Premier Beattie launched Australia’s first large scale 10,000 Steps program to improve the health of Queensland Government staff and encourage all Queenslanders to follow healthy lifestyles.

Mr Beattie said the 10,000 Steps program was designed to increase physical activity, to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

“Best medical evidence suggests that 10,000 steps a day will keep the heart healthy, and I am keen to see more Queenslanders stay healthy, “Mr Beattie said.

“Being physically active is about including it as part of your everyday life.

“It’s as simple as walking the dog, catching the bus or train, or taking the stairs at work.

“An overwhelming 17 000 Queensland Health staff have registered for the program.”.

The launch of the program was held at Parliament House and included a live cross, via satellite, to Queensland Health and University of Queensland 10,000 Steps teams in Rockhampton.

“The program was designed by Queensland Health and successfully trialled in Rockhampton beginning in 2001. It is based on the use of a pedometer with people logging their steps daily,” Mr Beattie said.

“I am encouraging all government departments to take on the 10,000 Steps Workplace Challenge for their staff and I’m urging all Queenslanders to do more exercise.

“10,000 Steps has already attracted significant interest from workplaces and local communities around the State.”.

Mr Beattie said, for the average sized person, walking 10,000 steps was equivalent to 7-8 kilometres.

Health Minister Gordon Nuttall today encouraged other Queensland communities, workplaces, general practitioners and other health professionals, to look at using the 10,000 Steps program.

Mr Nuttall said the 10,000 Steps program in Rockhampton has shown to improve physical activity levels, particularly among people who were previously inactive.

“Communities who already have taken on or are about to start the 10,000 Steps program include Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay, Sunshine Coast, Bauhinia Shire and the Burdekin,” Mr Nuttall said.

“Support for people and organisations wanting to take on this challenge is provided through the 10,000 Steps website at www.10000steps.org.au and the 10,000 Steps Office based at Central Queensland University in Rockhampton.

“10,000 Steps is just one project which Queensland Health is embarking on which emphasises prevention, early detection of illness and the promotion of health,” said Mr Nuttall.

10,000 Steps was developed by a consortia involving Central Queensland University; University of Queensland; Queensland University of Technology Rockhampton City Council; Capricornia Division of General Practice; Bidgerdii Health Service, Women’s Health, 60’s & Better, Anglicare, Sport and Recreation Queensland Central Region; Queensland Health (Rockhampton Health Service District and Rockhampton Public Health Unit); the National Heart Foundation; The Queensland Cancer Fund, Sports Medicine Australia; WIN TV Central Queensland and the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin; and local radio stations.

Latest research shows that 91% of Queenslanders believe their health could be improved by participating in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day. 69% of Queensland adults reported that they were only active for recreation, sport or fitness. However, among this group, only 45% are sufficiently physically active to gain a health benefit.

Photo: CQU's Professor Kerry Mummery (pictured) attended the Brisbane launch.