A recent article from the BBC Worldwide website and Australia Health magazine has named Perth, Western Australia as one of the world’s healthiest cities for Women.
Perth was also ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) report. Australia scored highly in the study for wellbeing, healthy eating, life satisfaction and medical health.
The Western Australian government have introduced many schemes to facilitate healthy living and an active lifestyle. For example, they have provided bike shelters at train stations which has increased the number of cyclists commuting to work.
Numerous campaigns have also been launched over the years by the Western Australian government, promoting a healthy lifestyle. For example the ‘Find Thirty every day’ campaign encouraging 30 minutes of exercise a day and the ‘Go for 2 and 5’ plan which advised eating 2 portions of fruit and 5 portions of vegetables a day. Recent campaigns include ‘Live Lighter’ (www.livelighter.com.au) promoting lifestyle changes and the ‘What’s on in Health’ directory (www.whatson.health.wa.gov.au).
In addition, the warm climate means that an outdoor lifestyle prevails and there is a sporting culture in the city. Many women take place in a number of sports activities including cricket, korfball, tennis, softball, football, running, cycling, walking, swimming, surfing and golf among others. The prevalence of beaches means that there is always an opportunity for a beach walk or run as well as surfing, kite surfing and swimming.
There is also of plenty of open space, allowing women in Perth access to fresh air and nature during their daily lives. A Public Open Space Tool was launched earlier this year which helps residents to find local parks and facilities in their area (www.postool.com.au).
The City of Perth Health and Wellbeing Plan has been launched by the Government of Western Australia aims to build a healthy and happy community.
