Staff at CQU Mackay campus last week learnt more about why they should look after their hearts at the first of a series of Health and Wellbeing sessions supported by CQU Mackay campus.

While 26 staff members of CQU Mackay munched on a healthy, hearty lunch, Heart Foundation representative and physiotherapist Mandy Lawless highlighted some of the alarming statistics on heart disease and the Australian population and ways to combat heart disease.

Despite the Heart Foundation’s work in the past 45 years on raising awareness; heart disease remains the biggest cause of premature deaths in Australia.

Annie Webster, Elizabeth Underwood and Julie Godden are the brain childs of the ‘Healthy Balance’ sessions at CQU Mackay and are eager for more people to become involved or offer suggestions for further sessions.

“Research has shown that by looking after your health and reducing stress you can protect yourself from a range of diseases such as vascular and heart disease, diabetes and some cancers,” said Julie Godden.

“A healthy lifestyle can also protect a person from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety and can give a person a greater sense of control over their life enabling them to cope better with stress”.

Continuing on from last week's healthy heart talk; an instructor form Solutions Health and Fitness Club will visit the CQCM foyer every Thursday to guide staff through a set of gentle stretches and yoga based exercises.

If you would like more information, want to be part of the planning or just want to offer a suggestion for a healthy balance session, contact Julie Godden on extension 7414.

Photo above: Annie Webster (left), Julie Godden (right) were happy to hear about how to look after their hearts better from Heart Foundation representative, Mandy Lawless.