Passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle. Organised and willing to commit to leading a walking group on a regular basis.
Milly's Walking Group is a sports club located in Murray Shire Council, dedicated to promoting the benefits of walking for a healthier heart and overall wellbeing. As part of the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the club encourages individuals to join a walking group within their community to build connexions and support each other in their fitness journey.
Research has shown that walking for an average of 30 minutes a day can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. Additionally, regular walking has been proven to manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, maintain bone density, improve balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.
For those looking to incorporate walking into their healthcare routine, Milly's Walking Group provides a structured and supportive programme that complements the care of healthcare professionals. Patients can choose to walk alone or join a group, with the programme designed to help them meet the national physical activity guidelines.
One success story from Milly's Walking Group is Maria, a group walker who shared her inspiring journey of overcoming the challenges of being overweight, diabetes, and blood pressure problems through walking. Starting with as little as 5,000 steps a day, Maria gradually increased her steps to 15,000 a day and successfully reversed her diabetes and blood pressure issues. Maria's story exemplifies how the simplest form of exercise can have a profound impact on mental and physical health.
Joining Milly's Walking Group is easy. Individuals can search for a walking group near their location and register to become a member. Walk organisers, who play a vital role in the programme, plan the group's walking routes, meeting places, and schedule, as well as welcome new members. Those interested in leading a walking group and being recognised for their efforts can also participate in the Walker Recognition Scheme.
Volunteer walk organisers receive training and access to an online profile where they can manage their group. They receive a thank-you gift upon signing up and ongoing communications and invites to events and workshops. This volunteer opportunity is open to individuals over the age of 18 who are friendly, enthusiastic, and passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle.
By joining Milly's Walking Group, individuals not only improve their own health and wellbeing but also contribute to building healthier communities.