Walk to work – it’s good for your health!

Upper Hunter health workers are inviting the community to join them on a group walk on National Walk to Work Day – Friday 2 October.

National Walk to Work Day is an annual event that encourages regular walking to improve health and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Staff from Hunter New England Health are inviting local businesses and organisations to join with them on a walk starting from the Weidman Wing, Muswellbrook Health Campus at 7.15am and followed by a healthy breakfast.

Clinical Nurse Consultant and Diabetes Educator from Upper Hunter Community Health Kerry Collins said moderate physical exercise like walking - even 15 minutes before and after work each day - can significantly enhance someone’s health.

“There is so much evidence that tells us that a lack of physical activity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as the risk of certain cancers, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and even depression,” Kerry said.

“Regular walking is a low impact activity that can have such a wonderful benefit for your health, so we’re encouraging the local community to join us to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity in keeping well.”

Some of the benefits of regular walking include:
• Lowers the risk of heart disease and provides protection against high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels
• Helps with lower back pain, improves muscular and bone strength and helps maintain flexibility, coordination and a healthy weight
• Helps with mental health by increasing the levels of ‘mood lifting’ chemicals in the brain, provides a distraction from daily worries and boosts social interaction if walking with other people

Hunter New England Health staff from the Upper Hunter Cluster will take part in Walk to Work Day on Friday 2 October at 7.15am. The walk will begin at the Weidman Wing, Muswellbrook District Health Service Campus.

The walk will be followed by a healthy breakfast, at a small cost, with proceeds going to the Muswellbrook Hospital Auxiliary.

Members of the community can register to attend by calling 6542 2050 by 28 September.

Contact: Shannon Ramadge

Phone: 6767 7136