GET WALKING AS PART OF THE GAMES

Gippsland MP Peter Hall is urging Gippslanders to take part in a special VicHealth promotion that will be operating through the Commonwealth Games.

The 10,000 Steps Walking Challenge is VicHealth's contribution to the Games, but Mr Hall points out that you don't have to be attending the Games to take part.

"Part of the Melbourne based program is to encourage people to walk between venues," Mr Hall said. "However, I think we can broaden that by encouraging people to walk in their own towns, not only during the Games but also afterwards.

"A walk down the street at lunchtime, or allowing a few extra minutes to walk to a meeting can all help with our general fitness. In regional Victoria, often it is easy for us to just drive the car and park at our destination, but I think it is well worthwhile to consider the health benefits of incorporating walking into our daily routine."

Mr Hall said as people grow older, many of the old sports injuries can catch up and make highly strenuous activities difficult. "I know there are days when my football days come back in the form of aches and pains, but walking or swimming are activities that most of us can do reasonably comfortably."

National physical activity guidelines recommend people accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, on most, if not all, days of the week for good health.

Mr Hall said the VicHealth 10,000 Steps Walking Challenge was also a good chance to get back into physical activity. "Basically the challenge is to walk 10,000 steps a day, which is about six or seven kilometres. People can log their results during the Games and through VicHealth has an opportunity to take part in a special prize draw."

Details of the 10,000 steps walking challenge are available on the VicHealth Website, www.vichealth.vic.gov.au

Media contact: Peter Hall's office (03) 5174 7066