FITNSW ALMOST SOLD OUT

There are only a handful of tickets left to FitNSW 2019 so get in quick. 

Register here your free ticket.

This year the FitNSW forum is all about the practicalities of delivering active living projects. Take a look at the agenda here. 

Due to popular demand an extra walkshop with Lucy Saunders has been added at 3:00pm

NEW RECOMMENDATIONS ON MEAT, DAIRY AND EGGS

The Heart Foundation has just launched updated recommendations for three food groups - meat, dairy and eggs. 

• Meat - limit to 350g per week
• Dairy - for a healthy person, choice of full-fat vs low-fat dairy 
• Eggs - for a healthy person, removed weekly limit

Read the position statement here

WALKING A 'SUPERPOWER'

'Neuroscientist Shane O’Mara believes that plenty of regular walking unlocks the cognitive powers of the brain like nothing else'. Find the Guardian UKs article here and why not kick start your walking habit with a Heart Foundation walking group or the Heart Foundation walking app

TREES - A 'SUPER FOOD' FOR MENTAL HEALTH

University of Wollongong researchers have found that 'walks through green space have been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve mental acuity, boost memory recall, and reduce feelings of anxiety' and are suggesting tree canopy acts like a 'superfood', Wow! Check out the study here and an article from The Conversation here

MORE AUSTRALIANS, MORE ACTIVE, MORE OFTEN

The Federal Government announced it's National Long Term Health Plan last week with a key pillar being preventative health. A multi-year study of 60,000 people will incorporate several studies including the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Study. Read the plan here

INITIATIVE BOOSTS PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

Free-form dancing in the dark initiative No Lights, No Lycra is a fun opportunity to engage in physical activity. Bridget Foley, PhD candidate and lead author of a new study, found this innovative approach is helping inactive people to move more – over 95 percent of study participants agreed it improved their physical and mental health. Find the study here and Sydney University release here

LOOKING FOR A NEW BIKE ROUTE?

bicycle NSW has collated ride routes into a statewide map to inspire more riding for all ages and rider types. Each route now includes a route map, description, distance, elevation, surface, traffic levels, difficulty level, and handy facilities i.e. toilets, cafes. Check it out here

MORE WALKING AND CYCLING AT LOOP TRAIL

A recent study of the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail saw pedestrian and cyclist counts increase by over 200 per cent after a major track upgrade. Author of this natural environment study, Dr Anne Grunseit, highlights the important interaction between providing a pleasant environment, connected infrastructure and improved physical activity, particularly to vulnerable groups. See the study here.

PODCAST HEAVEN

We are keen podcasters here at Active Living NSW, here are two favourites for the month:

Prevention Works: Why complex is not the same as complicated and what this means for how we approach complex problems Gretchen Miller talks to Professor Diane Finegood, one of the world’s leading experts in systems thinking

Found my Fitness: Exercise as a Treatment for Depression Dr Rhonda Patrick attributes causality to the role of exercise in improving mood and preventing or managing the symptoms of depression.

Warning: This is not for the faint-hearted but interesting if you want to understand more about how physical activity makes changes in your body at the molecular level #nerdybutsogood

FOR THE DIARY

22 August - PIA event: Delivering Liveable, Active & Healthy Communities

26 September - FitNSW 2019

27 September - PIA Special Breakfast Event: Lucy Saunders and The Healthy Streets Approach