Safety – Amenity – Access – Health
28 September 2009
The Sunshine Coast will be putting its best foot forward on Friday 2 October as hundreds of residents pound the pavement for National Walk to Work Day, helping the nation stride towards better health and cleaner air.
Sunshine Coast employees of all ranks will join walkers from companies around Australia as they make walking a priority. Those that can't walk to work will take a walk at lunchtime, walk to their first appointment or get off the train or bus a few stops on the way home, and walk the rest of the way.
On the Sunshine Coast staff from The Noosa Hospital, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and clients and trainers from TDR Fitness will all join in Walk to Work Day.
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. In addition, the transport sector (including cars) is responsible for 16% of green house gas emissions, with this statistic continuing to grow. Walking is a great way to beat obesity and reduce our carbon footprint.
WHAT: National Walk to Work Day (Sunshine Coast) WHO: TDR Fitness (instructors and clients walk to work) WHEN: Friday 2 October 2009 (TDR Fitness) 6 am-7.00 am at Loo with a View Mooloolaba Esplanade for an hour circuit walk that concludes back at the Loo with a View CONTACT: Amanda Stubbs Walk to Work Day Organiser (0418 713 760)
Toni Reinkainer - TDR Fitness (0422 639 312)
Jane Peters Noosa Hospital - staff also walking to work (5455 9203)
Harold Scruby from the Pedestrian Council of Australia said:
"What a way for the Sunshine Coast to start the day - with a wonderful walk! It's fantastic to see so many people - from all around the country - are leaving the car at home this morning to enjoy a walk to work instead.
"Walking regularly is not only an effective way to get around, it can be a good medicine, to help prevent obesity, diabetes, heart illnesses and depression.
"The AMA officially prescribed a doctor's prescription to each and every Australian, effective today. The script is simple. A 30 minute dose of walking commenced today on National Walk to Work Day, repeat daily, 365 days a year.
"Walking is one of the best ways to exercise and its environmentally-friendly transport. So many of us reach for the car or hail a taxi when really, we could - and should - walk.
"If walking all the way to work is impractical, get off the train or bus a stop early and walk the rest of the way, park the car a few blocks away and walk or walk at lunch time."
RADIO GRABS AND LIVE INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE
PLEASE CONTACT: Amanda Stubbs (0418 713 760)
