Free healthy heart checks

1 May 2009

The Maitland Hospital is offering free healthy heart checks during Heart Week.

An information stall will be set up outside Maitland Hospital Maternity Unit on Monday 4 May, Wednesday 6 May and Friday 8 May between, from 10am to 12pm.

Residents and Hunter New England Health staff are encouraged to come along and have their blood pressure and their waistline checked, and discuss any concerns with health staff.

Heart Foundation Heart Week is on from 3 May to 9 May 2009.

This year, Heart Week will play a pivotal role in launching the Heart Foundation's Go Red for Women campaign. The campaign aims to empower women to understand their risk of heart disease and lead healthier lives.

Australian women are four times more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer. Stroke, another form of cardiovascular disease, is the second biggest killer of Australian women.

Hunter New England Health is doing its bit to spread the Heart Week message, by calling on community members, particularly women to take care of their hearts and gain a healthier life.

Maitland Hospital Clinical Nurse Consultant in Cardiology Fiona Dee said the good news was that if people pursued a healthy lifestyle, in most cases they could reduce their risk of developing heart disease.

“During Heart Foundation Heart Week, we’re encouraging both women and men to seriously look at how they can make changes to their lifestyle and in turn enjoy a healthy life,” Ms Dee said.

The Heart Foundation recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. This can include activities such as brisk walking or bike riding and it can be achieved in intervals throughout the day rather than in one 30-minute block.

Ms Dee said healthy eating was also part of the key to losing weight and achieving health benefits for the heart. Having an awareness of your cholesterol levels and family’s health history was also vital.

Quitting smoking has health benefits for the heart and for people’s health in general.

“A healthy heart is about enjoying a healthy lifestyle and making this part of your everyday life. It is also about taking positive steps to reduce risk factors for the long-term,” she said.

For more information about achieving a healthy heart - as well as details about the Go Red for Women campaign – go to www.heartfoundation.com.au or call 1300 36 27 87.

Contact: Frances Holz

Phone: 4939 2216