We produce a comprehensive range of independent, evidence-based cardiovascular health information.

Our policies, information sheets, guidelines and other professional resources are developed with generous input from a network of leading cardiovascular health experts who voluntarily serve on our committees.

Blueprint For An Active Australia

"Blueprint for an active Australia" provides key information to help governments, organisations, associations and agencies formulate a national physical activity plan for action. It details key cost-effective government, non-government and community actions that will increase physical activity levels in Australia from 2010 to 2013. To access the report, see ‘Resources’ below.

Physical inactivity is a major contributor to the burden of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Physical inactivity is also a significant contributor to the epidemic of overweight and obesity.

Federal, state and local governments, supported by public and private stakeholders, need to work together to create a long-term strategy to change current patterns of physical activity in Australia. The Heart Foundation encourages this collaboration and has produced "Blueprint for an active Australia" to help governments and their key partners to increase physical activity levels in Australia.

Physical Activity and Energy Balance

The 'Physical activity and energy balance quick reference guide' helps health professionals to give adults advice about the role of physical activity and energy balance in preventing weight gain and increasing weight loss.

Energy balance is the relationship between the amount of energy (kilojoules) you take into your body through food and drinks and the energy (kilojoules) you expend through physical activity and daily activities.

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight and all-round good health, we recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most (preferably all days) of the week. This is regardless of your body weight and shape.

People who need to sit for more than 4.5 hours each day may need to further increase their levels of physical activity or limit their energy intake to prevent weight gain. Similarly, we recommend that people who are overweight or gaining weight and want to lose weight increase physical activity levels, reduce time spent sitting, and reduce energy intake.

Resources

Blueprint for an active Australia (2009)  Download

Physical activity and energy balance quick reference guide (2007) Download

Physical activity recommendations for people with cardiovascular disease (2006)  Download

Physical activity in patients with cardiovascular disease: management algorithm and information for general practice (2006)  Download

Promoting physical activity - ten recommendations from the Heart Foundation   Download