Media Release: Prime Minister, Minister for Sport

16 May 2013

Children will be encouraged to participate in sport from a young age, through $39.4 million in funding to continue the popular Active After-school Communities program.

While Australians love their sport, we know that some young Australians are missing out on opportunities to get involved.

The Active After-school Communities program assists by providing access to free, inclusive and positive sporting experiences to children after school.

The Gillard Government invested $115 million in community sports participation programs in the 2013-14 Budget, including the Active After-school Communities program. This will ensure the Active After-school Communities program is funded until 31 December 2014.

The Active After-school Communities program is currently delivered at more than 3200 sites across Australia to about 190,000 children.

Read more

Australian Government response to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing report: Weighing it up: Obesity in Australia.
May 2013

Read full response and recommendations.

]]> http://www.physicalactivityaustralia.org.au/index.php/2013/05/weighing-it-up-obesity-in-australia-australian-government-response/feed/ 0 http://www.physicalactivityaustralia.org.au/index.php/2013/05/physical-activity-australia-welcomes-nsw-premiers-sporting-challenge/ http://www.physicalactivityaustralia.org.au/index.php/2013/05/physical-activity-australia-welcomes-nsw-premiers-sporting-challenge/#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 22:59:03 +0000 Editor http://www.physicalactivityaustralia.org.au/?p=4030

Media Release: Physical Activity Australia

14 May 2013 

Physical Activity Australia congratulates the NSW Premier on the launch of the 2013 NSW Premier’s Sporting Challenge today.

Physical Activity Australia CEO Fiona Bailey said, “The NSW Premier’s Sporting Challenge as well as encouraging young people to be active, also provides an excellent opportunity to be more actively involved in the local community events and teams.

“Participating in some form of physical activity is also a tremendous way for families to bond.  There is nothing better than bowling Dad out or out-running mum.  10 minutes of shooting hoops or hitting a ball is one of the best means of getting rid of the day’s frustrations or cobwebs,” Ms Bailey said.  “Physical activity is a great habit for all the family to adopt, and one that we want to last a lifetime.”

Physical Activity Australia encourages people to think of physical activity as games and a means for fun.  Sport also fosters many excellent qualities from self-discipline to teamwork, characteristics that assist in building self-confidence and self-esteem, so everyone is a winner.

Read more

Media Release: Premier of NSW

13 May 2013

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has joined some of the State’s sporting elite to kick off  the 2013 Premier’s Sporting Challenge – with a record number of students set to take part.

More than 245,000 students in 1,100 public schools will get active over the winter months, putting into practice the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

“Having an active, healthy lifestyle is important whether you are 7 or 70 years old,” Mr O’Farrell said at the launch at Bennett Road Public School in Colyton, where he was joined by local MP Tanya Davies.

“The Premier’s Sporting Challenge is all about encouraging young people to get more active, more often and having a healthy diet.

“Regular physical activity is not only important for our young people’s health, but it helps their minds in the classroom.”

Read more.

Belinda is Associate Professor at Griffith University’s School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

Where do you currently work and what does your role involve? 

I’m an Associate Professor at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. My work is related to the effects of mechanical loading on bone, involving both animal and human models – such as electric field stimulation for stress fracture healing, novel exercise interventions for the prevention of osteoporosis and fracture in adolescents, young to middle age and postmenopausal women, and development of instruments to assess the effects of physical activity on the skeleton, side dominance and calcium consumption. My current research also includes multi-system exercise interventions for the promotion of a comprehensive fitness profile and prevention of overweight in children and adolescents. So, in summary, my research expertise is related to exercise and bone, including osteoporosis and stress fractures.

How did you get to where you are now in your career? 

I graduated from the University of Queensland with a degree in Human Movement Studies (Education) and from the University of Oregon (Eugene, OR, USA) with a Master of Science in Sports Medicine and a PhD in Exercise Physiology. I then completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in the Stanford University School of Medicine (California).

What is the role of exercise in developing and maintaining good bone health?

The development of good bone health must start in early childhood.  As peak bone mass (the maximum bone we will ever have in our life) is largely attained between the years of 20 and 30, opportunities should be taken in childhood to do the kinds of exercise that bone respond to best; that is, high intensity jumping and landing.  Repetitive aerobic activities like long runs and bike rides are not as important to bone as brief bouts of unusual and rapid loading such as occur during gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, tennis and other vigorous team sports that involve jumping.  It is then important to continue to exercise in this manner throughout life in order to minimise the bone loss that begins around age 40.  A variety of high intensity exercise continues to be important, including impact and resistance training.  It is of course vital to initiate such high intensity training gradually after prolonged sedentary periods.

How does a person’s exercise needs change when they are diagnosed with osteoporosis? 

In older age, if diagnosed with osteoporosis, the emphasis should move from high intensity exercise to the prevention of falls.  This is because high impact loads may fracture brittle bones.  As most fractures occur as a result of a fall, exercises including balance challenges and lower extremity neuromuscular conditioning are recommended roughly 3 times a week.  Supervision is likely to be necessary for the frail and very deconditioned individual, at least in the short term, as ‘anti-falls’ exercises inherently increase a person’s risk of falling until adequate adaptations occur.

What can exercise professionals do to help people living with osteoporosis reduce their risk of stress fractures?

The best strategy to reduce the risk of bone stress injury, including stress fracture, is to avoid doing too much too soon.  In most cases this can be achieved by beginning and/or undertaking changes to a physical training program very gradually and scaling back at the first sign of pain.  For individuals with osteoporosis this process will need to be particularly gradual.  If the osteoporosis is largely age-related, it will be important to maintain or improve muscle strength around the bones that are primarily being loaded.  If the reason for osteoporosis is an inadequate diet (such as in cases of female athlete triad), it is imperative that energy balance is achieved and adequate calcium is consumed in training.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 75 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients

Mark Dowd is an older gym goer from Sydney. Here he explains why it’s never too late to start working out.

Is there an age limit? I’m in my mid-fifties. I have been going to the gym regularly for quite a few years. At my gym there are quite a few women and men older than me who train regularly. I started weight training to help me recover from a work injury I suffered in the mining industry. I came to enjoy the discipline and the feeling of my body responding to the training by becoming stronger and more capable. It’s as much a hobby as anything else now. I can’t see any reason why I would stop going to the gym.

What’s in it for you? I weigh less now than I did when I left high school 40 years ago. I may not be as fast as I was then, but I have a better physique and I reckon I am actually stronger now. A year or so ago I asked a male friend of a similar age to help me move some furniture. We had to make a dozen or so trips up two flights of stairs. I was really surprised at the difficulty my friend had in handling the load and in going up and down the stairs. I also remember my father, who was a bigger, more powerful guy than me, quickly becoming much less physically able as he got into his fifties. I want to live as long as possible and I want to remain as active and as able as I can, for as long as I can – there is still too much of life and the world to enjoy.

How much effort is involved? I suggest you start with a fairly modest routine and gradually increase the effort to a level that you find mildly taxing. The staff at the gym will be happy to help you design a program. If you have any illnesses, disabilities, medical conditions or old injuries, be sure to tell the gym staff about them upfront. If you have any health concerns that mean you visit your doctor regularly then you should talk with your doctor about your plan to start going to the gym as well.

Is it safe? As with any physical activity, there is a risk of straining something at the gym if you push too hard or go to fast – particularly at our age. I pushed very hard at the gym when I was younger because I wanted to develop my physique. Now my priorities are to maintain my physical ability and energy level so I can live a full and active life and to not strain anything at the gym by over doing it. It’s okay to change your goals as you move through life. Each person makes their own decision about what they want from their workout and that is fine.

How often should I go to the gym? I have been going to the same gym for some years and I see a number of other people who also regularly visit that gym. As you might expect, some people put more effort into their training than others. Also, as you might expect, those who put in more effort tend to get the most benefit. If you are working out at the gym and you comfortably finish each workout just barely raising a light sweat, you might want to push yourself a little harder. I was never a big fan of the “no pain no gain” concept, but I believe that in the gym, there is no benefit without effort. You will need to go to the gym regularly to get any benefit. I go every second day, for about 50 minutes to an hour, when time permits. You may find that three times a week for an hour or so works for you, or you may prefer more frequent, shorter visits. You can try different variations to see what you like and what works for you. Be prepared to be a bit stiff and sore the day after your first gym visit. This is completely normal.

Not sure that you will be able to stay the course? If you find that going to the gym is a Labour of Hercules that you feel you have to persist with but don’t really enjoy, I suggest you look at why you are at the gym. If your motivation wanes it is important to remember that a positive attitude and a steady focus on your goals will help you get the most out of the effort you put in. I admit that I am not always enthusiastic about going to the gym, but once I get myself there I invariably feel better for the effort. Beyond the physical gains I also find a visit to the gym very relaxing and calming. The regular cadence of the exercises can be a little like a Gregorian Chant – it empties my mind of the myriad minor irritations of everyday life and I am happier after a workout.

Happy training!

Did you know? The Greeks have had a lot of good ideas – democracy, geometry, the Olympic Games. Did you know they also gave us the gym? They are one of the earliest known cultures to have dedicated facilities and techniques for people to develop their general physical abilities. Thanks!

Regular exercise with your pet is good for both you and your dog’s health and can be great fun. There’s nothing like an exercise partner who’s waiting by the door with a wagging tail to keep you motivated!

Dog owners enjoy numerous health and social benefits by walking their dog a few times a week. Benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones (built up by walking regularly), and decreased stress.

Your dog will benefit

A regular walk is vitally important for your pet’s health too. Obesity in pets is associated with a number of medical complaints including osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and insulin resistance.

Most dogs need to be walked at least once each day, though some dogs, particularly very active dogs, may require more. The breed of dog you have, as well as its level of fitness and age, will also determine how long and how vigorous your walk should be. A walk can make a dog very happy. They love to check out the sights and smells and will really look forward to spending time with you. A dog that doesn’t receive sufficient exercise can easily become bored or destructive.

Health benefits of pet ownership

Research studies from around the world have found that pets may offer health benefits to their owners. Findings from selected studies include:

People who walk their dogs are seen by other people as friendly and approachable.

A study of patients waiting in dentist surgeries found that watching fish swim around in an aquarium is as effective at reducing stress as hypnosis.

Stroking and patting a pet can reduce the physiological indicators of stress, including high blood pressure.

The non-judgemental companionship and unconditional love offered by pets is known to have considerable mental health benefits for owners, including increased self-esteem.

The community benefits of pets

Research undertaken by the University of Western Australia has found that owning a pet can also benefit the whole community. The researchers found that pet owners, in particular dog owners, were more likely to:

• Acknowledge and greet other people in the street
• Exchange favours with neighbours
• Meet others in their neighbourhood.

Dog walking – your responsibilities

As a dog owner you must supervise your dog at all times and ensure the dog is kept within calling distance and under control. It is in your best interest to provide him with obedience training and socialisation skills necessary to become a well-mannered and socially well-adjusted dog.

As a dog owner you are fully and legally responsible for any harm or damages caused by your dog. You may bear a substantial financial (or legal) penalty if your dog bites a human, kills wildlife, damages property, causes a traffic accident, creates noise or other pollution, or is the direct cause of any other damage to the community. Approximately 1,300 Victorians present at emergency departments each year with dog bite injuries. Children aged under four years are at the highest risk of dog bite, and should be supervised around dogs at all times.

Prepare yourself with warm-ups

Prepare for walking your dog like you would prepare for any exercise, with stretches: in particular, stretches for both front and back legs and stretches of the back and arms. Make sure your equipment (including a dog leash and walking shoes) is suitable and will not cause injury. You and your dog should be protected from excessive heat and sunburn, and have plenty of water for hydration, so make sure you bring some water on a walk.

Choose your dog carefully 

If you’re not very active, owning a dog could give you a very good reason to walk regularly. But before you rush out and buy a dog, plan your purchase. Make sure you choose a breed that’s appropriate to your lifestyle. For example, don’t buy a large active dog if you live in a small apartment or have limited mobility.

Dog walking tips

When you walk your dog:

• Aim for 30 minute walks, five times per week.
• Keep your dog on its leash in public areas, unless it’s an ‘off leash’ zone. Contact your local council about areas where dogs can be exercised off leash.
• Supervise your dog around young children.
• Take a plastic bag or scoop to clean up your dog’s poo.
• Make sure your dog is properly identified.
• Make sure your dog is desexed.
• Avoid walking in extreme heat.
• Take fresh water for you and your dog to drink.

Environmental considerations

Responsible dog owners respect the environment and the rights of other people. Some things to consider include:

• Most national and state parks and reserves do not allow domestic animals, including dogs (except for guide dogs).
• State forests permit dogs, but only if they are controlled.
• Other parks usually allow dog walking if the animal is leashed.

Where to get help

The Lost Dogs’ Home Tel. (03) 9329 2755

Your doctor

Parks Victoria

Veterinarian

Things to remember

Always keep your dog under control, and carry plastic bags or scoops so that you can clean up after it.
Prepare for dog walking like you would prepare for any exercise, with stretches and the right equipment.
Always supervise dogs around young children.

This article has been produced in coordination with the Better Health Channel.

29 April – 5 May
Australian Dance Week
Organisation: Ausdance
Australian Dance week is a celebration of the cultural contributions of dance to the Australian community.
Website: www.ausdance.org.au/news/archive/events

1 May
Kiss Goodbye to MS
Organisation: MS Australia
Wear red lipstick and help kiss goodbe to MS. Throughout May 2012 you can get involved in Kiss Goodbye to MS events and activities taking place across the country. By taking part you will be helping support people with MS through funding vital research into the cause, cure and better treatments for the disease. Our vision is to create a world free of MS.
Website:www.kissgoodbyetoms.org/events

1-31 May
Crohns & Colitis Awareness Month
Organisation: Crohn’s and Colitis Australia (CCA)
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month aims to bring attention to Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, which affects more than 5 million people.
Website:www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au/cca-awareness-month.php

1-31 May
NF Awareness Month
The aim of Neurofibromatosis Month is to provide information to the community and to healthcare and educational professionals, so that they will better understand what Neurofibromatosis (NF) is. This will enable them to accept and provide support to those affected by NF.
Website:www.nfaa.org.au/

1-31 May
Miracle Month of May
Organisation: Miracle Babies Foundation National Awareness Month
To raise awareness and funds for premature and sick newborns, their families and the hospitals that care for them.
Website:www.miraclebabies.org.au

5-11 May
Heart Week
Organisation: Heart Foundation
During Heart Week 2013, the Heart Foundation will be urging all Australians to learn the warning signs of heart attack. We need your help to raise community awareness of the warning signs. You could make Heart Week your organisation’s wellness week, or just share the information with your family and friends – it could help to save a life.
Website: www.heartfoundation.org.au

6 May
International No Diet Day
Organisation: Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria Inc.
International No Diet Day is a celebration of body type diversity and body acceptance. It promotes a healthy lifestyle, compared to a string of ineffective short term diets.
Website: www.eatingdisorders.org.au/

7 May
World Asthma Day
Organisation: National Asthma Council Australia
World Asthma Day (WAD) takes place each year on the first Tuesday in May. Initiated by the Global Initiative for Asthma in 1998, the National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) embraces WAD and marks the occasion to highlight the need for ongoing care and vigilance in managing asthma.
Website: www.nationalasthma.org.au/

10 May
World Lupus Day
Organisation: International Lupus Congress
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that may cause abnormalities in the function and structure of such vital organs as kidney, brain, lungs etc. World Lupus Day raises awareness about this disease
Website:www.worldlupusday.org/

12 May
International Fibromyalgia Awareness Day
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown cause. It is characterised by widespread muscle pain and stiffness in specific points – so called ‘tender points’ which tend to be in certain areas. It is often associated with fatigue and poor sleep patterns. It is estimated to affect approximately 2% of the population which equates to several hundred thousand sufferers in Australia.
Website: www.fibromodem.wordpress.com/

12 May
International ME/CFS Awareness Day
Organisation: ME/CFS Australia (Victoria)
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex illness which affects an estimated 180,000 Australians. The International ME/CFS Awareness Day is used to raise awareness for the illness, and promote early diagnosis.

12-18 May
Schizophrenia Awareness Week
Organisation: Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW (SFNSW)
The focus of this event is the physical health of people with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. This is an area of enormous need: by way of illustration, the life expectancy of people living with a severe mental illness has been shown by research to be as great as 25 years less than that of the general population.
Website: www.sfnsw.org.au

21-26 May
Thyroid Awareness Week
Organisation: The Australian Thyroid Foundation
Thyroid Awareness Week highlights thyroid health research, treatments and outcomes, and the importance of good thyroid health.
Website: www.thyroidfoundation.com.au/

21-27 May
Spinal Health Week
Organisation: The Chiropractors’ Association of Australia (National) Limited
A healthy spine means a healthier life. Spinal Health Week is an annual, national initiative run by the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia. This year, the Week will focus on posture in the workplace, highlighting the dangers of long-term sitting and incorrect posture. Chiropractors around the country will be running local activities during the week.

23 May
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Organisation: Cancer Council
May is Australia’s biggest Morning Tea month. Thursday 23rd May is the official day but you can host an event anytime throughout May or June. It’s simple, fun and best of all for a great cause! All you need to do is set a date, brainstorm some morning tea ideas, invite your guests and raise money to help support the fight against cancer.
Website: www.biggestmorningtea.com.au

24 May
National Walk Safely To School Day
Organisation: The Pedestrian Council
Walk Safely to School Day is an annual, national event that encourages all primary school students to walk safely, and commute actively, to school. Now in its fourteenth year, this community event promotes better attitudes to road safety, health, public transport and the environment. Parents and carers are encouraged to walk their children to school on Friday 24 May 2013.
Website:www.walk.com.au/WSTSD01/page.asp?PageID=260

26 May – 1 June
Kidney Health Week
Organisation: Kidney Health Australia
Kidney Health Week aims to increase awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease, a very dangerous kidney disease.
Website:www.kidney.org.au/NewsEvents/KidneyHealthWeek/tabid/648/Default.aspx

26 May – 1 June
Macular Degeneration Awareness Week
Organisation: Macular Degeneration Foundation
Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. Macular Degeneration Awareness Week is an annual event designed to raise awareness of Macular Degeneration and to encourage those most at risk, people over 50, to have their eyes tested and macula checked. A free Macular Degeneration information pack is available from the Foundation.
Website:www.mdfoundation.com.au/

31 May
World No Tobacco Day
Organisation: United Nations
World No Tobacco Day aims to increase awareness about the dangers of smoking tobacco products, and the health implications of tobacco usage.
Website:www.who.int/tobacco/wntd/en/

1-8 June
Medical Research Week
Organisation: The Australian Society for Medical Research
Medical Research Week is organised by The Australian Society for Medical Research, and comprises of expositions, meetings, lectures, debates and many more events to highlight current medical research issues.
Website: www.asmr.org.au/MRW.html

1-30 June
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Organisation: Bowel Cancer Australia
There are more than 14,000 reasons to support Bowel Cancer Australia – one for each person whose life will be changed when they are diagnosed with bowel cancer, and that’s just in one year. Show your support by helping us raise awareness during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (formerly Bowel Cancer Awareness Week) – an annual public education initiative of Bowel Cancer Australia running throughout the month of June (1 – 30 June 2013). Now in its 13th year, the initiative aims to raise public awareness of a disease that claims the lives of 80 Australians every week.
Website: http://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=169&Itemid=318

5 June
Red Aussie Apple Day
Organisation: Bowel Cancer Australia
A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Week is Red Aussie Apple Day where Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of Bowel Cancer Australia through the purchase of a $2 apple pin.
Website: www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=231&Itemid=442

10-16 June
International Men’s Health Week
Organisation: Men’s Health Information and Resource Centre
International Men’s Health Week aims to increase awareness of the importance of good health in men, boys and their families.
Website: www.menshealthweek.org.au/En/Default.aspx

14 June
World Blood Donor Day
Organisation: United Nations
World Blood Donor Day is a reminder of the importance of blood donation. 1 in 3 people will need blood in their lifetime, while just 1 in 30 people currently donate.
Website: www.who.int/worldblooddonorday/en/

16-22 June
Drug Action Week
Organisation: Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia
Drug Action Week aims to the issues that accompany drug and alcohol use. It is also an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the workers who work hardest to reduce drug-related harm.
Website: www.drugactionweek.org.au/

21 June
MND Global Day
Organisation: MND Australia
MND Global Day raises awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), which is a progressive neurological disease.
Website: www.mndaust.asn.au/global-day/

24-30 June  
World Continence Week
Organisation: Continence Foundation of Australia
World Continence Awareness Week aims to increase understanding of the health habits that will help people avoid bladder and bowel issues in their lifetimes.
Website: www.continence.org.au/events.php/128/world-continence-week-2013

26 June
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Organisation: United Nations
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a day used to raise awareness of the threat to public health and safety that illicit drugs pose.
Website: www.un.org/en/events/drugabuseday/

28 June
Red Nose Day
Organisation: SIDS and Kids
Red Nose Day is the national fundraising event day for SIDS and Kids held throughout the month of June. Red Nose Day provides critical funding for a 24-hour bereavement support service, community education to reduce incidents of SIDS and fatal sleeping accidents, and research into areas such as SIDS and stillbirth. To date it is estimated that SIDS and Kids has saved the lives of over 6,500 babies across Australia.
Website: www.rednoseday.com.au/

29 June
World Scleroderma Day
Organisation: Scleroderma Australia
We campaign for a world in which equal rights, treatments and care are offered to people with scleroderma, and in which such diseases are not forgotten, but afforded the consideration and attention of other more widely known diseases. Having a disease that nobody has heard of is a lonely business. So World Scleroderma Day was created to raise awareness of what it means to have this disabling disease. June 29 is a day to recognise the bravery of those who live with this disease and to demand equal treatment and equal care for people with scleroderma.
Website: www.sclerodermaaustralia.com.au/