Plan to create NSW's healthiest community

An initiative to turn the Heathcote electorate into the healthiest in NSW by empowering local residents to take their health and wellbeing into their own hands has been launched by NSW Minister for Healthy Lifestyles, Kevin Humphries.

The 'Healthy Heathcote' initiative will see hundreds of local residents join together to make a commitment over the next year to eat less and exercise more.

Over the next 12 months, participants will have access to activities such as walking, yoga, bowling, healthy cooking classes and complimentary gym classes.

Information about activities will be provided through SMS alerts, a dedicated website and emails.

Introducing the initiative, Minister Humphries "Australia is experiencing unprecedented overweight and obesity levels and NSW, as Australia's most populous state, is no exception.

"The most recent statistics show that around half the adult population (49.7%) in NSW are overweight or obese, while 22.8% of children between 5 and 17 years of age are overweight or obese.

"By being part of this innovative program the people of Heathcote have made a commitment to improve their health and wellbeing and work towards becoming the healthiest community in NSW."

"While the program is being supported by the Diabetes Council of Australia, The Cancer Council and The Heart Foundation, the great thing about this initiative is that it is about the community taking ownership of their own health and supporting one another to realise their weight loss and healthy living goals.

"My challenge to the residents of Heathcote is that in 12 months' time I want you to be able to say that 'one year ago we had issues with high rates of overweight and obesity, but we are now one of the healthiest and active communities in NSW'.

"This is a fantastic initiative and I congratulate Lee on the huge amount of work he has put in towards leading his electorate towards a healthier and happier future."

The recently launched 'NSW Healthy Eating Active Living Strategy: Preventing overweight and obesity in NSW 2013-2018', represents the first time in NSW there has been a specific strategy to address adult overweight and obesity levels.

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/obesity/Publications/nsw-healthy-eating-strategy.pdf