Baby boomers get active, says Heart Foundation
29 September 2002
The National Heart Foundation of Australia has urged the ageing baby boomer generation to get active for World Heart Day on Sunday 29 September, to keep their hearts healthy and reduce their risk of an early death from cardiovascular disease.
Heart Foundation Principal Executive Officer and Director, Cardiovascular Health Programs Dr Lyn Roberts said: ‘We want people, especially those over the age of 45, to use World Heart Day as their first day to a new, more active life to improve their heart health. All it takes is at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, on all or most days of the week.’
Australian Kangaroos rugby league coach Chris Anderson suffered a very public heart attack last year and can vouch for the benefits of getting active.
‘I’m grateful that I’ve had a second chance to modify my lifestyle to improve my health and I actually feel better now than I did before the heart attack. If you’re one of the millions of Australian adults who don’t get enough exercise, I urge you not to wait until you have had a heart attack to make a change but to get active now and reap the benefits,’ Mr Anderson said.
The Heart Foundation’s Dr Roberts added: ‘We understand that with increasingly busy lifestyles and longer working hours, it’s often difficult to find the time for physical activity, so the key is to fit it in with your daily routine. For example, walk to the train station rather than driving the car or use the stairs instead of a lift.’
Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo concurs: ‘Wherever you live in the world there is no substitute for moderate but regular exercise and with a small amount of effort you can make a big difference. Physical exercise is for everybody and you can start by doing 30 minutes of exercise every day.’
Last Reviewed: 26 September 2002
