Dynamic new program for Indigenous heart health

Hunter New England Health, NSW Sport and Recreation and the Heart Foundation have joined forces to deliver a unique training course that will get Indigenous hearts pumping.

"The fitness leadership course provides training for Indigenous people so that they can deliver exercise programs for their communities," said Tina Pidcock from Hunter New England Area Health Service.

"Exercise is a terrific way to help improve the fitness and cardiovascular health of people in Aboriginal communities."

There are 15 Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal community members who have demonstrated their interest in health, exercise and leading programs in their community by volunteering to undertake the training. Participants will take part in a total of 14 days of intensive training that will give them the skills and knowledge they need to take on this important leadership role.

NSW Sport and Recreation’s Donna Coady said her organisation will run a 10-day Certificate III in Fitness course.

"This covers exercise program design and will enable participants to move into group or personal training, preparing them to work in any capacity on the gymnasium floor with confidence," she said.

"It also provides health workers with the skills to design and deliver exercise programs for their patients."

Participants will also undertake Heartmoves training and accreditation. This three day training program provides additional skills and expertise to deliver safe exercise programs to people who have chronic conditions such as Diabetes, Heart Disease or Obesity and who need safe and supervised, low to moderate intensity physical activity for health. There will also be opportunities for additional support, by linking graduates to current Heartmoves leaders in their communities for further mentoring.

"The training course brings together the expertise of Hunter New England Health, NSW Sport and Recreation and the Heart Foundation, to focus on an area of real need in Aboriginal communities," said Dr Amanda Nagle from the Heart Foundation.

"Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.

"Regular physical activity is proven to lower the risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, which is why this program is so important."

Training will start on 23 June, 2008. For more information, please contact the Aboriginal Fitness Leaders project co-ordinator Jocelyn Grant on 49246146 or jocelyn.grant@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au