News Archive

"Being sedentary is about as bad for you as smoking."

America's most famous cancer specialist, Dr David Agus, recently included this declaration in his list of ten rules for living longer.

It's a frightening prospect for people who think they are healthy because they don't smoke. That includes many of us at universities, who sit for hours in front of computers.

Dr Agus himself spends part of each day at a standing desk and doing his emails while walking slowly on a treadmill.

UWA staff keen to motivate themselves to move more might consider joining this year's Global Corporate Challenge (GCC).

It starts next month, but now is the time to challenge yourself to form a team and commit to taking at least 10,000 steps a day as recommended for good health. The Challenge has helped staff to increase their activity levels, and also to lose weight, improve their eating habits and feel less stressed.

Sarina Hilton, UWA's Wellbeing Officer, said the GCC was a great way to keep motivated to exercise as the days get cooler, especially given the team approach.

"I've heard some great stories of team members supporting each other - whether that's by walking together or just sharing tips of how to get their step counts up," she said. "The fact that we have such a lovely setting to walk in on campus is another real plus."

If staff join a UWA team for GCC 2014, the University will pick up half the registration cost, bringing it down to just $49 per person.

To find out more, visit www.safety.uwa.edu.au/wellbeing or contact Sarina on 6488 7931 or at [email protected]

The Challenge begins on May 28 and continues through to September 4.

(Some of David Agus' other tips for a long and healthy life are: smile, drink coffee and red wine [both in moderation], don't wear high heels, wash your hands frequently, exercise enough to raise a sweat and get your  heart pumping for at least 15 minutes a day, and eat oily fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines.)