The New Year is an ideal time to make a commitment to change your lifestyle and involve your children in the decision by making fitness a family affair in 2010.
Figures from the Bureau of Statistics show that one in four children are overweight or obese, while cardiovascular disease is responsible for 34 per cent of Australian deaths.
Australia has one of the highest life expectancies and best health systems in the world and yet chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, are estimated to be responsible for 80 per cent of disease and injury.
In 2006, the Council of Australian Governments invested $500 million in a four-year initiative to encourage people to make healthier lifestyle choices and help reduce lifestyle related chronic diseases.
The Measure Up component of the campaign focuses on recommended waist measurements (waist measurement is more important than weight), physical activity levels and fruit and vegetable consumption.
Different ways to stay on track are published regularly on the campaign website, which also provides tips for shedding kilos after the festive binge such as: Have two glasses of water before a meal to feel satisfied earlier and help keep portion sizes and hydration levels in check.
If you have a top tip, why not share it with the Pilbara Health team? If your words of wisdom are voted a winner by the team, we’ll send you a prize and publish your advice in the next e-Zine.
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