Dance into Valentine’s Heart Week

MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, 2 February, 2007

Dance into Valentine’s Heart Week

A combination of swinging hips and barbecue tips will highlight the benefits of a heart healthy lifestyle for all New Zealanders when The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand launches its Valentine’s Heart Week at Grey Lynn Park on Sunday, 11 February at 2pm.

Hosted by MC Robbie Magasiva, the event kicks off with the chance to get hearts pumping through a range of fun dance activities. After demonstrations from the All Star Cheerleaders Senior World Team and the Jump Rope for Heart student team from Western Heights School, the Le Bop modern jive group will run through some easy dance steps that everyone can join in with. Hiphop sensations Dcypher Hip Hop Crew round out the dance programme with some stylish moves and the reminder that dancing is an easy and fun way to get physically active every day.

There will also be the chance to learn heart healthy ways to prepare and cook some delicious Kiwi barbecue favourites with the Heart Foundation’s nutrition team, as well as Heart Foundation stalls with information and ideas on enjoying a balanced diet and regular physical activity, as well as quitting smoking and staying smokefree.

The Heart Foundation raises awareness of heart health during Valentine’s Heart Week (12-18 February) by drawing attention to the many ways people can live a longer life by making healthier lifestyle choices. Valentine’s Day is an ideal starting point for people to make the changes that their heart, and their loved ones, will love them for.

“Cardiovascular disease remains the biggest killer of all New Zealanders annually, but the majority of heart disease is preventable if action is taken to live a healthier lifestyle,” says Heart Foundation Executive Director Tony Duncan.

“There are several risk factors that cannot be altered, like gender, age, ethnicity and a family history of cardiovascular disease. But most people can significantly reduce their risk by increasing their amount of regular physical activity, enjoying a balanced heart-healthy diet and quitting smoking, if they are a smoker.”

Tony says that dance is one example of an activity that allows people to have fun and get active at the same time.

“Regular exercise is an important part of improving heart health and maintaining a healthy weight, but this doesn’t mean having to pound the pavements or join an expensive gymnasium. Dance is a fun, social activity that people of all ages can enjoy while benefiting their fitness, balance and coordination,”says Tony.

“SPARC research shows that one third of New Zealanders do not get enough physical activity, so the Heart Foundation encourages Aucklanders to help it launch Valentine’s Heart Week and take part in some fun exercise.”

The Heart Foundation has compiled a range of useful resources to celebrate Valentine’s Heart Week, including heart healthy romantic recipes and activity ideas. To find out more visit www.heartweek.org.nz

ENDS

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