The Canberra Heart Foundation Walking Group is a sports club in Canberra dedicated to promoting heart health through regular walking. With over 600 walking groups nationwide, the club aims to build connexions within the community and encourage individuals to walk towards a healthier heart together.
Walking for an average of 30 minutes a day has been proven to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. In addition, regular walking can help manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. It also maintains bone density, improves balance and coordination, and reduces the risk of falls and other injuries.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to refer their patients to the structured and supportive walking programme offered by the Canberra Heart Foundation Walking Group. This programme complements their care and helps patients meet the national physical activity guidelines. Whether patients prefer to walk alone or in a group, the motivational programme is designed to support their fitness goals.
Testimonials from members, such as Maria, highlight the positive impact walking has had on their overall mental and physical health. Maria successfully managed her weight, diabetes, and blood pressure through consistent walking, starting with 5,000 steps a day and gradually increasing to 15,000 steps a day.
Getting started with the Canberra Heart Foundation Walking Group is easy. Interested individuals can search for a walking group near their location by suburb, town, or postcode and register for the group. The Walk Organiser, who is responsible for planning routes, meeting times, and welcoming new members, will provide all the necessary information to get started.
For those interested in leading a walking group and making a positive impact in their community, the club offers the opportunity to become a Volunteer Walk Organiser. Walk Organisers receive training, access to an online profile for managing their group, thank you gifts, ongoing communications, and invites to events and workshops. Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and possess a friendly and enthusiastic demeanour.
Joining the Canberra Heart Foundation Walking Group not only improves individual health and well-being but also contributes to a larger movement towards reducing the prevalence of heart disease. The club's commitment to creating healthier communities is supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia.