The Yass Valley Times stumbled across a lively group of walkers chatting and laughing beside the Yass River on Friday. Walking for an average of 30 minutes or more a day can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke by 35% per cent and type 2 diabetes by 40%. That’s the advice from the Heart Foundation and in Yass, an organised walking group is helping each other achieve that goal. “Our Yass Walking Group began three years ago under the banner of the Heart Foundation.
We have fifteen walkers registered with the average attendance of eight to ten walkers each week,” described Roger Holgate on behalf of the group. “We are currently walking at 9 am from under the bridge at Riverbank Park and plan to start at 8 am again when the weather warms up,” Mr Holgate added.
The Heart Foundation advises it’s not just your heart and muscles that benefit from walking. Regular physical activity can help: • reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke • manage weight, blood pressure and blood cholesterol • prevent and control diabetes • reduce your risk of developing some cancers • maintain your bone density, reducing your risk of osteoporosis and fractures • improve balance and coordination, reducing your risk of falls and other injuries • improve our daily mood which cumulatively leads to better mental health The walks in Yass usually last 40 – 45 minutes and cover about 3.5 kilometres.
Group members usually follow the walk with a visit to a local café. It’s easy to join in. Visit the website to register https://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/ or phone Roger for more information on 0428 509 242.
