Staying strong for life - 10 March 2009
Local men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer will soon have the opportunity to improve their health through a special exercise program.
An award-winning researcher is planning to offer a year-long supervised resistance training program to older men fighting the disease in Bunbury and Mandurah.
Daniel Galvão, a senior research fellow at Edith Cowan University in the School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science Vario Health Institute, said the program will be an extension of a project already running at Perth and Brisbane.
In the meantime, Dr Galvão will visit Bunbury to talk about the role of resistance training – a form of exercise for building and shaping muscles – in staying strong for life.
He is one of five health and population experts from throughout Australia set to present at the Critical Horizons – Quality of Life event at Bunbury’s Edith Cowan University on April 16.
Dr Galvão said resistance training can help improve quality of life for seniors by maintaining good health, increasing muscle strength and mobility, and physical independence.
He recommended seniors engage in activities that include a progressive weight-training program, weight bearing calisthenics, stair climbing and similar resistance exercises that use the major muscle groups.
“Resistance training at least twice per week provides a safe and effective method to improve muscular strength and endurance by 25 per cent to 100 per cent or more,” Dr Galvão said.
“It is recommended that eight to 10 exercises be performed on two non-consecutive days using the major muscles.”
To find out more about Dr Galvão’s work and the benefits of resistance training, attend the South West Development Commission-organised Critical Horizons seminar on April 16.
The seminar will examine different aspects of quality of life, from health to urban design.
To find out more about the event or to register, visit www.criticalhorizons.com.au, or contact event manager Andrew Bird by emailing enquiry@meetingmasters.com.au or phoning 9380 9804.
…ENDS
Media contact:
Teneille Watson
Community Relations Officer
M: 0417 961 051