Is your weight healthy?

Did you know too many of us are outside of the healthy weight range and don't even realise it.

In the late 80s the average weight for men was 75kg and for women, 65kg.  Today the average is around 80kg for both sexes.  

So how did this happen?

"Our lifestyles have changed in terms of foods that we eat and in terms of how active we are," says Maria Packard, nutrition manager at the Heart Foundation.

"We don't walk as often as we used to, that everyday activity has changed."   

The National Physical Activity Guidelines for Australians recommends 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity daily, or most days of the week.  

Maria says being active and healthy eating can help tackle obesity.  

“Enjoying health eating – and I really stress enjoying because it needs to be something that has to be maintained for a lifetime,

"And not only that being active’s good for your physical mental and your social health as well,” she said.  

For ideas on how to get active, talk to your doctor or visit Shape Up Australia.  

Being active is an important component to a healthy lifestyle.  You don't need gym membership to be active. You can be active around the home.  

Listen here for some tips.  

Image courtesy of tongdang/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Arthritis -  a disease causing painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints   

Did you know, like most chronic diseases, regular physical activity can help prevent arthritis, or manage it if you have it already?  Being active strengthens the bones and joints in the body.

Other preventative measures

• Eat a well balanced diet consisting of plenty of fruit and vegetables; and
• Give up smoking   

Where to go for advice and support

For more information or support give Arthritis Queensland a call on 1800 011 041. 

Image courtesy of Photokanok/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Move is funded under the Local Community Campaigns through the Australian Government Department of Health.  The campaign seeks to address the prevalence of  chronic diseases amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Click here to read more about our local campaign.