#GetMoving to save Australia's hearts

Media Release

#GetMoving to save Australia’s hearts 

Did you know that heart disease is Australia’s biggest killer?   

Heart Research Australia is passionate about reducing the incidence of heart disease, which affects two out of three families, is the Number 1 killer of women and kills one Australian every 12 minutes! The Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for first-stage innovative research into the detection, treatment and prevention of heart disease, aimed at reducing the devastating impact this disease has on families and communities. 

As daunting as these facts are, heart disease can be largely prevented by simply knowing the risk factor and following a heart healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and regular exercise. 

“We are very proud to be launching our new #GetMoving campaign, which is a unique new digital campaign aimed at driving awareness of heart disease, and motivating everyone to love their hearts by eating healthily and incorporating simple forms of exercise into their daily life this winter,” said Lana Sturmer, Campaigns & Marketing Manager, Heart Research Australia. 

The campaign launches on 1 July, inviting Australian’s to ‘Like’ the Heart Research Australia Facebook page, entering their details and stand a chance to win some fantastic prizes, such as an Anytime Fitness gym membership for a year and a $500 yoga wardrobe from Dharma Bums, all for simply sharing their #GetMoving posts. 

“Being inactive almost doubles your risk for coronary heart disease. 30 minutes a day is enough to bring wide-ranging benefits, whether it’s swapping the lift for the stairs, taking the dog for a walk or enjoying a brisk walk with a friend – #GetMoving is all about simple ways to get your heart pumping and improving your heart health,” added Sturmer.

Studies show that doing more than 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate physical activity or an hour of vigorous physical activity every week will reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by about 30%.  

“The good news is that even small increases in physical fitness are associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk, even if you have existing disease. We invite all Australian’s to join our fight against heart disease and get their hearts moving by supporting our fun, interactive #GetMoving campaign.”

For further information about #GetMoving visit the Heart Research Australia’s website at  www.heartresearch.com.au  or email marketing@heartresearch.com.au 

ENDS.

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Facts:

* The majority of Australians aged 15 years or over do little or no exercise..

* Sufficient physical activity can reduce the effects of some of the risk factors for CVD, Type 2 diabetes and CKD such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

* Almost 70% of Australians were sedentary or undertook low levels of physical activity.

* People living in areas of lower socioeconomic status were more likely to have sedentary levels of physical activity, as were those living in outer regional, rural and remote areas.

* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples also reported higher levels of sedentary physical activity.

Source: AIHW analysis of the ABS 2007–08 National Health Survey and ABS 2004–05 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey.

For further information or to schedule an interview, contact Michelle Kearney, Communications Manager, Heart Research Australia at michelle@heartresearch.com.au or (M) 0410 922 670.

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About Heart Research Australia – www.heartresearch.com.au 

Heart Research Australia raises funds for research into the diagnoses, treatment and prevention of Australia’s biggest killer – heart disease. We are dedicated to supporting life-saving heart research that benefits all Australians.