Coalfields Healthy Heartbeat (a Cessnock-based Samaritans project) has arranged a free community walking event at Maybury Peace Park, Weston to kick off Heart Week on Sunday, April 29.

Coalfields Healthy Heartbeat coordinator Caitlin Bialek said she hopes the event will show the Cessnock community how easy it can be to be active.

“Unfortunately, 40 percent of people in the Cessnock local government area are considered to be physically inactive, which puts them at risk of heart disease and stroke,” Ms Bialek said.

“It only takes 30 minutes of exercise per day to reduce that risk and gain a whole range of other health benefits at the same time.

“The loop around the park takes 20 to 30 minutes, which is the amount of exercise recommended by the Heart Foundation to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

“This walk is an example of the easy and social ways people can incorporate physical activity in their life.”

Research shows that Cessnock is not alone when it comes to being at risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

Heart Foundation CEO, Adjunct Professor John Kelly said a quarter of Australian adults are at risk of heart attack or stroke by having high blood pressure that is either untreated or treated inadequately.

“More than four million Australians are walking around like a ticking time-bomb, either not knowing that their blood pressure is dangerously high, or unaware that their treatment is not working well enough,” he said.

“The good news is that simple changes like being physically active, as well as eating a healthy diet, and not smoking helps reduce high blood pressure,” he said.

Registration for the walking event will be held on the day from 9.45am for a 10am start. People of all ages and levels of physical fitness are encouraged to attend.

Email chhb@samaritans.org.au for more information.