Police back healthy hearts

POLICE recruits joined forces to raise awareness for Heart Week last week.
Last Thursday, more than 100 recruits took part in the Academy 500 aiming to complete 500 laps of an athlete track to show their commitment to reducing the incidence of heart attacks among Australians.
Heart attacks claim one Australian life every 46 minutes, and Victoria Police Health Promotion Unit manager Alan Veitch said police across the state knew the importance of healthy living to combat heart disease.
“Police members are required to keep fit and healthy, and this week we want to help extend this important message to all Victorians,” Mr Veitch said.
“This will be a great opportunity for recruits and staff at the Academy to actively reinforce the value of physical activity and support an important community initiative.”
Heart Foundation research has found that only 12 per cent of people would realise that jaw, neck, back or shoulder pain were a warning sign of heart attack.
The Heart Foundation will be launching the Healthy Heart Challenge at the event which is a free 10-week program to help women take control of their heart health.
This is the fourth consecutive year that Victoria Police has joined the Heart Foundation in promoting Heart Week.
To find out more visit www.heartattackfacts.org.au or call the Health Information Service on 1300 36 27 87.