Heart Foundation announces walking initiative

The Heart Foundation has launched the national Heart Foundation Walking initiative.

This program is an expansion of the existing walking groups supported by the Heart Foundation and will enable the Foundation’s considerable experience to be extended and shared with more communities.

As part of a staged rollout, the Heart Foundation (Victoria) campaign will officially commence with a launch event in March 2008.

The following is some timely advice from the Heart Foundation on physical activity at the start of the holiday season.

Walking can help to:

· Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
· Reduce body fat
· Reduce blood pressure and blood cholesterol
· Prevent and control type 2 diabetes
· Improve mobility and stability of joints

Five easy steps to walking:

1. Walk to public transport (instead of driving the car to work or recreation)
2. Walk with your family and friends (spend quality time while you’re keeping active and healthy)
3. Walk the dog (dogs need exercise too and they are never too busy for a walk!)
4. Walk to unwind (walking improves your mood, general health and wellbeing)
5. Walk at work (go for a walk at lunchtime, walk to speak with colleagues rather than emailing, take the stairs or walk up the escalator)

“Physical activity is of paramount importance for continued good health and walking is one of the easiest ways for many people to add an effective physical activity to their daily routine,” said Kathy Bell, chief executive officer of the Heart Foundation (Victoria).

“The Heart Foundation hopes that many people will take advantage of coordinated walking groups to participate more fully in their community while enjoying improved physical activity and health.”