Grab a Mate and Get Moving During Men's Health Week

Physical Activity Australia is challenging all Aussie men to take a good hard look at their lifestyle habits and make two small changes during Men's Health Week (10 - 16 June 2013). Firstly, we want men to commit to doing 30 minutes of physical activity every day this week. Physical Activity Australia CEO Fiona Bailey says, "It doesn't have to be strenuous physical activity, just some form of activity every day can make a big difference to your life. You can break it down into two 15-minute blocks, as long as you get your 30 minutes in." Secondly, we want Aussie blokes to 'man up' and talk to their mates about their health and activity levels. "Women love talking, but it's about time for men to experience the mental health benefits of a good chinwag with their mates," Ms Bailey says. Did you know? Men take their own lives at four times the rate of women - that's five men a day, on average.    "Regular physical activity improves sleep quality, tolerance to stress, sense of happiness and reduces your risk of developing life-limiting conditions such as diabetes, stroke, cancer, heart disease and depression - and it can pay dividends quite quickly!" Ms Bailey says. So go for a walk around the block or the park while the kids are at training, play golf, go for a swim or get some mates together for a bike ride or a casual game of footy. "It's a great way to catch up with your mates and do something positive for your health at the same time," Ms Bailey says. So go on, grab a mate and get moving! Need someone to be active with? ActivityBuddies can help! www.ActivityBuddies.com.au is a new, FREE initiative of Physical Activity Australia which connects people to help them get motivated and be physically active. There are over 250 different types of physical activity options available, so there is something for everyone. Physical Activity Australia is a national charity organisation established in 1982. We work with and support many charities and organisations all with the same aim of getting every Australian, every day, physically active.