Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres joined Mr Mario Abdel-Sayed, proprietor of Hurricane Fitness Studios Penrith yesterday in encouraging people to live healthier and happier lives by improving the physical environments in which they live.
Mr Ayres outlined the Government’s commitment to support active living and healthier lifestyles at a forum hosted by the Premier’s Council for Active Living (PCAL) that discussed how the built environment and active transport can create opportunities for increasing physical activity and access to healthier food and beverages.
“Currently just over half the NSW population meets the recommended level of at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.” Mr Ayres said.
“Since the announcement of Olympian Geoff Huegill last year as the new Chair of the Premier’s Council for Active Living (PCAL), both PCAL and the NSW Government have made important progress towards improving healthy eating environments, incorporating active living into community projects and promoting awareness of the benefits of healthy eating and active living.
“There is considerable opportunity for all of us to be more active, more often, and the NSW Government will continue to work with PCAL to focus on issues such as promoting walking as a form of physical activity and active transport, and promoting active and safe communities.”
“Our bodies are made to be active and making the decision to get on your bike or walk to work is one of the first steps which can be made. With the improved bike ways and footpaths in the Penrith area, this is easier than ever before,” said Mr Abdel-Sayed.
“Health and wellbeing will continue to be a key priority for the NSW Government. It is important for the Penrith community to integrate physical activity into our daily routines to ensure health throughout the years.”
The Governments web site http://www.livelifewell.nsw.gov.au offers a wealth of information on how to start making changes towards a healthier lifestyle.
