The Heart Foundation is calling on councils throughout Australia to put on their walking shoes and take steps to help improve the health of their communities by encouraging them to participate in Heart Foundation Walking Day on Sunday 1 November.
The Heart Foundation hopes that the Walking Day will inspire many local residents to take their first steps to a happier, healthier life.
It is a way for people around Australia to step forward and show how easy it is to build more walking into a daily routine by joining one of the many Heart Foundation Walking groups across Australia that walk regularly.
Hundreds of Heart Foundation Walking groups are inviting Mayors, community leaders, area health experts and residents to join them on free, fun walks through local communities.
It is not a race, nor a fundraising activity – it’s a free, local community event.
The Heart Foundation recommends that adults participate in physical activity, like brisk walking, for at least 30 minutes a day, preferably all days of the week. But it is okay to start with three ten minute walks and build up to longer sessions to gain even more health benefits.
Everyone can build more walking into their day by taking public transport instead of the car, walking to the local shops, choosing the furthest not the closest parking spot, or taking the stairs at work instead of using the lift.
Here are the top ten reasons to join a Heart Foundation Walking group, according to its walkers across Australia:
- friendship – you get to know people in your neighbourhood or workplace or have a regular catchup with family and friends as you walk
- being part of a group keeps you motivated to walk regularly
- it’s free and accessible to everyone – whether you’re already active or not
- helps you appreciate and feel part of your local community
- it can be done just about anywhere
- no special skills or equipment are required
- helps relieve stress
- makes you feel better about yourself and keeps the blues at bay
- is low impact, so less jarring on the joints
- lots of good health reasons –like helping to manage weight, blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
To find out about Heart Foundation Walking Day or Heart Foundation Walking Groups in your local area visit www.heartfoundation.org.au/walking or telephone 1300 36 27 87.
*Copy supplied by the Heart Foundation
