Safety – Amenity – Access – Health

 

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has issued an Australia-wide doctors prescription to walk 30 minutes each day, starting with Walk to Work Day on Friday October 2.

Now in its 7th year, National Walk to Work Day is an annual event that sees Australians walk part or all of the way to work, for better health and cleaner air.

CEO and Chairman of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, Harold Scruby is encouraging all residents and businesses in Mudgee to follow the doctor's orders and 'Walk to Work' on Friday October 2.

"Walk to Work Day is a wonderful way to kick start a healthy habit in all of us - one that can be sustained throughout the year. You don't need to buy any equipment to walk to work, it's free and easy for most of us," said Mr. Scruby.

Federal Vice President of the AMA, Dr Steve Hambleton encourages Mudgee residents to take this script very seriously.

"This prescription is just as important as a script for heart medication, anti-depressants, diabetic medication or anti-cancer medication. If you follow my walking script as prescribed and take it with a healthy diet, it will reduce the risk that your doctor will have reason to write you these other scripts later in life," said Dr Hambleton.

Recent data from the Federal Health Department notes that 72% of Australians have low exercise levels and a shocking 61.3% of adults in Australia are overweight or obese.

If walking all the way to work is impractical the AMA suggests getting off the train or bus a stop early and walking the rest of the way, parking the car a few blocks away and walking or taking a walk at lunch time.

Organisations from all walks of industry and business are being encouraged to register for National Walk to Work Day. Registering as a Corporate Ambassador is a simple and easy way for organisations to demonstrate their support for better health and cleaner air.

 

As well as organisations getting behind National Walk to Work Day, individuals are being invited to register as a Walking Class Hero to go in the draw to win a Walking Holiday in New Zealand. For more information & to register visit www.walk.com.au.

ENDS

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Victoria Rooney, IMPACT Communications Australia

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