Health department takes a healthy lead
The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing leads the way with a new staff fitness programme, '10K a Day'.The programme's title — 10K a Day — refers to 10,000 steps (approximately 8 km), which is the level of physical activity recommended to achieve and maintain good health and wellbeing, according to departmental secretary, Jane Halton.
This principle has been used previously in community fitness programmes such as the 10,000 Steps Rockhampton programme which was developed jointly by the University of Queensland, the Central Queensland University, QUT, the National Heart Foundation and the community of Rockhampton.
Department of Health and Ageing staff who are interested in participating in the 10 K a Day programme will be offered pedometers to wear which measure their footsteps as an indicator of their level of daily physical activity.
Staff at the department's offices throughout Australia will be invited to participate in the programme which aims to encourage staff to define and achieve realistic ways to increase their levels of physical activity.
'For my staff, I encourage a balance between work and other life responsibilities including family, recreation and physical activity. A good mix can help combat preventable lifestyle diseases, including obesity, which unfortunately are on the increase in Australia,' said Ms Halton.
The department believes that in its role of encouraging all Australians to maintain good health and wellbeing, it is leading by example with the '10K a Day' programme.
The programme was launched by Senator Kay Patterson, Minister for Health and Ageing, and Senator Kevin Andrews, Minister for Ageing, in Canberra on 10 April 2003.
Last Reviewed: 17 April 2003
