It’s not too late for South Australian businesses to register their workplace and staff in the Bupa Walk to Work Day on Friday, 28th of September 2012.
Now in its 14th year, Bupa Walk to Work Day is an annual event, which encourages employees and employers to build regular walking into their daily routines to help combat obesity, prevent disease, improve mental health and enhance general wellbeing.
The official ambassador for the Bupa Walk to Work Day 2012 is former champion ironman Guy Leech who is serious about wanting more Australians walking during their working week.
“It’s all about encouraging people to plan the walk, then plan the day. This could be walking to a meeting rather than driving or catching a cab, or holding walking meetings instead of sitting in a meeting room.”
“The onus is on us as individuals to stop making excuses and find ways to fit walking into our daily routine. I think employers have a responsibility to encourage their staff to get out more as well,” he added.
Bupa’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Paul Bates, said he hoped this initiative would encourage people to find a healthier way to get to work.
“Health and fitness isn’t about going to extremes. Small changes like walking regularly can make a really big difference when it comes to improving your long-term health.
“Regular walking reduces your risk of stroke, heart disease and type two diabetes, so it’s a great way to prevent chronic disease.
“It’s also one of the easiest forms of exercise to build into our busy daily lives, and a relatively simple approach to shed those excess kilos.” Dr Bates said.
Pedestrian Council Chairman, Harold Scruby, said: “People who walk before and during work are generally healthier, more productive and creative and are less likely to be absent or take sick leave.”
“Regular walking can also help relieve feelings of depression or anxiety and improve our environment by reducing car dependency and traffic jams,” Mr Scruby said.
With Bupa Walk to Work Day happening on Friday 28 September there is still time to plan to walk some or all of the way to work. Simply go online to register yourself and or your place of work – It’s free.
To register as an individual or as a Walking Workplace, or to find out more about the Bupa Walk to Work Day on Friday 28 September, visit www.walk.com.au.
Facebook: facebook.com/walktoworkday
Twitter: @w2wd
Instagram: @wtwd
Official hashtag: #wtwd
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