As a result of COVID-19, people have been spending more time at home and are unable to participate in many of their usual activities,” ERH physiotherapist Jane Stephens said.
“It is easy to spend increased time sitting throughout the day so now it's more important than ever to find opportunities to keep moving.”
The Australian Government Department of Health recommends 150 minutes (2 and a half hours) of moderate intensity aerobic exercise each week plus making time to do specific muscle strengthening activities 2-3 times per week.
“To stay healthy or to improve health, adults need to do two types of physical activity each week such as aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity,” Jane said.
“For adults aged 65 or older, it is recommended they do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days. It might include activitiessuch as walking, dancing, housework and gardening.”
Moderate-intensity aerobic activity means you're working hard enough to raise your heart rate and break a sweat.
One way to tell if you're working at a moderate intensity is if you can still talk but you can't sing the words to a song.
Muscle strengthening activities may include carrying or moving heavy objects, heavy gardening such as digging, lifting weights, stairs climbing, yoga or pilates exercises that use your body weight as resistance.
Proven benefits of moving more and sitting less include:
● building strong muscles and bones
● helping prevent falls
● helping prevent unhealthy weight gain and assisting with weight loss
● reducing the risk of/helping manage diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol levels
● helping maintain overall physical and mental wellbeing
ERH physiotherapist Lucy Irwin wanted the community to know the physiotherapy department is open for business to continue to support the needs of our patients.
The department is committed to encouraging and supporting everyone in the community to stay active for their physical and mental health.
They are adapting to the changing environment and continuing to deliver physiotherapy services to the community via phone, telehealth/video and face-to-face appointments.
If you would like a copy of the general health guidelines for physical activity and falls prevention resources, please contact The Hopwood Centre on 5485 5801 and the team can mail you more information.
If you have specific concerns or questions and would like a physiotherapy consultation, speak with your GP or health provider to receive a referral.
