Australians urged to walk to polling booth this weekend

The Heart Foundation is calling on Australians to consider their heart health and walk to their local polling booth this weekend to cast their vote in the Federal election.

Newspoll research commissioned by the Heart Foundation found that just over half (54%) of Australian voters plan to drive or be driven to their local polling booth this weekend to cast their vote, even though in many cases they may have a polling station within walking distance from their home.

“We want all Australians to think about their health this weekend and to walk to their local polling booth if they can, instead of getting into the car” said Heart Foundation chief executive officer, national, Dr Lyn Roberts.

Research shows that people who are sedentary have between a one-and-a-half and two-fold higher risk of cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death, compared with those who are moderately physically active.

Australians living in metropolitan electorates have easiest access to polling stations near their homes. Electorates including Barton and Bennelong in New South Wales, Adelaide and Hindmarsh in South Australia, Higgins and Melbourne in Victoria, Stirling and Perth in Western Australia and Brisbane and Griffith in Queensland all have polling stations every two square kilometers.

Brisk walking is a great form of moderate physical activity for Australians of all ages, and it’s easy for most Australians to do on a daily basis.

“Given we all need to vote, why not take the opportunity to actually do something for your health at the same time,” suggested Dr Roberts.

If it’s hot outside this election-day, the Heart Foundation reminds walkers to wear a hat and sunscreen and stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.