Community Cabinet: Healthy lifestyle

Wyndham residents are being urged to hit the pavement for 30 minutes each day as part of a new campaign to improve the city’s health.

The Why I Walk campaign is part of a state and federal government initiative that aims to improve the health of residents in 12 areas of Victoria, including Wyndham.

Launching the campaign on Monday, state Health Minister David Davis said people could take simple steps to change their lifestyle. “It might just be walking to work, or it might be adding a little bit more fruit or vegetables in your diet.

“[The campaign] is a very simple step to improve the health of people. No one thing on its own will obviously make the change.”

Latest health data from 2011-12 shows that more than half of Wyndham residents are overweight or obese. A total of 40 per cent of adults and 57 per cent of children do less than 30 minutes of physical activity daily.

Cr Bob Fairclough said Wyndham residents needed to get moving for the sake of their long-term health. “I’m proud to get behind this campaign – walking is free, easy and great for all ages and fitness levels.”

COMMUNITY CABINET: OUR COVERAGE

Picture gallery

Roads take centre stage

Healthy lifestyle push

New suburb name

Housing crisis plea

Skate park art