Move it Mildura!
Published on 13 October 2015
Healthy Together Mildura’s annual 10,000 Steps Challenge is on again with over 630 locals signing up to the popular walking event.
Over the next five weeks, 68 teams from local organisations across the region will be putting their best foot forward and aiming to walk at least 10,000 steps per day, with Healthy Together Mildura working with schools, workplaces, community groups and early child care services to take the ‘sit’ out of obesity.
Community Wellbeing and Services Portfolio Councilor Sharyon Peart said the benefits of walking were often overlooked.
“As a society, we don’t walk as often, or as far, as generations before us did.” Cr Peart said. “Walking is one of the best exercises you can do for general health. It improves circulation, lightens your mood, can stop the loss of bone mass, strengthens muscles and improves sleep.”
The Heart Foundation has warned physical inactivity, including sitting too much, has become "the new smoking" in Australia, causing nearly 14,000 associated deaths each year. With two out of three Australians aged 15 years and over doing very little or no exercise and eight out of ten children not doing the recommended 60 minutes a day of physical activity, something has to change if we are to turn this alarming trend around.
“One of the best things about walking is that it’s free,” said Cr Peart. “It also offers the great advantage of requiring no particular skill or practice. Everyone knows how to do it, and the only equipment you need is a good pair of shoes. It is probably the safest option of all, with the least chance of injury.
“Walking is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. Just 30 minutes every day can make a big difference.”
Healthy Together Mildura Manager Andrea Sloane said it is important people know the impact long periods of sitting can have on their family’s health.
“It has become very easy for adults and children to spend their entire day sitting either at school or work, then driving home only to sit in front of electronic devices in the evening. Not only are these prolonged periods of inactivity increasing our risk of obesity, but they are also linked with heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, muscular and back issues, deep vein thrombosis, brittle bones, depression, and stroke.
“By supporting programs such as Walktober, the 10,000 Step Challenge, Walk to School month and Heart Foundation Walking groups, Healthy Together Mildura aims to create a supportive environment for people to move more, and to encourage the development of healthy habits.”
Healthy Together Mildura has also 400 pedometers which are available to loan through the Mildura Rural City Council Libraries.
For more information about the Mildura 10,000 Step Challenge visit www.healthytogethermildura.com.au/10000steps
Healthy Together Mildura is funded by the Victorian Government and is a partnership between Mildura Rural City Council and Sunraysia Community Health Services.
ENDS
Media enquiries
Angela Umback
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au