21 Apr Exercise Right with Active Farmers: Make Rural and Remote Communities Fit and Healthy
With only approximately 30% of all the Australian population living outside major cities, there is a significant health inequality in rural and remote Australia.
Rural and remote communities often lack easy access to healthcare and health infrastructure compared to those living in more densely populated areas. Poor overall health status, increased incidence of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes and higher premature death rates are noted inequalities facing those living in rural and remote areas. Bridging the gap to better health for rural and remote communities in Australia can partly be achieved through implementing supervised exercise programs.
We all know how important exercise is for our physical and mental health so why should those living outside metropolitan areas be disadvantaged? Most people living on the land are considerable distances from towns, neighbours and communities. This distance can be very isolating for our farmers and their families and have adverse effects on health. Exercise promotes good health through maintaining a healthy weight, building strong bones and muscles, supporting good heart and lung health and improving our mental health, just to name a few. Combining exercise and socialising through supervised exercise programs is a wonderful motivator, increases adherence rates and brings together a community in a supportive environment.
Banding together to combine exercise and socialising is the new thing in some rural and remote communities addressing both physical and mental health and wellbeing. A movement called Active Farmers that started in one small community and now services more than 10 communities across New South Wales, and growing, does just that. Our health is one of our biggest asset so why not get involved today.
For more information on Active Farmers and how to join a group near you visit their website http://www.activefarmers.com.au/
Consult the advice of an exercise professional such as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist before starting a new exercise program.
