SHEPPARTON tops the state as the top region for heart attack hospitalisations against state average.
A whopping 28 percent of residents have ended up in the emergency room compared to the Victorian average rate of 13.6 per 10,000 people. Locals are also five percent less active than people are in other places.
The Heart Foundation is calling for $1.2M to tackle Victoria’s overall poor exercise scorecard in Melbourne’s outer growth areas and regional heart hotspots.
The heart health charity has urged the Victorian State Government for its support to expand the Heart Foundation’s ‘Walking Program’ in priority areas to help save more lives and avoid hospital admissions.
Heart Foundation Heart Maps data reveal alarming inequities exist, with higher rates of physical inactivity, coronary heart disease deaths and hospitalisations found in lower socio-economic areas across the state.
More than 4800 Victorians die and 36,000 are hospitalised each year from coronary heart disease. The healthcare benefits are enormous, studies have found that for every dollar invested in walking, it returns $13.
“At least 30 minutes of brisk walking most days is enough to help people reduce their risks of heart disease by 30 to 40 per cent,” said Heart Foundation’s CEO in Victoria, Kellie-Ann Jolly.
“Being regularly active is a heart muscle workout that helps manage weight, reduces stress and boosts mood. As well, it helps manage clinical risks for heart disease, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.”
Go to walking.heartfoundation.org.au to find a walking group or sign up to a free Personal Walking Plan.
