of
trying to find the time during the day to go
for a walk by catching public transport to
work in the morning and then walking to
my office.”
“The difference such a simple step makes to
how I feel when I start my working day is
amazing,” said Dr Roberts.
Launched in May this year, the campaign
focuses on providing all Australians with
the information they need to make realistic
lifestyle changes to fight
cardiovascular disease.
The good news for everyone is that we
know making lifestyle changes can help
with achieving and maintaining a healthy
weight and providing health benefits.
According to Dr Roberts, “It’s the little things
each and every one of us do that add up
to really making a difference not only to our
lives, but the lives of our loved ones
as well.”
To coincide with the launch of the Walk
of Life – for all walks of life campaign,
the Heart Foundation has produced a
comprehensive booklet about healthy
weight loss.
Losing weight the healthy way has been
designed to provide user-friendly and
practical information on healthy ways to
lose weight. The booklet offers detailed
information on healthy eating and
physical activity and includes a step-by-step
approach to developing a healthy weight
loss plan.
Copies of Losing weight the healthy way
are available for $3.30 plus postage and
handling. You can order your copy by
contacting Heartline on 1300 36 27 87.
To find more information on the Walk of
Life – for all walks of life campaign, visit
www.heartfoundation.com.au/walkoflife
Benefits Of Walking
Walking is a simple activity in which most
people can participate. It improves the way
your heart and lungs work. It also reduces
the impact of several heart disease risk
factors andhelps rehabilitation following heart attack and stroke.
Walking is a great way for families, friends,
workmates, even pets to be active together
and can be done from your front door – at home, at work, for transport or
for enjoyment.
Walking can also help improve your mental
health and well-being. Walking with family,
friends, neighbours, and work-mates is a
great way to unwind, share stories of the
day and make new friends. Remember,
dogs love walking too, so don’t forget your
four–legged friend. |
www.heartfoundation.com.au
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