Good reasons to take on the H30 challenge

Nineteen per cent of our city’s population drinks soft drink on a regular basis – and Vic-

Health chief executive officer Jerril Rechter says it is time to stop and make the swap to water.

“Ballarat is pretty high up there on the scale,” Ms Rechter said.

“Sugary drinks are the highest sugar intake in our diet. It’s just become what people drink.”

VicHealth has started the H30 Challenge to help fight the rising obesity problem, with Ballarat also 2.8 per cent worse than Melbourne in this area.

“Nearly two-thirds of Victorians are overweight and, by 2025, it’s predicted three-quarters of Australians will be overweight,’’ Ms Rechter said. “The health risk of being obese and overweight include type 2 diabetes and some types of cancers.

“It’s also about not being able to participate in life like other people can.”

Ms Rechter said a good way to lose weight was to reduce empty kilojoules, such as sugar-sweetened soft drinks.

“We love water because it’s everywhere. It’s at the kitchen tap or the water cooler at work.

“I worked out you could save nearly $1500 a year just by swapping to water.”

The health survey showed Ballarat also fared worse than Melbourne for having medical checks such as cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and pap tests; visiting the dentist regularly; chronic conditions such as arthritis and heart disease; stroke and smoking rates; and not eating enough fruit and vegetables.

However, the Ballarat region was better at returning bowel cancer kits, depression and anxiety levels, visiting the doctor frequently, and rates of type 2 diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis and cancer.

Ms Rechter said the Ballarat community was starting to understand the importance of health and wellbeing.

“Just get out there and enjoy it. Start one step at a time, have a goal and make small changes.”

For more information about H30 Challenge, go to h3ochallenge.com.au.

fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au