“Just move: Choose to move. Choose to stand. I’m not sure many people like walking upstairs, but it also counts and is easy to walk down the stairs. Take the lift to the top floor and walk down to your office/classroom level. Take the park further away from the shops. Push a trolley at the supermarket, carry your shopping bags inside, don’t order online home delivery. Stand on the bus/train journey into school or work. Have standing meetings. Have walking meetings. If you are really keen, get a bike or treadmill desk.”
- Dr Belinda Parmenter, accredited exercise physiologist (AEP). Dr Parmenter has over 25 years’ experience in prescribing and delivering exercise for persons with or at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Her clinical and research experience includes a specialisation and interest in novel and brief exercise and physical activity interventions to improve heart health.
“60% of the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) comes from poor diet, so eat more fruits and vegetables in particular. Be mindful of your intake of processed foods and animal products that are higher in salt, saturated fat and/or trans fats. Your body weight matters – 8% of the burden of CVD comes from having too much stored fat in our bodies. Lastly, be kind to yourself – self-compassion can help with nutrition, eating behaviour and body weight.”
- Dr Rebecca Reynolds, lecturer in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine and a registered nutritionist. Dr Reynolds' research focuses on disordered eating and eating disorders (including orthorexia nervosa), eating psychology, body weight management and ethical nutrition.
"The best way to improve heart health is with lifestyle measures such as stopping smoking, eating a heart healthy diet and developing a regular exercise regimen."
- Professor Kerry-Anne Rye, research professor, head of the Lipid Research Group and deputy head (research) in the School of Medical Sciences. The overarching goal of Professor Rye's research program is to improve understanding of the causes of heart disease (atherosclerosis) and diabetes and to develop novel strategies for treating both diseases.
Ahead of World Heart Day on 29 September, UNSW Medicine is raising awareness of the importance of research to promote and support heart health.