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It's never too late to start being active! People of all ages can improve their health and well-being by starting some moderate intensity activity.

The National Heart Foundation of Australia recommends 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Increasing the duration of activity to more than 30 minutes each day will have added health benefits.³

Benefits of regular physical activity

• Improves long-term health
• Reduces risk of developing heart disease
• Reduces risk of dying from heart disease
• Improves energy levels
• Helps control weight
• Improves blood cholesterol level
• Lowers blood pressure
• Builds stronger bones and muscles (less osteoporosis)
• Reduces stress, anxiety and depression

Tips on becoming more active

• Choose activities you enjoy. Start slowly and build up gradually.
• Set yourself small realistic goals for activity. For example, "Tomorrow I will start with a 15 minute walk to the train station instead of driving."
• Vary your activity so you don't get bored.
• Set aside regular times of the day or week for physical activity.
• Be active with your friends and family (including the dog!) This way you can motivate each other to continue your healthy lifestyle plans.
• Try something new: belly-dancing, yoga, bushwalking, rollerblading or an exercise video.
• Try exercising with some background music.
• Remember to drink plenty of fluids – particularly water.
• Choose comfortable clothes and good walking shoes.
• Prepare appropriately for extremes in temperature; wear a hat, drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen in summer.

Smoking

There is nothing good about smoking! Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and other major diseases. For information on quitting smoking call the Quitline 131 848 or go to http://www.quitcoach.org.au