A Change of Pace for Medical Researchers

The "GenEpi Runners"

August 28th, 2006 - Media Statement

A team of WA medical researchers based in the western suburbs, hung up their lab coats and tied up their running shoes for a change of pace last Sunday as they took part in the annual City to Surf.

Researchers from the Laboratory for Genetic Epidemiology at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) made their way through the city streets and headed for the coast with the massive crowd, raising money for the Activ foundation.

WAIMR's Joondalup Family Health Study^* Community Outreach Officer, Ingrid Nilsson said her team saw extra value in the City to Surf as it got people up and moving, boosting community health as well as raising funds.

"We're a group of researchers looking at ways to build healthy communities and seek to understand common health problems like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, so we can see huge value in events like the City to Surf that promote community health as well as raising money for those who need it.

"We're often jumping into community events like this - I think it's really important for everyone to get involved because it not only lends a helping hand to those in need, but it reminds us of why we are doing this research.

"It has certainly given our team a boost; we have definitely become a lot fitter over the past few months!"

* The planned Joondalup Family Health Study will investigate the causes, treatment and prevention of many common diseases such as cancer, heart disease, asthma, obesity and diabetes. The study will ask volunteers to supply health information and undergo regular health checks including heart and lung function.

For more information please contact:
Sarah Hayward
Media Consultant for the WA Institute for Medical Research
Office: (08) 9388 9280
Mobile: 0411 404 415