Heart Foundation data, compiled over a period of six years, suggests both men and women living in the region have lifestyle characteristics that could lead to heart attack, angina, heart failure or cardiac arrest.
The average percentage of smokers in Wyndham is seven per cent higher than the state average; more residents are overweight or obese than that average; and 35.3 per cent don’t meet recommended physical activity guidelines.
Wyndham ranked well in terms of fruit consumption – seven per cent higher than the state average. A group of Werribee residents is taking a stand against heart disease by meeting weekly for a walk along the Werribee River.
Michael Poswiat leads the Heart Foundation walking group and is reaping the rewards of a healthy lifestyle. “We meet weekly on a Thursday at a designated location and decide which route to take,” he said. “We walk either upstream, downstream or around the gardens of the Werribee Mansion.”
Mr Poswiat’s retirement in June last year led to the group’s formation. An avid walker, he was searching for something to keep him active.
“We’re a group of walkers in a variety of shapes and sizes,” he said.
“As a walking group registered with the Heart Foundation, we’ve been endorsed by them and walk together to keep active and keep our hearts healthy.”
