With one Australian having a heart attack or stroke every four minutes, we all have it within our power to change this statistic.
We know that physical activity is vital for better heart health. When it comes to getting active, the Heart Foundation recommends that we all aim to do:
Advertisement
- 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity each week;
- muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days each week.
Being active at these levels can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 35 per cent, boost our general health and our mental health.
It's okay to break up the physical activity throughout the day, like doing chores, moving about or exercising in 10-minute blocks, and walking the dog. Remember to choose activities you enjoy and do them for 30 minutes or more each day.
Skipping is an easy-to-do exercise that's great for your heart.
- Heart Foundation
Let's get moving
Around 80 per cent of Australian adults do not meet the guidelines for physical activity, and the figures are similar for our children and young people, at 78 per cent.
We can make it difficult for ourselves to get active. We can overcome these barriers by:
- Being realistic about physical activity: set yourself a realistic goal, and increase it over time;
- Be active with others: set a challenge for yourself and your friends or family;
- Make activity part of your day.
Jump rope
Maybe your children go to a school that joins in the Heart Foundation's Jump Rope for Heart program. Even if your kids are pre-school age, you can still jump rope at home; it might bring back memories of your own childhood.
Skipping is an easy-to-do exercise that's great for your heart:
- You can set your own pace, so it's an excellent workout for people of all fitness levels;
- It's free, and you can do it anywhere at any time;
- Jumping rope for 10 minutes gives you the same benefits as a 30-minute run;
- It's great for your heart rate and blood pressure;
- Skipping is easier on your joints compared with running.
Find ways to get active and help create happy and healthy hearts long-term.
Dawn Rasmussen
I love the writing game. It gets me bouncing out of bed, and dragging my feet at night when I have to finish up for the day. I started at The Bendigo Advertiser as the Creative Services Coordinator, and after many changes, I have ended up with a great 12 years with ACM (love that long service leave too as my secret gardens need tending sometimes). Working from home is tops and I hope I have many more productive times ahead.
I love the writing game. It gets me bouncing out of bed, and dragging my feet at night when I have to finish up for the day. I started at The Bendigo Advertiser as the Creative Services Coordinator, and after many changes, I have ended up with a great 12 years with ACM (love that long service leave too as my secret gardens need tending sometimes). Working from home is tops and I hope I have many more productive times ahead.
