To get started on the Healthy Heart Challenge, you need to register. You can do this online
here, and you’ll be asked to choose from one of four goals in the Challenge.
Once you've registered, here's what you should do to get started and make the most of the Challenge.
- Complete this survey
Let us know why you’re doing the Healthy Heart Challenge and as an added incentive you could win great prizes from our generous sponsors by completing the survey.
- Record your health stats
Yes, it’s a little bit of work but it’s worth it. You need to record your health statistics, such as your weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and quality of life so that you can identify your heart disease risks. Benchmark where you’re starting the Challenge from so you can see how far you’ve come at the end. Do what you can at home and then visit your GP for a heart health check to help you fill in the rest.
- Visit your GP
Make an appointment with your GP for a heart health check. This involves discussing your family history of heart disease; having your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked; and discussing what other risk factors you might have, such as being overweight, smoking or having diabetes. Take along your Questions to ask your GP resource (this will also help you finish recording your health statistics). Talk to your doctor about the best ways for you to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Many heart disease risk factors don’t have symptoms and in many cases, a heart attack is the first sign of heart disease. So make your Healthy Heart Challenge tailored to you by recording your stats and visiting your GP, no matter how you feel.
If you need help getting started, feel free to contact the Heart Foundation’s Health Information Service on 1300 36 27 87 (local charges apply) or via email on
health@heartfoundation.org.au
