After focusing efforts behind the scenes in recent years, we’re re-commencing communications on key issues in the built environment space to design for physical activity and health outcomes.
We will be enhancing and expanding our Healthy Active by Design resources, and a range of supporting activities, including a focus on walkability and areas of disadvantage.
There’s a lot going on over the next 12-18 months and we think you’ll like what we’ve got in store – updates and enhancements to the Healthy Active by Design resources, a new training module, and a lot of support activities along the way.
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The Built Environment, walkability
and heart health
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, responsible for 1 in 4 of all deaths1. Additionally, three-quarters of the population are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The good news is, most cardiovascular disease risk factors are preventable through a healthy lifestyle, and this includes a healthy diet, regular exercise and being a healthy weight.
Unfortunately, however, it’s not that simple. Most Australians (77.6% of people aged 18-64 years2) aren’t physically active enough and critical to this is that the built environment around them is not conducive to active living such as walking and wheeling as part of everyday life. To help overcome this issue the Heart Foundation has developed resources to design and deliver healthier built environments and safer, more walkable neighbourhoods to allow, support and encourage active, healthy lifestyles.
Healthy Active by Design is a unique digital toolkit for industry professionals and decision makers to assist and support the design and delivery of healthy and active places and spaces in neighbourhoods, towns and cities across Australia.
Its point of difference from traditional planning guidance is the incorporation of physical activity and health considerations into design outcomes.