Fact Sheet

Top ten walking tips for busy people:

Walking regularly is the simplest and most practical way of increasing your daily exercise. Now is a great time to put your feet first and step into spring and build walking into your daily routine.

1. Walk some or if you can, walk all the way to work.
2. Get off the bus, train, or tram a few stops earlier.
3. Leave the car at least 1km away from work and walk the rest of the way.
4. Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier to fit in a walk to work.
5. Organise a walk at lunchtime with colleagues.
6. Walk all or part of the way to meetings rather than driving or catching taxis
7. Schedule a "walking meeting” (a Walking Workshop) instead of sitting down. Walk and talk and you’ll get double the benefit.
8. Ensure you get up from your desk at least once an hour and walk around the office.
9. Wherever possible, use the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
10. Host a healthy breakfast to reward those who participate.

Did you know:

• One Australian develops type 2 diabetes every 8 minutes.
• 12 Australians develop diabetes every hour.
• 280 Australians develop diabetes every day.
• Regular walking can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and help manage diabetes for people already living with the chronic condition.
• Two million Australians are currently at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Diabetes shares risk factors with cancer, heart disease and kidney disease.
• Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in up to 58% of cases in the high risk population, through lifestyle modification such as; healthy eating and regular physical activity.
• You can take the test to see your risk of developing type 2 diabetes at diabetesaustralia.com.au/risk-calculator