The Heart of Ulverstone Walking Group is a sports club located in the town of Ulverstone, Australia. This walking group is a part of the Heart Foundation's national walking programme and aims to promote a healthier heart and overall well-being among its members.
Joining the Heart of Ulverstone Walking Group allows individuals to build connexions within their community while engaging in regular physical activity. Research has shown that walking for an average of 30 minutes a day can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Additionally, walking regularly has been proven to manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol, reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, and improve bone density, balance, and coordination.
The Heart of Ulverstone Walking Group offers a structured and supportive walking programme that complements the care provided by healthcare professionals. Whether individuals prefer walking alone or in a group, this programme is designed to help participants meet the national physical activity guidelines. Participants can refer their patients to this programme to encourage them to engage in regular physical activity for improved health outcomes.
The Heart of Ulverstone Walking Group is proud to have Maria, one of its group walkers, share her success story. Maria was overweight for over 40 years and developed diabetes and blood pressure problems. However, through walking, she was able to improve her overall health, becoming officially no longer diabetic and having no issues with her blood pressure. Maria emphasises the positive impact that simple exercises such as walking can have on mental and physical health.
To join the Heart of Ulverstone Walking Group, individuals can visit the group's Facebook page and become a member. Additionally, the group encourages healthcare professionals and volunteers to get involved. Walk Organisers play a vital role in planning walking routes, determining meeting places and times, and welcoming new members to the group. Walk Organisers receive training, access to an online profile for group management, thank-you gifts, ongoing communications, and invites to events and workshops.
For those interested in starting their own walking group, the Heart of Ulverstone Walking Group provides support through its Volunteer Walk Organiser programme. Volunteers over the age of 18 can take on the role of leading a Heart Foundation Walking group in their community, while receiving training and resources to effectively manage their group.
Overall, the Heart of Ulverstone Walking Group is an inclusive and welcoming sports club that promotes physical activity, heart health, and community connexions. By joining this walking group, individuals can improve their overall well-being in a supportive and motivating environment.