Well, the Happy Feet walking group lived up to its name today (Monday, June 22).
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Group members, after being locked away for weeks due to COVID-19 finally gathered for a walk.
Sure group members could and most likely did walk by themselves but they missed the friendship side of walking together as a group.
Walk coordinator, Dorothy Gerzanics, said this morning was perfect for a walk.
Around 30 Happy Walkers took part in this morning's walk.
"It was a lovely walk and we have missed each other," Dorothy said.
The walkers ensured they followed all the required social distancing regulations.
"It was a good turn-out," Dorothy added.
They will be now walking daily and more people are always welcome.
"All it costs is a smile," Dorothy said.
Call Dorothy on 4455 6162 for more information.
Meanwhile, in a recent Heart Foundation survey of 300 people, around 30 per cent said they had been walking more since COVID-19 restrictions came into effect.
Of those, 45 per cent took walks by themselves, 33 per cent with their partner and 22 per cent with their pets.
"When gyms and organised sport shut down due to the pandemic, walking became one of the few options for Australians to stay active," said Heart Foundation Director of Active Living, Adjunct Professor Trevor Shilton.
"Large numbers of us discovered or even rediscovered the joys of walking around the neighbourhood with their family and pets," he said.
"This time reminded Aussies that walking is free and easy, and almost anyone can do it.
"You can walk almost any time and anywhere. It's a really simple and pleasant way to get your recommended 30 minutes of brisk physical activity each day."
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Professor Shilton encouraged these Australians to continue walking as restrictions begin to ease and to consider joining a Heart Foundation Walking group - like Happy Feet.
"We paused our walking groups during the pandemic to protect our walkers, volunteers and the community from virus transmission, but many will be able to resume from today (Monday, June 22). So now is a great time to join us and keep up the walking habits you developed during lockdown," he said.
In terms of heart disease risk factors:
. Around 22 percent of Shoalhaven LGA residents smoke;
. 20 percent have high blood pressure;
. 69 per cent are not physically active enough for good health;
. Approximately 35 per cent are obese; and
. About 33 per cent have high cholesterol.
About the Heart Foundation
The Heart Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to fighting the single biggest killer of Australians - heart disease.
The foundation, for 60 years, it has led the battle to save lives and improve the heart health of all Australians. Its sights are set on a world where people don't suffer or die prematurely because of heart disease.
Find out your risk of heart attack or stroke by using our Heart Age Calculator. For heart health information and support, call the Heart Foundation Helpline on 13 11 12.
To find out about the Heart Foundation's research program or to make a donation, visit www.heartfoundation.org.au
