Healthy boost for 10,000 Steps program
CQUniversity’s 10,000 Steps program has received a funding boost, thanks to Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
The funding comes as part of Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s investment in programs that promote manageable and sustainable healthy behaviour changes with a focus on improving nutrition and physical activity.
10,000 Steps program lead and physical activity researcher Professor Corneel Vandelanotte welcomed the funding.
"Our program started in 2001 and now, 23 years on, we've had more than 600,000 people use 10,000 Steps to increase their physical activity. This wouldn’t have been possible without the vital funding that we receive from programs such as Health and Wellbeing Queensland,” Prof Vandelanotte said.
Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive Officer Dr Robyn Littlewood said investing in prevention programs such as 10,000 Steps was key to not only helping people to live longer and healthier lives, but also to support the State’s world-class healthcare system.
“Good health should be affordable for everyone, no matter where they live or how much money they make,” Dr Littlewood said.
“That’s why we’re investing in programs that are free to Queenslanders.”
Prof Vandelanotte said 10,000 Steps aimed to support people and systems that make being active a part of everyday lives.
“The program is more popular than ever and continues to grow with more than 20,000 new Queenslanders taking part in the last 12 months alone,” he said.
“We now have 660,000 members who have logged four billion steps through the program.”
Prof Vandelanotte said 10,000 Steps was more than a step challenge, it supported workplaces, community organisations and partners to make system changes across environments, policies and cultures.
“A digital program like 10,000 Steps allows reach across every postcode and scalability so more people can enjoy the benefits of physical activity within their everyday lives.”
