QEII staff are lacing up their walking shoes to take part in the Metro South Health Steps to Health 2026 Challenge this May.
Organisers Natalie Davis and Trinh Ngo from Metro South Health’s Addiction Services Preventative Team said the month-long event aligns with World No Tobacco Day on 31 May and focuses on making positive, practical changes to improve wellbeing, including taking steps towards a smoke and vape free life.
“For 31 days, we’re encouraging participants to track their movement using a smartwatch, app or pedometer, and log their steps via the 10,000 Steps website,” Natalie said.
“Quitting smoking or vaping is one of the biggest changes you can make for your health. With some structure, motivation and team support, the challenge can make it easier to take the necessary steps towards quitting.”
Trinh said regular walking and movement delivers a wide range of health benefits.
“Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and depression. Best of all, walking is free, can be done almost anywhere, and for most people is easy to fit into daily routines,” she said.
Natalie and Trinh said looking after both body and mind is important at every age, and it’s never too late to make positive changes.
“Prevention is really about taking care of your health before problems start,” Natalie said.
“Small changes like moving more, quitting smoking or vaping, or improving your diet can make a big difference over time.”
The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines suggest adults aim for around 7,000 or more steps per day to achieve optimal health benefits, making now the perfect time to get moving.
Steps to Health Challenge registration is open to anyone working in Brisbane South, Bayside, Logan or Beaudesert to form teams of between three and 20 people, with the winners determined by average steps per team member. Prizes include celebratory food hampers and items from HidrateSpark, Frank Green, T2 and waterdrop®.
QEII Physiotherapy Assistant Kayla Gordon, and Speech Pathologists Grace Harris and Hayley Changuion have all signed up and are looking forward to increasing their daily step count.
“I think everyone should be walking more, prizes or not,” Kayla said.
“You can chuck in an earphone and head outside for some fresh air, listen to your favourite tunes or a podcast - the weather at this time of year is perfect! You don’t have to be fit; you just have to be willing.”
Grace said the Speech Pathology team has joined the challenge to strengthen team spirit.
“We’ve had quite a few new starters and staff returning from leave, so it felt like a great chance to connect outside of our usual clinical work,” she said.
“We’ve set an achievable goal of 6,000 steps per day to suit everyone’s different fitness levels. We’re also planning a group walk through New Farm Park one weekend in May, followed by a cheeky coffee or brunch. Partners, kids and dogs are all welcome.”
While the challenge has already begun, Natalie and Trinh said it’s not too late to participate. Register at Steps to Health 2026 Challenge webpage by Friday 8 May to get started.