Diabetes Australia Walk to Work Day set for October 6

DIABETES Australia Walk to Work Day is just four weeks away and organisers are saying “no more excuses!”. With one Australian diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every eight minutes there has never been a better time to get walking and start on the path to a healthier workplace and a healthier you.

Now in its 19th year, Walk to Work encourages employees and employers to build walking into their everyday lives – not just on Friday 6 October 2017, but every day.

Walking meetings, walking to and from work, taking a walk at lunchtime, and using the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator are just some of the ways you can start. You also have the opportunity to help raise vital funds for Diabetes Australia.

Diabetes Australia CEO Professor Greg Johnson said while family history and cultural background play a strong role in risk of type 2 diabetes - the risk is greatly increased if people are inactive, sedentary or overweight.

"With around 280 Australians developing diabetes every day – diabetes is the single biggest challenge facing Australia’s health system. Walking is one of the best ways to help people reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It also helps people who have type 2 diabetes manage their condition,” he said.

Prof Johnson said employers can play an important role in encouraging their staff to build walking into their daily routine.

“Employees who walk regularly are generally more productive, have less stress and are less likely to be sick or absent. Companies like Energizer Australia have partnered with us this year to demonstrate their dedication to the health of their employees. We hope more will follow,” he said.

Pedestrian Council Chairman Harold Scruby said: “Taking positive steps to reduce sedentary behaviour and prevent type 2 diabetes can also reduce other risk factors like stroke, heart disease and various types of cancer.

“Let’s not make any more excuses - no more ‘due to a previous engagement’. Most of us can walk at least 1km to and from work, set the alarm 30 minutes earlier and create a great example for all Australians. Regular walking helps relieve feelings of depression or anxiety and improves our environment by reducing car dependency and traffic jams - best of all walking is free!”

Start raising money for Diabetes Australia. It’s easy to get involved:

• Go to www.walk.com.au and donate directly or fundraise vital funds for Diabetes Australia.
• Donate or collect $12 for each hour you walk to represent the 12 Australians developing diabetes every hour. Download your digital Walk to Work fundraising guide from here.

ENDS