HIKING FOR HEALTHY HEARTS
WHY WE CHOSE TO SUPPORT THE HEART FOUNDATION
We’re delighted to be supporting the Heart Foundation in 2024!
In Australia, heart disease affects women and men in similar numbers. However, heart disease in women is often under-recognised, under-treated and under-researched.
The Coastrek program, a 12-week training and fundraising plan which culminates in an iconic endurance walking challenge, is an ideal way to build healthier, happier hearts. When you sign up for Coastrek and get hiking for healthy hearts, you’ll not only be raising vital funds for the Heart Foundation, but your dedication to this life-changing adventure will inspire your family and friends on the importance of living a heart healthy lifestyle.
Every step you take during Coastrek makes a real impact on your own heart health, the hearts you love and the hearts of all Australians.
OUR GOAL FOR HEALTHY HEARTS IN 2024
WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH
Did you know? Almost every hour of every day, an Australian woman dies of heart disease. On average that is 20 women a day or around 7,000 each year.
By fundraising you can help improve the heart health outcomes for women by helping to fund life-saving research into women specific factors.
RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE
Did you know? Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is both preventable and manageable. Around 5,500 people in Australia are living with RHD. Of these, 81% are First Nations Peoples and 66% are female.
By fundraising you can help support the elimination of rheumatic heart disease in Australian communities by working alongside First Nations people on community-led programs and research.
WHAT IS YOUR IMPACT AS A COASTREKKER?
When you sign up for Coastrek in 2024, you’ll join thousands of people making a massive impact on heart health in Australia. Our 2024 fundraising goal is to help fund life-saving heart research into women-specific factors and support the elimination of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Australian communities. Plus, by training, fundraising and getting into nature, you’ll be taking real steps towards protecting your own heart, and inspiring your friends and family to look after theirs.
As a trekker, your fundraising will have an impact in so many ways including to help fund life-changing heart research to improve the heart health outcomes for women. Championing female researchers like Dr Sarah Zaman and Dr Alison Care who are focusing on women specific factors such as pregnancy complications and premature menopause.
As well as support First Nations people living with, or caring for people with rheumatic heart disease like the Champions4Change. A First Nations led program that amplifies the voices of people with lived experience to educate, inspire and share their experiences to help improve health outcomes.
At Coastrek, the finish line is just the start. Are you ready to put your heart into it?
This is Beth’s experience.
Beth was 38 years old when she experienced a heart attack, just two weeks after welcoming her son. Her heart attack was caused by a condition that most often affects women, known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCADS).The exact cause of most SCAD events is usually unknown, but doctors believe Beth’s SCAD may have been related to her pregnancy.
READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
