Queensland health workers step up in challenge for healthier minds and bodies
- Queensland Health is participating in a 10,000 Steps Challenge (29 April – 31 May) to boost staff wellbeing and physical activity
- The challenge is open to all Queensland Health staff, including Hospital and Health Services and Queensland Ambulance Service
- The 10,000 Steps initiative has been run by CQ University Australia since 2001 and encourages Queenslanders to move every day
Queensland Health is participating in a statewide 10,000 Steps Challenge from 29 April to 31 May 2024, to boost physical and mental wellbeing among its staff and encourage increased physical activity.
The 10,000 Steps initiative, developed by CQ University and partially funded by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, the state’s prevention agency, aims to get people moving more throughout the day.
Participants can track their activity using wearables like smartwatches or pedometers, or manually record steps or minutes spent on activities like swimming, cycling, or weightlifting, which are then converted to steps.
The Queensland Health 10,000 Steps Challenge encompasses the state’s 16 Hospital and Health Services (HHS), Queensland Health itself, the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), and health statutory agencies.
The public can also join the fun by starting their own individual challenge or create a group with their family, friends or work colleagues. The 10,000 Steps program offers free registration, access to monthly challenges, and the ability to create Groups to encourage daily movement with family, friends, or colleagues.
For more information, visit the 10,000 Steps website or download the app (available on Android or iOS).
Quotes attributable to Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Dr Robyn Littlewood:
“Research shows any movement or physical activity can go a long way to improve our physical and mental wellbeing.
“We know our hard-working nurses in our hospitals and urgent care clinics already do a remarkable job getting their steps up, while some people can struggle to find time in their day to be active.
“This statewide Queensland Health 10,000 Steps Challenge is an opportunity for staff to think about not only how much they move through the day, but the type of movement they can do too.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Health Director-General Michael Walsh:
“Our dedicated healthcare workers are the bedrock of our wellbeing, tirelessly putting others first. But let’s not forget – their own health matters too.
“That’s why I’m championing a Queensland Health 10,000 Steps Challenge. It’s not just a pedometer contest; it’s an investment in their physical and mental health. We all know that getting active boosts morale, reduces stress, and sharpens focus.
“So, whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting with a walk around the block, I urge all our healthcare workers to join this movement. Let’s prioritise our health, as a team.
“Together, we can step up for ourselves, for each other, and for a healthier, stronger Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to CQ University Australia, Professor Corneel Vandelanotte:
“The evidence shows that tracking steps is an easy, affordable and effective way to help people increase awareness of their physical activity levels and work towards being more active every day.
“The 10,000 Steps team challenges provide a fun way for workers to connect, share stories, motivation, and create a supportive culture and environment for activity – both at work and outside work hours.
“You don’t have to be the most active to get involved, we want everyone to set their own personal goals and know that every step counts.
“For our healthcare workers it’s an opportunity for them to walk the talk so they can not only look after themselves, but also have first-hand inspiration to help more Queenslanders incorporate physical activity into their day.”
Further information:
- The 2022 National Health Survey shows almost 1 in 4 Australian adults meet the physical activity guidelines (23.9%).
- Nearly half of employed adults spend most of their workday sitting (46.9%).
- The Australian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend a minimum 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week, this can be made up of 30-minute fast paced walks and include two muscle-strengthening activities like squats, push-ups, lifting weights or tasks that involve lifting, carrying or digging.
- 10,000 Steps is funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland and Preventive Health SA, Government of South Australia.
Media contact:
0439 599 210
