Community
28 March, 2025
Want to walk?
A NEW program at South West Healthcare has seen patients pounding the pavement in order to manage their long-term health.
The early intervention in chronic disease (EiCD) program provides support for patients who have been newly diagnosed with a chronic illness as well as those at risk of developing a chronic illness due to health and lifestyle factors, to prevent hospital admissions.
Nurses in the EiCD program work with a patient’s general practitioner (GP) and other allied health staff such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and dietitians to ensure patients have the education and resources they need to manage their illness effectively and independently.
As a part of this program, a free walking group began in 2024 at Queens Park in Camperdown with registered nurse Amanda Casterton.
“Walking has many health benefits including improving cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles and bones, improving stiffness and pain and improving mental wellbeing,” Ms Casterton said.
“Queens Park was a natural choice for the walking group as it is central for many in town with paved concrete walking paths and seats if walkers need to take a rest.”
The walk is open to anyone in the Corangamite Shire community and is self-paced, so walkers can do as many or as few laps as they choose.
Ms Casterton said walkers are encouraged to make sure they wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring with them their mobility aids to assist them when exercising.
“It’s a really social group, people enjoy chatting while walking and we often go out for a coffee afterwards,” she said.
The walk takes place each Friday, meeting at Queens Park at 10am, unless the weather prevents it.
Bookings are not required.
For more information about the EiCD program or the weekly walking group, contact Camperdown Community Health on 5557 0900.
Read More: Camperdown