PAA16

As April comes to a close, so too does the Premier's Active April challenge ... officially.

But what is hoped for everyone involved in the initiative is that they will continue the good work they've done in developing healthier habits well after the April 30 deadline.

One way to stay motivated as we head into the cooler months is to try out the new outdoor fitness equipment located at the Felltimber Community Centre lake and Belvoir Park.

The equipment focuses on cardio exercise and includes an aerobic cycle, elliptical trainer, pull-down machine, pull-ups and leg raises, sit-up bench, and shoulder dexterity/mobility wheels.
It's fun and it's free!

But this is just one of a number of facilities in Wodonga that support you in getting more active, more often.

For further inspiration, check out the opportunities here.

Recipes for the winter blues

LiveLighter

To help you through the winter months, Live Lighter have created a range of delicious and healthy recipes.

For breakfast, lunch or dinner - of you're looking for a healthy snack - their LiveLighter recipes are for you.

This 'Winter guide' has receipes like omelettes, wraps, vegetable lasagne, fish and lentil salad, roast lamb and pears, and fruity muffins.

Download the recipe guide here.

Building a healthy body image

workshop

Workshops aimed at improving body image and mental health will be offered in Wodonga by the Butterfly Foundation next week.

Students, parents, sporting clubs and the broader community are invited to three workshops held over three days.

The first, Champions for Change Youth Day, will bring together both male and female students from Years 7 to 9 to share views and ideas on how to promote positive body esteem within their school community.

Topics include influences, social media and communication.

The workshop will be held from 10am to 2pm on Monday, May 2 at Gateway Health.

The second workshop is aimed at parents and will discuss body confident children and teens.

This will aim to equip parents with knowledge, information and tips to better understand and support their children and teen's body confidence at home.

The free workshop will be held from 7pm to 8.30pm on Monday, May 2 at Gateway Health.

The final workshop, aimed at health professionals who work with young people, will address body esteem.

This event will provide skills and strategies to help support healthy body image in young people, which is a strong protective factor against developing an eating disorder.

The workshop costs $170 and will be held from 9am to 1pm on Tuesday, May 3 at Wodonga Council.

Bookings are required for all workshops, with further information in the events listings of the Healthy Together Wodonga Facebook page.

Pat's fighting the good fight

HTW + Pat

Corowa man, Pat Lawson, is doing an amazing job breaking down the stigma associated with mental illness by sharing some of his own personal struggles online.

Mr Lawson created a Facebook page, "3 words. I Need Help", in August last year which has become a point of hope for thousands across the nation.

The page has almost 4000 followers and is a source of motivational quotes and tips for dealing with moments of crisis.

It lets people know that it is okay to say those three words: "I need help".

Healthy Together Wodonga Co-ordinator Natalie Willis recently met with Mr Lawson to discuss his outstanding work.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the campaign can search for "3 words. I Need Help" on Facebook.

People experiencing hardship should contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Speakers available to talk about stroke

Strokefoundation

In Australia, a stroke occurs every 10 minutes.

That’s more than 50,000 strokes every year across people of all ages… and the impacts last a lifetime. But did you know stroke can be prevented?

The National Stroke Foundation has passionate volunteer StrokeSafe speakers available to present to community groups and workplaces.

Many have personal experience with stroke and are willing to share their challenging yet inspirational journey.

Your group will learn:

  • What stroke is and how to recognise the signs of stroke;
  • What to do if someone is having a stroke; and,
  • How to prevent stroke in you or the people you love.

Talks are offered free to community groups thanks to the generous support of individuals and groups who have made donations to help us cover costs.

For further information visit strokefoundation.com.au

New labelling scheme for fast food outlets

Pizza

Fast food outlets will be required to display kilojoule contents on their menus under new laws set to be introduced by the Victorian Government.

The laws will require large chain food outlets and large supermarkets to display the kilojoule content of food and drinks on menus, menu boards, price tags and online menus.

The proposed scheme will apply to large food chain businesses that have 20 or more outlets in Victoria, or 50 or more outlets nationally.

This is around 3000 individual outlets in Victoria. It will also apply to large supermarket chains, accounting for around 650 individual outlets in Victoria.

Currently, just over 50 per cent of such Victorian chain food outlets voluntarily display kilojoule content.

The average Australian eats-out more than four times a week, and almost half these meals are energy dense take-away meals such as burgers, chickens, pizzas, noodles and bakery items.
About two thirds of Victorians are overweight or obese, and these rates are rapidly rising. It is estimated that obesity costs Victoria $14.4 billion a year.

Recent data also shows that two-thirds of Victorian adults consume too many kilojoules, and that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased by about 50 per cent in Victoria between 2003 and 2011-2012.

International and Australian evidence shows kilojoule labelling is effective in reducing the kilojoules consumed per meal, by allowing them to compare the kilojoule content of meals within and between fast food outlets, and make healthier food choices.

Legislation will be introduced into the Victorian Parliament later this year. Once passed, businesses will be given 12 months to comply with the new laws.

Learn the science behind the afternoon slump

sleepy

If you're longing for a latte by 4pm, blame your body clock.

According to Fitbit sleep advisor, Allison T. Siebern, Phd, our brains drop in alertness about seven to nine ours after we wake.

Our bodies also build up a chemical that causes sleepiness as the day progresses.

But there are better ways to combat the afternoon slump than resorting to caffeine or sugar, including taking a walk and drinking water.

For the full story, click here.