During the week April 29th to May 6th 2018, the National Heart Foundation celebrates Heart Week. This year they are promoting the benefits of physical activity on heart health.
The ‘Don’t Get the SITS’ campaign aims to get Australians moving in order to improve heart health. Being active for at least 30 minutes per day has many positive benefits for the heart and our overall health and wellbeing, including:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Reduced cholesterol
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression
- Improved management of blood sugar levels
- Helps to achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Increases bone strength
- Improves joint and muscle health and functionality
- Lowers the risk of falls
- Improves sleep
Over half of Australians do not get the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity per day. We are on largely a very inactive nation which has resulted in around 2 in 3 adults being considered overweight or obese. Worryingly, this trend is starting younger with one in four children now considered overweight or obese.
The key to achieving the recommended minimum of 30 minutes per day is to find an activity that you enjoy. The gym, group fitness classes or lifting heavy weights do not appeal to everyone, but there are a lot of other options you can explore. Walking, swimming, dancing, bike riding, even playing in the park with your children or pets can be a valuable way of adding activity into your day. Many people find it motivating to engage friends or family members in their efforts to be more active, to keep you on track and accountable.
The Heart Foundation has walking groups all across Australia. They also encourage everyone to spread the message on increasing physical activity using social media, use the hashtags
#dontgetthesits #heartweek2018 #heartfoundation
If you are interested in more information on heart health, including healthy recipes, useful fact sheets or more information on the Heart Foundation, please visit their website at www.heartfoundation.org.au. There are also a variety of fundraising ideas that you or your business could adopt to help raise vital funds for the Heart Foundation, or even just to create a more active workplace culture.
Any activity is better than nothing, and you are never too young or old to make a start, so use this week to make a change for yourself and your health.
