Thank you for your continued support of the Heart Foundation over the past year. Your help is a vital part of our ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is greatly appreciated by everyone involved. What we’ve achieved wouldn’t have been possible without you.

In 2010 we invested almost $13 million in research projects across Australia, as well as funded education and awareness projects both locally and nationally. I’d like to take this opportunity to update you on some of the wonderful things accomplished with your help over the last year.

Healthy eating with the Tick Program

This year marked 21 years of the Heart Foundation Tick program. Today, there’s a Tick alternative to most of the foods we eat every day.

The 2009 Tick Consumer Research study showed that almost 9 out of 10
participants believe food companies and outlets have a social responsibility to offer healthier options. Ninety-one per cent believe that offering Tick approved options
would help fulfil this responsibility.

To help create this change, we have been working alongside some of Australasia’s largest food manufacturers, encouraging the use of margarine over butter. The reason for this is simple. Not many people realize it, but butter contains 50% saturated fats and 4% trans-fats (the ‘bad’ fats), whereas margarine has an average of 14% and 0.2 % respectively.

In addition, we are working with the Federal Government on establishing targets for the food industry to lower the salt levels of bread and breakfast cereals. By doing so we are helping to provide healthier eating options for generations to come.

For more information, visit the Heart Foundation Tick.

Physical activity with Heart Foundation Walking

It’s amazing what a difference a short amount of regular, gentle exercise like walking can make to your heart health. So we’ve been very active in promoting the virtues
of walking with the Heart Foundation Walking program – celebrating its two millionth walk in 2010.

We will continue to advocate towards our vision of a more active Australia – through active travel promotion activities in cooperation with local government, cycling, bus and public transport groups.

To join or start a walking group in your local area, visit Heart Foundation Walking. 

Women and Heart Disease

If you think heart disease only affects older men, you’re wrong. Heart disease is the
number one killer of Australian women. In fact, women are four times more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer.

Go Red for Women is the Heart Foundation’s campaign that unites women in the fight against heart disease – helping to raise awareness of their risk and promote healthier choices.

In 2010, we helped launch the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) inaugural report Women and Heart Disease, significantly expanded our Go Red for Women social marketing campaign and implemented a Leadership Award for local governments.

For more information, visit Go Red for Women.