Mater Hospital Rockhampton - Friends and Family Walking Group

The Mater Hospital Rockhampton – Friends and Family Walking Group is a sports club located in Rockhampton, Australia. The club is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and aims to build connexions in the community while promoting a healthier heart through walking.

Walking is considered the wonder drug, as it has numerous benefits for physical and mental health. Research has shown that walking for an average of 30 minutes a day can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It also helps manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Additionally, walking can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, maintain bone density, improve balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.

The Mater Hospital Rockhampton – Friends and Family Walking Group offers a structured and supportive walking programme for healthcare professionals to refer their patients to. The programme complements the care provided by healthcare professionals and helps patients meet the national physical activity guidelines. Whether individuals prefer to walk alone or in a group, the programme offers motivation and support to help them achieve their walking goals.

The walking group provides a sense of community and allows participants to walk towards a healthier heart together. Joining the group is easy, as individuals can search for a walking group within a 10 km, 20 km, 25 km, 50 km, or 100 km radius of their location. Walk Organisers are the backbone of the programme and play a crucial role in planning walking routes, determining meeting places, and welcoming new members to the group.

Starting a walking group is also encouraged, and the Mater Hospital Rockhampton – Friends and Family Walking Group provides training and support for Volunteer Walk Organisers. These Organisers receive a thank you gift for signing up, ongoing communication, and invitations to events and workshops. To become a Volunteer Walk Organiser, individuals must be over the age of 18.

Overall, the Mater Hospital Rockhampton – Friends and Family Walking Group aims to create a welcoming and supportive community for individuals looking to improve their heart health and overall well-being through walking. By joining the group or starting a walking group, participants can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of walking while connecting with others in their community.