Fighting the couch

THE ‘Fight the Couch’ campaign at Dandenong Oasis offers incentives with a touch of humour to tackle a deadly serious issue – that too many people are putting their hearts and health at risk by sitting in front of the TV and at work for too long.
The campaign has been launched in a battle against heart disease and other lifestyle related issues which threaten our children’s futures.
Centre manager Simon Beqir said that recent research had shown that too much time in front of the TV increased the risk of dying from stroke or heart attack by 11 per cent in men and 18 per cent in women.
“With Australia now holding the dubious mantle as the world’s most obese nation, we want to play a leading role in the solution,” he said.
“We are so committed that we’re giving $150 worth of programs and services to all new health club or aquatic members who sign up during our campaign.”
The campaign will run from 30 August to 4 October.
Existing members will also receive $50 towards programs and services at the centre for every member they refer.
To provide more support, the centre has also released a tip sheet titled ‘Ten Tips to Fight the Couch and Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease’. It can be found at www.dandenongoasis.ymca.org.au.
“We’re serious about our mission to help make our community healthier and happier and are making this offer in good faith that it will provide the extra support new members need to stick with a healthier lifestyle,” Mr Beqir said.
For more information on the ‘Fight the Couch’ campaign, contact Dandenong Oasis on 9767 3100 or visit them at corner of Heatherton Road and Cleeland Street, Dandenong.